Lisa Harrison Jackson

Founder & Creative Director

Lisa Harrison Jackson is a native Omahan whose life's work has been dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through the transformative power of education and the arts. With decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, her career reflects the seamless integration of her two greatest passions—education and creative expression.

Lisa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Early in her career, she worked in journalism for a thriving community newspaper while living in Atlanta, Georgia. It was there that an unexpected opportunity to teach at a charter alternative school ignited her passion for education. What began as a single teaching opportunity evolved into a lifelong commitment to helping others discover their potential through learning. She later earned her Master's degree in Adult Education from Troy University and went on to serve as a college instructor, ESL instructor, and nonprofit education professional. Throughout her career, Lisa has remained committed to creating innovative educational experiences that inspire confidence, foster lifelong learning, and equip individuals with the skills needed to succeed. Alongside her work in education, Lisa has cultivated an accomplished career in the arts. She has extensive experience in marketing, book writing and publishing, playwriting, theatrical production, and film, television, and audio content creation. As a result, she has authored 5 books, written and produced 16 stage productions, and created and produced a podcast. Her unique ability to merge education with creative expression has led to the development of youth programs that use drama and storytelling to strengthen social-emotional learning, communication, leadership, and self-confidence. She is also passionate about mentoring aspiring writers and artists, helping them transform their personal stories into books, plays, and other creative works that educate, inspire, and heal. Lisa believes the arts are more than entertainment—they are powerful teaching tools capable of transforming lives, strengthening families, and building healthier communities.

 

Nathaniel Jackson Jr.

Co-Founder, Executive Producer & Logistics Manager

Working alongside Lisa is her husband and co-founder, Nathaniel Jackson Jr., whose steadfast leadership, operational expertise, and unwavering support have helped bring every vision to life.

As Executive Producer and Logistics Manager, Nathaniel has co-labored with Lisa on every major creative and community initiative, providing the behind-the-scenes leadership that transforms ideas into successful programs, productions, workshops, and events. From production planning and project management to operations, scheduling, technical coordination, and event logistics, his commitment to excellence ensures that every initiative is executed with professionalism and purpose.

Nathaniel's gift for organization, strategic planning, and problem-solving complements Lisa's creative and educational vision, making them a dynamic leadership team united by a shared passion for serving others. Together, they have built programs that educate, inspire, and empower people of all ages while fostering meaningful community connections through the arts, education, and life-skills development.

 

A Shared Vision

Together, Lisa and Nathaniel founded Up High Arts and Education with the belief that education, wellness, life skills, and the arts have the power to transform lives and strengthen communities. Their partnership combines visionary leadership with operational excellence, creating an organization where individuals and families can discover hope, unlock their potential, and thrive. When they are not leading programs or developing new creative projects, Lisa and Nathaniel enjoy traveling with their daughters, exploring new cultures, investing in the next generation, and continuing their shared mission of using education and the arts to inspire lasting change.