Nonprofit Consulting, Service & Strategy
with Janet
Nonprofit Consulting and Board Governance Training
Janet Thompson Jackson, has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 25 years. Having served as a nonprofit CEO, taught nonprofit law, represented nonprofit organizations, and served on nonprofit boards, Janet knows the value that nonprofits bring to communities. She also knows that informed, engaged, and strategic board leadership is essential to the wellness and success of any organization. Janet's background has equipped her to effectively support boards through board workshops, trainings, assessments, and consultations.
After practicing law for six years, Janet joined the nonprofit world and for eight years led a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in Washington, DC that helped homeless and at-risk families secure housing and employment. After leaving nonprofit direct services, she was a Clinical Fellow at the University of Baltimore School of Law's Community Development Clinic, where she taught and supervised students in the representation of nonprofit organizations and small businesses. Janet then joined the Washburn Law School faculty, where she initiated the Washburn Law Clinic's Small Business and Nonprofit Law Clinic.
After 18 years of teaching and supervising in the Law Clinic and teaching a number of courses in the classroom, Janet retired from Washburn to launch a new venture called Paraplu Wellness, with its signature project, Well-Law. She now holds the title of Professor Emerita at Washburn. During the past 25 years Janet has served on many nonprofit boards, including the Brown Foundation for Educational Equity, Excellence, and Research, on which she served as chair for a decade.Ā She currently is a board member of the Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program (KALAP).
"Janet facilitated an outstanding retreat for the Topeka Symphony Orchestra Board.Ā Her training focused on board governanceĀ models, the difference between the roles of the board and staff, and best practices for boards.Ā Janet is a dynamic and engagingĀ speaker.Ā Our Board members raved about how much they learned and left energized about their role.Ā Janet helped set us up for success as we transition into the next phase of the organization's life."Ā Michelle Ewert, President, Topeka Symphony Orchestra (2023)
"That was excellent!" Matt Keenan, Executive Director, Kansas Legal Services
Board Member
Janet has had the honor of serving on many local and national boards, including the Brown Foundation for Educational Equity, Excellence, and Research. Established in 1988, the Brown Foundation grew out of a cooperative effort between the family of the late Oliver Brown, other named plaintiffs, and local Topeka community leaders. Janet has served as chair and a director of the Foundation.
Janet also serves on the board of the Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program (KALAP) and The Sanctuary Foundation.
