24 March 2025 2 minute read
Jillian Collier‘s (Class of 2027) journey to Spelman College began with the annual Glee Club Christmas Concert in Fall of her senior year. "From the moment I stepped on campus, I was mesmerized by the sense of sisterhood and the rich legacy of excellence that defines this institution," she recalls. Though she initially planned to pursue a career in dance and communications, Collier's journey pivoted to political science when she learned that Spelman didn’t offer a communications major. “Political science aligned perfectly with my lifelong passion for advocacy, politics, and policy,” she shares, highlighting how Spelman's environment has shaped both her professional and personal growth,
Growing up in a household led by a Pastor and the first black female School Superintendent of Kansas City, Collier's passion for public service was nurtured from a young age. She says, "I naturally gravitated toward public service, inspired by leadership, faith, and advocacy modeled by my family." Her work with the mayor’s office of Wyandotte County, Kansas city, KS where she helped launch the first ever Mayoral Youth Council is a testament to her dedication to empowering young voices and shaping meaningful policy change.
One of Collier's most ambitious endeavors is Joyous Abilities for Children, Incorporated, a nonprofit she founded to support children with neurodiverse needs through arts education programs. "Every human deserves to feel joy," is the organization's guiding mission and Collier's vision is clear: to expand these arts programs nationwide. "Creating spaces where neurodiverse children can express themselves through movement is vital," she explains, drawing from her personal experience as a dance teacher.
In addition to our nonprofit work, Collier is a choreographer for the Spelman College Glee Club and is the Founder and Captain of this Spelman Jaguarettes Dance Team. For her, dance is not just for personal expression but a powerful tool for advocacy. "The arts have the ability to tell stories when words fall short, and that is especially important in social justice and community engagement," she says. Despite her busy schedule, Collier finds balance, blending her love for dance with her career aspirations in law and policy where she aims to amplify voices through movement and legislation.
Collier's leadership journey has not been without challenges. As a young Black woman navigating both political and nonprofit spaces Jillian faced obstacles in securing partnerships and opportunities, especially within Atlanta’s local school districts. Nevertheless resilience led her to success, most recently securing a partnership with Dunbar Elementary School. "It’s an exciting step in providing meaningful training and volunteer opportunities for AUC students," she reflects.
Spelman College has played a crucial role in shaping Collier's career aspirations. She credits mentors like Dr. Daryl Lowe, Ms. Cici Kelley and Coach Latricia Joyner for guiding her development. "Iron sharpens iron," Collier says, emphasizing the impact of Spelman's supportive sisterhood. Her involvement with the Spelman Democrats and her role as parliamentarian for the Morehouse College Chapel Assistants (a predominantly male space) Program have also shaped her reviews on civic engagement, reinforcing the importance of advocating for marginalized groups.
Looking into the future, she plans to pursue a Dual JD/M. Div. degree and ultimately serve in local government. "I want to create policies that prioritize marginalized communities and promote holistic wellness," she says, envisioning a future where she can lead with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to service. Her advice to other students? “Stay grounded in your 'why.' Seek mentors, stay resilient, and trust the power of your community.”
Collier's journey is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and service in action. She demonstrates how one can blend public service law and advocacy to drive meaningful change – guided by purpose, faith, and the steadfast support of a sisterhood.