Speakers and Attendees

Jamilla joined the NC Rural Center in July 2017 as the senior program manager for Food and Community Development. In this role, Jamilla works with regional and organizational networks to provide resources to food business entrepreneurs and local farmers that will strengthen the local food systems across the state. She also works with communities across the state to provide community coaching and small-town business development resources.

Prior to joining the Center, Jamilla served as a community & rural development agent with NC A&T State University Cooperative Extension Program in Edgecombe County, where she focused on cultural tourism, community development, leadership development, and entrepreneurship programs within the county.

Jamilla was reared in Riegelwood, North Carolina, and firmly believes that our rural communities embody the rich history, heritage, and culture that is the bedrock for our state and that it is imperative to invest in the growth and prosperity of our rural leaders and rural economies.

In addition to her work at the Rural Center, Jamilla enjoys serving on the Community Leadership Council for the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation and her board service for the Conservation Trust for North Carolina, Edgecombe Community College Foundation, Edgecombe Charitable Trust, and Conetoe Family Life Center.

Jamilla received her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her master’s in public administration from North Carolina Central University.