Caprice Jackson: Organizer, Consultant, That Girl!

On self…

Name? Caprice Jackson 

Where are you from? Detroit, born and raised. 

Where are you based? Southfield, MI but I’m working with many parts of Southeast Michigan and expanding to California 

What do you do for work? I run Catalyst Grassroots Innovations, a consulting firm focused on field strategy, policy work, and community engagement. I help campaigns, advocacy orgs, and coalitions organize smarter and connect deeper with people on the ground. I also do project management for businesses in the cannabis and retail space—making sure their operations run smoothly and stay aligned with their vision. 

How would you describe yourself in your own words? That girl! LOL! But seriously, I’m someone who cares deeply about people and community. I take pride in doing good work, keeping it real, and helping others feel seen. I’m serious when I need to be, soft when I choose to be, and always focused on moving with purpose. 

What experience has shaped your sense of self the most? Understanding what it means to truly be seen and heard. Not just being around people, but actually feeling understood and valued. That shaped how I show up now and I pride myself on making sure others get that same experience. 

When do you feel most at home in yourself? When I’m out in the field with people. That’s where the real impact is made. Whether it’s knocking on doors, hosting an event, or just listening to people’s stories. When the work flows naturally and I know I’m helping make something easier or more possible for somebody else. 

What contributes to your feeling of self? God, prayer, rest, and staying around people who pour into me. Also saying no to things that don’t feel right, and giving myself permission to change direction when I need to. 

How has your identity evolved over time? I used to think I had to have it all together all the time. Recently, I’ve learned that I can grow and lead while still figuring things out. I’m more honest with myself now, and that’s made me stronger.

Are there any aspects of your identity that you’ve struggled to accept or embrace? Yeah. I used to think I had to be tougher, know the answer or solution to every single thing or hide parts of myself to be taken seriously. But the older I get, the more I realize my softness is strength too. 

If your inner child could say anything to the you of today, what would they say? “Get it Pri! You’re going to win!” 

On purpose...

Do you feel like you’ve discovered your purpose? If yes, what helped you find it? If you haven’t, what are you doing to discover it? I do. I didn’t always know what it would look like, but I’ve always known I was meant to help people. Over time, I just started paying attention to what gave me energy and what drained me. I realized that when I’m organizing, creating, or supporting people who are trying to make a difference and elevate, I feel aligned. That’s how I knew. 

Please share a defining moment that shaped your purpose. A defining moment for me was when I decided to run for State Representative in 2022. I didn’t come from money but I came from community, from loss, and from a deep belief that people like me (even at the tender age of 26) deserve to be in the rooms where decisions are made. I had worked behind the scenes since high school, and I realized I had something to say and something to fight for that couldn’t just be passed off to someone else. Running for office forced me to bet on myself publicly. It made me confront every insecurity and every fear of rejection, but it also revealed how many people were waiting for someone like me to show up. That campaign wasn’t about a title, it was about visibility, voice, and power. It reminded me that my story isn’t just mine. It’s a bridge for others. And whether I win a seat or not, I know I’m called to build, to speak up, and to help others do the same. 

How does your purpose influence your daily decisions and actions? It keeps me honest with myself. If something doesn’t line up with what I believe in or where I’m trying to go, I don’t force it. I try to stay grounded in why I started and let that guide how I move. I’ve learned that sometimes it’s okay to just say no and be at peace. 

In process…

Did you ever struggle with feeling lost or uncertain about your purpose? How did you navigate that? Yes, and honestly it was very recent. Within the last six months, I found myself questioning everything. I had left a role that no longer aligned with me, and even though I was still working and building, I didn’t feel as clear or grounded as I usually do. I was dealing with health issues, financial stress, and trying to figure out what direction God really wanted me to move in. 

What helped was getting quiet, slowing down long enough to hear myself and God again. Therapy helped. So did prayer and honest conversations with people who love me and don’t

sugarcoat things.

I had to remind myself that it’s okay to pause, but that doesn’t mean I’ve failed. Purpose doesn’t always feel loud; sometimes it shows up in small ways while you're just trying to make it through. 

What limiting beliefs or fears did you have to overcome to step into your purpose? That I had to have it all figured out. That I needed to wait until things were “perfect” to start. That I needed someone else to co-sign my ideas. I had to unlearn that and just start where I was, with what I had. 

What products, courses, events, strategies, or resources have you used or created that are supporting your purpose journey?

Starting my firm—Catalyst Grassroots Innovations—was a big step. It gave me a space to do meaningful work on my terms. I’ve planned campaigns, trained volunteers, created voter outreach strategies, and helped small businesses and organizers stay focused and effective. It’s a reflection of what I believe in: that everyday people deserve access to good tools, clear strategy, and support that’s built for them.