07/15/2026
Today I had the privilege of attending the retirement celebration of Danetta Jackson after 39 years of service with the California Department of General Services
Throughout the ceremony, current and former colleagues shared stories about Danetta's leadership, mentorship, and lasting contributions to California's procurement programs and to the success of small and diverse businesses.
As I listened, I kept thinking back to 2023.
While serving on the California Department of Insurance Diversity Task Force, I moderated a workshop featuring Danetta Jackson and Christopher Earl, with the Office of the Small Business Advocate
The inaugural Diversity Symposium was filled with entrepreneurs eager to learn and connect with state agencies and resource partners. But with several rooms on different floors holding different sessions, our audience never came! 🤣
It would have been easy to pack up and on.
Instead, we recorded the presentation so that small business owners who missed the session could still benefit from it. She stayed, shared her knowledge, and we created a resource that could continue helping long after the event. (I'll share the video in the comments.)
That is who Danetta is.
She understands that supporting isn't measured by how many people are in the room. It's measured by showing up, sharing what you know, and making sure entrepreneurs have the information they need to succeed.
I am encouraged that her commitment has inspired so many of her colleagues. Her legacy isn't just the programs she helped shape; it's the people who will continue that work for years to come.
Congratulations, Danetta, on a remarkable career. Thank you for nearly four decades of public service and for the countless businesses and communities you've impacted along the way. I wish you a joyful and well-deserved retirement.
