Pioneering vision, innovative concepts, motivational actions and outstanding leadership, are just a few select phrases that have been used to describe LaShaun Jackson’s make up. He is best described as a modern renaissance man. A husband and father of three children, LaShaun was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. Growing up he faced and overcame many obstacles including gang violence, incarceration, racism and poverty. Using his natural born leadership abilities, LaShaun began spearheading organizations and providing strong leadership as a teenager. Over the years he continued to occupy leadership roles on sports teams, in social organizations, and in professional capacities. He has proved that he can overcome adversity, and that he is at his finest in positions where strong leadership is paramount.

LaShaun has worked in the social service and education fields for over 25 years. His major focus has been working with inner city youth and with organizations that work in impoverished communities. He has been in a variety of professional roles including: social worker, individual and group counselor, African American studies instructor, program coordinator, team leader, program director and executive director.

LaShaun used his pioneering and innovative skills to propel him as an entrepreneur. His entrepreneur portfolio includes: working as an education consultant, a life coach, and a motivational speaker. He is also a founder of the following organizations: Applied Relaxation Technological Systems (A.R.T.S.), Black Light Entertainment, and CIRCLE Foundation. A.R.T.S. is a stress management company that fuses science and meditative practices. Black Light Entertainment is a company that leverages entertainment to support social work and education activities. CIRCLE Foundation is a nonprofit organization that operates an alternative high school, several mentoring programs, and a recording studio. LaShaun is currently the Chairman and CEO of the CIRCLE Foundation.

LaShaun has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and skills from both formal and informal educational institutions, all of which have helped to strengthen his leadership prowess. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in African American studies from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale; a master’s degree in counselor education from Northeastern Illinois University and an advanced certification in stress management from Roosevelt University. He also studied traditional Chinese medicine at the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine. He has been a practitioner of martial arts, yoga and other meditative arts for over 25 years.

LaShaun is a serial entrepreneur/business man. Along with his work at the CIRCLE Foundation, he is also the Founder/CEO of Good2Go Veggie LLC, The Plantpalooza Festival, Black Light Entertainment, and BAGE LLC. He is also currently an active board member of the Chicago Loop Alliance, the Alternative Schools Network in Chicago, and the BBF Family Services.