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About us

Mission Statement

Founded in 2021 by Emma Agnew, the Jonesboro Community Development Collaborative (JCDC) was built on the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive—no matter their zip code, income, or background. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to creating a more just, connected, and healthier community, especially for those who have historically been underserved.

We know that health is about much more than access to a doctor. That’s why JCDC focuses on the social determinants of health (SDOH)—the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. These include the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, as well as the broader systems and forces shaping those conditions: economic stability, education access, neighborhood environments, healthcare quality, and community relationships.

This holistic understanding of health drives everything we do—from organizing health screenings and educational forums to fostering partnerships with trusted institutions like New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), St. Bernards Regional Medical Center, and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Through these alliances, we bring health fairs, workshops, and screenings directly into the neighborhoods we serve, empowering residents with essential knowledge and services.

Why Social Determinants of Health Matter

As defined by the World Health Organization, SDOH are powerful predictors of health outcomes. They include:

  • Safe housing, transportation, and neighborhoods
  • Access to nutritious foods and spaces for physical activity
  • Racism, discrimination, and violence
  • Education, job opportunities, and income
  • Language and literacy skills
  • Environmental safety, such as clean air and water

At JCDC, we address these disparities head-on—not just treating the symptoms of inequality, but working at the root through grassroots engagement, educational outreach, and community-driven development.

Building a Healthier Community, Together

We believe that a strong community is a healthy community—and a healthy community is a strong community. That’s why we prioritize listening, showing up, and creating safe spaces where every voice matters. By amplifying community voices and ensuring access to opportunity, we are building not just programs, but partnerships and trust that last.

Our efforts reflect one of the key goals of Healthy People 2030: to create social, physical, and economic environments where everyone can achieve their full potential for health and well-being.

From our founding to our future, JCDC remains committed to transforming health outcomes and advancing equity—one neighborhood at a time.

Who We Are

Who We Are

Founder and CEO

Emma Agnew

Emma Agnew is a long-time social activist. She has over 30 years working with underserved and those living in the margins of our society.

Board of Directors

Lillie Fears, Arkansas State University – Chairman of the Board

Sharon Johnson, ASU-Newport – Secretary

Corey Mills, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation – Treasurer

Brenda Butler, Arkansas Community Corrections – Board Member

Sherrell Harris, Board Member

Felecia Phillips, Fitness Trainer – Board Member

Shamal Carter – CRDC – Board Member

Additional Support

Community Advisory Council (CAC)

The Community Advisory Council (CAC) is an essential part of the Jonesboro Community Development Collaborative (JCDC), providing a direct link between community voices and the organization’s leadership. The CAC exists to ensure that JCDC’s work is grounded in the real needs, hopes, and priorities of the people it serves.

Our Purpose

The CAC serves as a listening ear and guiding voice—championing community interests and helping shape how JCDC operates, grows, and invests in local neighborhoods.

  • Advocate for Equity
    CAC members speak up for historically underrepresented groups and ensure our programs reflect the diversity and values of our community.
  • Bridge Between Board and Community
    The council keeps communication open and transparent between JCDC’s Board of Directors and the people we serve—building mutual trust and understanding.
  • Engage and Inform
    Council members actively promote JCDC’s mission and invite others to join our shared work through outreach, education, and inclusive events.
  • Share Insights and Feedback
    By bringing their lived experiences and community knowledge, members help the organization adapt to changing needs and stay accountable.
    Collaborate for Impact
    CAC members work alongside JCDC’s staff and board to co-create meaningful initiatives that reflect what matters most to the people of Jonesboro.


Who Serves on the Council

The CAC is made up of local residents who reflect the demographics, lived experiences, and values of the communities JCDC serves. Members are chosen for their dedication to equity, their leadership potential, and their passion for creating lasting positive change in Jonesboro.

What They're Saying

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Emma Agnew

Founder & CEO

Emma Agnew is a seasoned community leader and social justice advocate with over 30 years of experience championing equity, health, and economic empowerment for underserved populations in Northeast Arkansas. As the Founder and Executive Director of the North Jonesboro Community Development Corporation (NJCDC), she leads initiatives that address social determinants of health, promote financial literacy, and support the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population—working individuals who struggle to afford basic necessities despite being employed. 

Before establishing NJCDC, Emma served as the Program Coordinator for the City of Jonesboro’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, where she managed federal funds aimed at improving housing and community development for low- and moderate-income residents. She also coordinated the North Jonesboro Neighborhood Initiative (NJNI), fostering community engagement and organizing events like the “Spread Your Change” Festival to unite and uplift local residents. 

Emma’s commitment to public service extends to her involvement in local governance; she has dedicated seven years to local government and nonprofit community service, advocating for the needs of marginalized communities. Her leadership and advocacy have earned her a place on the Community Advisory Board of the Delta Population Health Institute, where she collaborates with other leaders to address health disparities across the region. 

Driven by a passion for social justice, Emma Agnew continues to work tirelessly to ensure that all voices in her community are heard and that equitable resources are accessible to those in need.

Lillie Fears

Arkansas State University – Chairman of the Board

Coming soon…

Sharon Johnson

ASU-Newport – Secretary

Sharon Johnson is a member of the Refreshing Springs Ministry Church of God In Christ. Sharon serves as a licensed Evangelist Missionary. She is a teacher, youth leader/mentor, and intercessory prayer warrior.

She is an active member of her community. For two consecutive years, she received the City of Jonesboro Volunteer Award for her work in the community. She has assisted with the development of low-income housing for underprivileged and marginalized communities and worked as a volunteer in the Church of the Highland Dream Center’s After School Enrichment Program for several years. 

As an educator and businesswoman, Sharon has excellent communication and leadership skills with proficiency in student academics, retention, and student support. Sharon is an interdisciplinary individual with experience in teaching, academic administration, recruitment, academic counseling/advising, student performance, and mental conditioning with both youth and adults.

Sharon is a proud alumnus of Arkansas State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources and later her Master of Science in Education. 

Sharon is presently employed at Arkansas State University-Newport Adult Education, where she serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator.

Corey Mills

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation - Treasurer

Corey Mills is a native of West Memphis, AR, and a graduate of the West Memphis Blue Devils Class of 1994. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing Management from Arkansas State University, where he also became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Corey has a diverse background in business, finance, and community development. As an entrepreneur, he has owned and operated several businesses in the entertainment and music industry, tax preparation franchises and service bureaus for tax preparation companies, real estate acquisition and management. He also spent time working in the nonprofit sector during the Obama Care era where he helped expand healthcare access to those in need.

His career in mortgage banking began as a Community Development Mortgage Lender for Cadence Bank (formerly BancorpSouth), where he helped individuals and families achieve homeownership. He is now a Mortgage Loan Officer with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, licensed in Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas.

Beyond his professional work, Corey is committed to community engagement. He founded the Black Professionals Network of Jonesboro, which supports networking and growth opportunities for black professionals in the area. He also serves on the Land Bank Commission of Jonesboro, working to revitalize and repurpose vacant properties for community benefit.

Corey is a devoted husband to Ruth Hegwood-Mills and a proud father to Chance and Jayden Mills. He values family, community, economic development, and helping others achieve financial stability.

Brenda Butler

Arkansas Community Corrections - Board Member

Brenda A. Butler is a 1983 graduate of Brinkley High School. A graduate of Arkansas State University, from which she earned degrees in both Criminology and Psychology. Brenda is a licensed minister at Fullness Of Joy Ministries in Jonesboro, AR. She is a Notary Republic, She is a writer, author, poet, playwright and monologist.  

She is a member of AAADAC Arkansas Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors. She serves on the board of NEA Divine Intervention (founder Shalinda Woolbright) and In His Wings Ministry (founder Jennifer Tarwater). 

Miss Butler is presently employed by The Department of Correction where she holds the position of Assistant Treatment Program Manager. She has been with this state agency 27 years serving as a treatment coordinator, substance abuse program leader and drug court advisor.

Shamal Carter

CRDC – Board Member

Shamal Carter is a dedicated community leader, public health advocate, and champion for equity and education. He currently serves as Chair of Concerned Citizens of Jonesboro and President of the Craighead County NAACP. Shamal holds a Master’s in Public Health from Liberty University and is a proud alumnus of Arkansas State University. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Arkansas Early Learning, where he helps guide initiatives that support children and families across the state. With a strong commitment to social justice, Shamal has led numerous grassroots efforts focused on youth empowerment, health equity, and civic engagement.