OLAJUWON JACKSON

---

Meet Olajuwon Jackson, the Director of Development and Fundraising for Coffee and Tap, a nonprofit and veteran-owned business founded in July 2024. Olajuwon brings a wealth of experience from his military service and technical background to his role, where he leads efforts to secure resources and support for the organization's mission of creating positive change in Charlotte, NC.

Olajuwon's journey to Coffee and Tap is marked by a diverse career that spans military service, technical expertise, and a passion for community development. As a transitioning U.S. Army veteran who achieved the position of Noncommissioned Officer as a construction engineer supervisor, Olajuwon brings valuable leadership skills and a strong work ethic to his role.

In his position as Director of Development and Fundraising, Olajuwon leverages his varied experiences to drive Coffee and Tap's growth and impact:

1. Fundraising Strategy: Olajuwon develops and implements comprehensive fundraising strategies, drawing on his project management skills honed during his military service and technical career.
2. Grant Writing: His attention to detail and strong communication skills, developed through his roles as a Network Technician and Structured Cabling Technician, are invaluable in crafting compelling grant proposals.
3. Donor Relations: Olajuwon's experience in supervising teams and managing client relationships helps him build and maintain strong connections with donors and supporters.
4. Event Planning: His background in organizing and managing multiple priorities is crucial in planning and executing fundraising events that align with Coffee and Tap's mission.
5. Partnership Development: Olajuwon's ability to work across diverse teams and interpret complex information helps him identify and secure strategic partnerships to support Coffee and Tap's initiatives.

Olajuwon's technical background, including his experience with network communication and electrical systems, brings a unique perspective to Coffee and Tap's operations. He often contributes ideas for improving the food truck's efficiency and exploring innovative ways to enhance the organization's community outreach efforts.

As a veteran himself, Olajuwon is deeply committed to Coffee and Tap's mission of supporting fellow veterans. He plays a key role in developing programs that provide employment opportunities and support for veterans transitioning to civilian life, drawing from his own experiences and understanding of the challenges faced by service members.

Olajuwon's analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, honed through his various technical roles, are invaluable in assessing the impact of Coffee and Tap's programs and identifying areas for improvement. He works closely with the leadership team to ensure that fundraising efforts align with the organization's goals and values.

In the community, Olajuwon is a passionate advocate for Coffee and Tap's mission. He frequently speaks at local events, sharing the organization's story and the impact it's making in Charlotte. His ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds makes him an effective ambassador for the nonprofit.

Olajuwon's commitment to personal and professional growth aligns perfectly with Coffee and Tap's values. He continues to seek opportunities for learning and development, bringing fresh ideas and best practices to the organization's fundraising and development efforts.

In summary, Olajuwon Jackson's role as Director of Development and Fundraising at Coffee and Tap is characterized by his unique blend of military service, technical expertise, and passion for community impact. His diverse background enables him to bring a multifaceted approach to securing resources and support for Coffee and Tap, driving the organization's mission to brew positive change in Charlotte, one cup and one community initiative at a time.