“I am literally living out my wildest dreams.”
Working for the Chicago Sky has been a surreal journey for Gary Comer College Prep alum Autumn Jackson. She’s traveled across the country, sat in rooms with big names, and enjoyed “every bit” of the journey.
“It makes a difference from watching on TV to {being} the one who is helping curate the actual experience,” Jackson said.
She attributes part of this success to her experience at Comer. We caught up with Jackson to hear more about her journey with the Chicago Sky, as well as her time at Comer. Check it out:
Tell me how being a Catamount shaped your life.
I truly have a warm spot for Comer in my heart because being the last class (2015) to fill up the school was essential to the groundbreaking balance of Comer. The organizational and communication skills that I learned from the time I stepped foot into Comer until now have been key for me. Comer gave me what I needed. I didn’t understand it while I was at Comer, but I understand it now. My advisor held me accountable and helped me with my overall self, which encouraged me to want better for myself.
Jackson at her Comer graduation in 2015.
Tell me about your life since graduating from Comer and your time with the Chicago Sky.
I graduated from Wake Forest University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a concentration in health and well-being. I also obtained my master’s degree in sports administration from Northwestern University. I chose sociology to understand the importance of being a human. I studied sports administration because I’ve always had a big love for sports and wanted to know the operations behind it.
I had the pleasure of working with one of Comer’s external partners, Utmostu, for a while until I got a call from the owner of the Chicago Sky— whom I had been in conversation with for a while— which sent me through the roof with excitement. I went through the interview process and was offered my dream job as an account executive who provides experiences for ticket holders.
Jackson at the Chicago Sky 2021 championship ring event.
I came to the Chicago Sky family right after they won the WNBA championship in 2021. At the time, I was in the midst of finding a place I could call home for employment. And I was granted this amazing opportunity of a lifetime. I’ve been able to travel with the team across the USA and network with so many amazing people in the sports world, which has cultivated so much development for me. It has been one of the best experiences of my life.
Working for the Sky is a dream come true because I always want to see women do well, but to see them do well in a male-dominated sport is the icing on the cake.
I know you are active in your community. Tell me about those interactions and what made it a passion.
Community outreach has always been something that I loved to do. I am a proud member of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. My sisters and I lead with the purpose of extending ourselves to the community between book drives, donating blood to the American Red Cross, cleaning up the community, and creating forums and safe spaces to discuss the importance of our present/future in the United States. We also host a scholarship banquet every year to reward deserving high school students with extra financial support as they matriculate to the college of their choice. I enjoy the smiles that we put on people’s faces. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Jackson at an event with her sorority.
If you had the chance to talk with current Catamounts about the importance of their high school experience, what would you say?
Don’t be afraid to learn or to fail because how you get back up is what matters. Plans change, and people change. The people you meet in high school might be some of the most influential people in your life. Learn the academic skills and the life skills so that you can be well-rounded, because the support is there at Comer— you just have to want it. Lead with Grit, Zest, Optimism, and Gratitude in your heart!
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