Dr. Ann W. Jackson is a Physical therapist, educator, equity advocate, citizen scientist, and lifelong learner who has spent her career focusing on the optimization of the functionality of individuals across the lifespan, no matter their circumstances. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy from Georgia State University, a Masters of Public Health from the University of South Carolina and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rosalind Franklin University. In May of 2019, Ann completed a 3-year Post-Doctoral fellowship in Clinical Medical Ethics at the University of Chicago’s MacLean Center. Dr. Jackson currently serves as a University Lecturer at University of Illinois Medical School in the Department of Medical Education and as the Program Manager for the Southland office of the Center for Independence. She has been a longtime advocate for equity in the social determinants of health. After years of championing health and food equity initiatives for marginalized populations, in 2020 she founded The Center for Food Equity in Medicine, an organization whose mission is to impact food insecurity among those navigating a cancer diagnosis.