Jacylynn Jones
community engagement / board service / food catering
Jacylynn Jones is a committed community leader, parent, and advocate for neighborhood arts programming, proudly serving the North End neighborhood of Saint Paul. A longtime supporter of In Progress, Jacylynn has been actively involved with the organization since 2012, volunteering her time, talents, and expertise to help shape programming that reflects and serves the needs of her community.
As a parent of three In Progress artists, Jacylynn brings a deeply personal understanding of the transformative power of the arts in young people’s lives. Her advocacy is rooted in ensuring that all youth have access to meaningful, culturally relevant creative opportunities. She has helped In Progress design and deliver accessible programming that uplifts local voices and builds community connections.
Beyond her role in community engagement, Jacylynn is an essential part of In Progress’s Feast Program, providing catering and food services that transform events into welcoming, communal experiences. She believes in the power of sharing food as a way to strengthen bonds, celebrate culture, and nourish both body and spirit.
Jacylynn has also expanded her own artistic practice in recent years by exploring filmmaking as a way to process and share stories about grief. Her commitment to storytelling and healing through film reflects her dedication to supporting others navigating difficult emotions while highlighting the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces for artistic expression.
board member / parent / community organizer
Qualifications
Jacylynn Jones has over a decade of experience in community engagement, specializing in developing arts programming that centers neighborhood needs and voices. She is a passionate advocate for youth participation in the arts, drawing from her lived experience as a parent of young artists.
She is also skilled in catering and food service, managing and providing meals for In Progress’s Feast Program to create inclusive, community-centered events. In addition, Jacylynn is an emerging filmmaker exploring personal and community narratives around grief, using art as a tool for connection and healing.
Focus Areas
neighborhood engagement and leadership
board service / secretary - treasurer
catering services
SKILLS
video making and storytelling
menu and meal prep
general organizing skills
board coordination
EXPERIENCE
lead caterer for FEAST activities at In Progress
mentor for community engagement at In Progress
Board Service
2016 to 2025
CONTACT
photographed by Lee Elee Vue / writing, concept and curation by Jacylynn Jones
THE death of a twin
The death of a twin is unimaginable. It is the loss of one’s self in the reflection of water. But here I am now in this river of happy memories that flow down my face when I think about you.
photographed by Lee Elee Vue / writing by Jacylynn Jones / featuring Jayla Jones, Layla Whipple and Malea Whipple
A Family New
Our loss is deep, and there is no replacing you. But here we are. . . . a family new, made from our collective tears. As our tears fold into the water we have become what we are now one family built from tears of grief.
The reflection of Water / a story of grief and water
