What does a NARBW Woman of the Year look like? She’s a successful professional in her career. She’s a woman of faith, and she effectively juggles her family, career and community commitments — while still giving 110% to the organization she loves – NARBW. The Chicago Chapter proudly presents Jasmine Manley as its 2019 Chapter Woman of the Year.

 

Jasmine has been a member of the Chicago Chapter since 2015. She is the mother of four daughters ages 12 through 24, and is married to love of her life, Rev. De’Juan Manley. Rev. Manley became pastor of Mt. Zion First Holy Miracle Baptist Church in June 2018, where Jasmine faithfully and enthusiastically serves as First Lady. Over the years, Jasmine has nurtured young girls and boys serving as a youth mentor, Sunday school teacher, Baptist Young Peoples Training Teacher, youth volunteer coordinator, and she also supports women as a leader of the Women’s Ministry.

 

With five years as an accounting associate for Anacostia Rail Holdings, Inc., and a 15 + year career in the accounting industry, Jasmine is a financially oriented leader who possesses strong organizational, analytical, creative and problems solving skills. Jasmine never hesitates to offer these talents freely to help her chapter. Jasmine has done an amazing job over the last five years as Chicago Chapter secretary, taking meticulous notes for the meeting minutes and drafting and managing the frequent communication to and from members. Jasmine is an active contributor in her chapter. Whether members are discussing fundraising, membership building, or plans for fun events, Jasmine consistently provides well thought out recommendations, ideas and solutions.

 

Jasmine is reliable and rarely ever misses a chapter meeting, board meeting or event. If Jasmine says she will handle something she does it — no matter what obstacles get in her way. Due to Jasmine’s busy life as a working mother, wife and First Lady, her schedule is often double and triple booked. But somehow Jasmine makes it work. There have been times when Jasmine has made a commitment to NARBW for the same time as a First Lady obligation. But Jasmine is resourceful — she finds a quite place in her church to dial into meetings, or handles other NARBW duties. Jasmine never says “no.” When the Chicago Chapter reached out to Jasmine seeking members to fill vacant board positions Jasmine replied, “I’ll serve in any position where I am needed.” That’s the true spirit of a NARBW Woman of the Year.

 

Jasmine always promotes NARBW, and has been instrumental in getting several new members to join. Jasmine’s company is the parent company to six other railroads, and she has personally reached out to the Presidents of each of those railroads to tell them about NARBW and encouraged their employees to join. In addition, Jasmine took the initiative to coordinate a successful NARBW Lunch and Learn for senior leadership at her railroad with NARBW President and leadership as invited guest speakers.

 

In addition to her other responsibilities, Jasmine serves on the National Board as Publication Chair and she has already committed dozens of hours of preliminary planning as Convention Chair for the 2020 NARBW Convention in Chicago. Jasmine also finds time to give back and has volunteered with the Ronald McDonald House, Avon Breast Cancer Walk, cleaning the West Pullman Community, feeding the hungry, and she donating to the chapter’s Winter Wear Drive for School Kids.

 

Jasmine tries to do better and be better. To that end, Jasmine attends seminars and workshops to grow both personally and professionally. Jasmine is a member of Institute of Management Accountants and is studying to become a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians. She has also attended Western Railway Club meetings to network and learn more about the railroad business from industry leaders. Jasmine excels in all that she does. She not only pushes herself professionally but personally as well. She leads by example and truly exemplifies a hardworking professional NARBW Woman of the Year!