Jacquelyn "Jackie" Dupont-Walker, MSW, LCSW

​President

Ward Economic Development Corporation

 

For over 42 years, Jacqueline Dupont-Walker has been a professional in the public and private sectors. Mrs. Dupont-Walker's strong commitment and calling to "faith-centered and empowering" development has made her a prophetic voice locally and nationally. Early in life she was impacted by the models of an entrepreneurial and visionary father and maternal grandfather who taught her self-determination and self-reliance in the context of strong faith and commitment to community service. Her maternal role models included a clever "sistah" Grandmom and Mother-dear who demonstrated and expected excellence. Mrs. Dupont-Walker pioneered in desegregating a major university, and has trail blazed on behalf of women and people of color in many arenas. She is the founding president of Ward Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and for 25 years has led it in developing over 280 units of affordable housing, one major shopping mall, encouraging indigenous leadership, creating neighborhood networks, facilitating job creation, conducting asset mapping, and spearheading an intergenerational community building effort. In addition to WEDC, Mrs. Dupont-Walker serves as the AME Church International Social Action Officer, President of the Lafayette Square Association, Social Action Chair of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (Century City) and a host of civic organizations. As a lifelong member of the AME Church, Mrs. Dupont-Walker created AME V-Alert (voter mobilization). She is an officer of Ward AME Church in Los Angeles where she serves on the Board of Stewards (Membership Education Chair) and chairs the Social Action Commission, Lay and Missionary ministries. She has served on a host of committees and commissions; all with the inspiration she receives from her husband and partner, Buford "Sonny" Walker and their desire to make the world a better place for their blended family of 8 adult children, 24 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.