Ja’Leasa Nicole Bolden is a communications strategist, community leader, wife and mother. She now serves as director of communications for the Moss Point School District, where she leads district-wide storytelling, community engagement and brand management efforts aimed at strengthening trust, pride and connection between the district’s schools and the community they serve.
Q: WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT AND WHY?
A: I am passionate about people, purpose and possibility. At the core of everything I do is a deep desire to help individuals and communities see what is possible when they are supported, celebrated and have access to opportunity. I am especially passionate about youth, storytelling, leadership development and service.
Public education holds a special place in my heart because it is where dreams are shaped and lives are impacted every day. I am passionate about telling the stories of students and educators who work hard, overcome challenges and achieve excellence — often without recognition. I believe that how we tell our story can change the way an entire community sees itself, and that belief drives my work.
I am equally passionate about nonprofit service and community development. Through my involvement with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, Pink Lotus Project and Junior Auxiliary of Pascagoula – Moss Point, I see firsthand how intentional mentorship, safe spaces and consistent support can shift the trajectory of a child’s life. I am driven by the idea that every child deserves to be seen, heard and equipped to succeed.
Mentorship and women’s leadership also are close to my heart. I am passionate about lifting as I climb and helping other women recognize their strength, refine their voice and walk confidently in their purpose. I believe when women are empowered, families are strengthened and communities thrive.
My passion is deeply connected to my role as a wife and mother. I want my children to grow up in a world where they are surrounded by opportunity, integrity, faith and love. That personal connection fuels my commitment to serve with excellence, lead with intention and work toward building a better future for the next generation.
Quite simply, I am passionate about impact that lasts.
Q: WHAT SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS OR AWARDS ARE YOU PROUD OF?
A: I am proud of the recognition I have received, but even more grateful for what those honors represent. One of my most meaningful professional achievements was being named 2025 Communicator of the Year by the Mississippi School Public Relations Association, which affirmed my commitment to excellence in education storytelling and community engagement. I also am proud to have helped lead Moss Point School District through consistent academic growth, strengthening public trust and highlighting student and teacher success on a statewide level.
As a nonprofit leader, serving as board chair of the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson County is one of my greatest honors. Under our board’s leadership, we have focused on strategic growth, fundraising and expanding access for youth across our community. I also was honored to be recognized as 2025 Board Member of the Year by the Mississippi Area Council for my service and leadership.
Some of my proudest achievements cannot be measured by a plaque or title. I am deeply proud of helping launch innovative student programs, mentoring young leaders and creating platforms that give voice and visibility to people who deserve to be celebrated. I am especially proud when former students, mentees and young professionals I have supported step into their own success.
Ultimately, the achievements I value most are rooted in impact. Seeing students believe in themselves, watching an organization become stronger or helping a young woman find her confidence means more to me than any award. Those are the moments that define true success for me.
Q: SHARE A QUOTE OR MANTRA THAT YOU LIVE BY THAT HAS HELPED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL.
A: “If you don’t tell your own story, someone else will.” This mantra guides both my personal life and my professional work. It reminds me to lead with intention, to own my voice and to be purposeful about how I show up each day. It has shaped my confidence, my career and my commitment to creating space for others to be seen and heard.