Renata Roberts, Creator & Jackson’s Mummy
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Jackson’s journey. A journey I am very proud to share with you and your little readers.
After having worked in the corporate world within human resources for over 20 years, I decided to combine my learning from teaching, my experience with leadership development, my journey of being a mother to a small boy, and my passion for being an advocate for diversity & inclusion within the workplace.
All these powerful exposures in my life have highlighted to me the importance of quality leadership in businesses, and how even more now than ever, we need leaders to lead from the head AND from the heart.
While some people are natural leaders, most need to continually develop to genuinely succeed in demonstrating the qualities that we need of leaders today.
I felt that preparing leadership capabilities into simple key messages demonstrated through the experiences of our children in a bit of colour and story, will help not just build the leaders of tomorrow, but also strengthen the leaders of today.
What started as a vision has become something real because of the support given to me by my husband, Neil, the amazing talent, passion & dedication demonstrated by Vanessa Fernandes, Josefina Luna, and Gemma Elaine, and the friends and family members who have encouraged this adventure along the way.
It is with every story we share that we will fuel inspiration to someone else taking their journey towards building inclusive workplaces. I hope that Jackson’s journey may fuel some inspiration in you and the little people in your life.
To learn more of my professional background and experience, you are welcome to head to my LinkedIn profile.
Vanessa Fernandes, Designer & Illustrator
Hi, my name is Vanessa Fernandes, I’m a graphic designer and illustrator based in Perth, Western Australia. I run a small design studio from my little old beach house where I live with my wonderful hubby, two beautiful children and one smelly little pug.
I have been fascinated with drawing and art since I was old enough to scribble. As a child I loved nothing more than having a pen and paper to keep me busy for hours. 40 years (or more) later, nothing has changed and I am still scribbling my days away, only now I also use an ipad and a computer.
I am truly passionate about all forms of art, but especially children’s book illustrations. In 2019, I illustrated my first children’s book as a commission and loved it so much that I haven’t stopped.
I was so lucky to have met the incredible Renata Roberts in 2022 and started my own journey with “Jackson’s Journey”. I’ve loved all the stories she has written and I think that both adults and children will benefit from each lesson in the series.
To see more of my works, please visit my instagram @yazoodesigns where you will also find a link to my website.
Josefina Luna, Illustrator
Hola! I’m Josefina Luna, I create artwork inspired in the unique moments in life from my home studio in Sydney. Most days you’ll find me by the beach connecting with nature, practicing yoga and enjoying dance and music. Of course, drawing is a big part of my every day.
My love for art began at a very young age. I was the kid sitting at the back of the class drawing faces and creating illustrated segments for the school’s zine. I’ve always been curious about cultures and how people interact, which led me to travel the world following a high intensity corporate job. I’ve experienced first-hand the need of reinforcing the leadership skills that we naturally have as kids and are often lost with the influence of modern society. It is a privilege to join “Jackson’s Journey” working collaboratively with Renata and other professionals and creatives to bring to life stories that make a positive impact in the world. Every bespoke illustration and custom artwork I’ve done with the upmost dedication, care and love. I hope these books will bring joy and connection to kids and parents and provide “aha moment” that will inspire them to be great leaders in every aspect of their lives.
You can see more of my work at josefinaluna.com and follow my stories at @drawtrip on Instagram and TikTok.
Gemma Elaine, Illustrator
Hi there, my name is Gemma. I’m an illustrator and designer living and working on the Gold Coast. I’ve had the pleasure of illustrating educational children’s books for Pearson Education and Griffith University as well as providing numerous illustration and design work for my clients. This has included self-published children’s books, mascots, personal commissions, and logo design work. I especially take great joy in providing illustration work for good causes that teach children to be more accepting, how to manage decision making or how to love who they and others are.
I’ve always had an interest in art, and have always been the “kid who can draw”. My old maths books are filled with sketches. That’s why when I left school I went to university to study animation – and from there I later reskilled as a graphic designer. I’m still learning new things and refreshing old skills though. And I think one of the most important things in life is to be a life-long learner, that’s why when I’m not illustrating or working as a graphic designer in a design agency, I’m teaching graphic design to up-and-coming designers at Griffith University. My work has always been about teaching and learning, and that is why it’s it’s fantastic to be a part of the Join Jacksons Journey team, and I hope these books are helpful for children, parents, and teachers alike.
You can find me at www.gemmaelaine.art and @gemmaelaineart on Instagram