At AT&T, connecting is our passion. From powering the world’s first phone call in 1876, to helping NASA call a man on the moon 240,000 miles away, and creating the life-saving 911 emergency system we all depend on—connecting people for good is what we do best.
In New Jersey, two employees are living this purpose every day through their work creating connection in their communities. Jackie Jackson from Somerset County and Jay Perez from Bergen County were 2 of only 5 AT&T employees from around the globe who were honored with the prestigious AT&T Community Impact award.
- The award celebrates and reinforces AT&T’s core values by recognizing exceptional employees doing good in their communities. Aligning to the company’s social-good goals, the program recognizes employees making significant impacts volunteering with organizations addressing the digital divide; environment; and other causes. In addition, as part of their recognition, AT&T will contribute $15,000 to nonprofits identified by the winners.
- Thanks to Jackie’s leadership, Jobs for America’s Graduates New Jersey will receive a $15,000 contribution from AT&T.
- Thanks to Jay’s leadership, Sustainable Jersey will receive a $15,000 contribution from AT&T.
Much like our local approach to broadband deployment, our teams are working on the ground in their communities to make a better tomorrow for everyone.
Jackie’s Story
Jackie is the New Jersey AT&T Connected Learning mentor coordinator and is a constant champion of building bridges to possibility outside of work. Jackie’s work in her community has impacted the lives of hundreds of under-resourced students, including the recipients of STEM scholarships she helped raise funds for and the countless students she has mentored through organizations including, Jobs for Americas Graduates of NJ, Junior Achievement, the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and NAACP/Edison/Meutchen Chapter.
Jay’s Story:
Seeing the impact of pollution across the islands of Micronesia ignited Jay’s passion to protect the environment. He now focuses his energy on fighting climate change and educating the public about sustainability as Chair of the Upper Saddle River Environmental Committee in New Jersey. He and his team host seminars on many issues, including programs that educate the community on the benefits of solar power, composting, and recycling. The Committee also hosts Drive Electric Vehicle days that allow attendees to test-drive EVs. To facilitate EV adoption, Jay put his land use law expertise to use and wrote a municipal ordinance to permit the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in his community.
“From helping young people prepare for their futures to protecting our environment, Jackie and Jay truly are making a difference in their communities. We are grateful for all they do; congratulate them for winning this prestigious award; and are proud to call them colleagues,” said Joseph Divis, President, AT&T New Jersey.
From broadband deployment to community impact, we’re working together with our local communities to create connections, because when we connect, things change.
Hear more from Jackie and Jay in their interview with the New Jersey Business and Industry Association here.
