WASHINGTON (June 24, 2021) – Abena Ocran-Jackson was a fullback on the Howard University women's soccer team (1995-98) where they became the first women's soccer program at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
 
In 1996, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development/Early Childhood Education and entered graduate school to maintain her eligibility for two more seasons.
 
After leaving Howard, Ocran-Jackson worked in accreditation for early childhood programs with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). During her 17-year tenure with NAEYC, Ocran-Jackson went back to graduate school to obtain a Master's degree in Nonprofit Management from Trinity Washington University in Washington, D.C.
 
In 2014, Ocran-Jackson transitioned to work for KinderCare Learning Centers in Portland, Oregon, serving as the Director of Teacher Preparation. During this time, she was named an Exceptional Emerging Leader by Childcare Exchange Magazine as part of their Most Powerful Emerging Leaders Search.
 
Now, Ocran-Jackson serves as the Vice President of Credentialing for the Council for Professional Recognition. The Council promotes improved performance and recognition of professionals in early childhood education and administers the Child Development Associate® (CDA) National Credentialing Program.

Recently, Ocran-Jackson was selected as an Equity Leaders Action Network (ELAN) national fellow by the BUILD Initiative to support state, county, tribal and territories within early childhood systems to advance polices, practices, programs and initiatives to intentionally redress racial and economic marginalization and create racial equity.
 
During her spare time, Ocran-Jackson can be found traveling and cheering on her two boys alongside her husband at basketball, football and lacrosse games.
 
About Where Are They Now?
 
The weekly series of "Where Are They Now?" appears each Thursday throughout the year.
 
The series will feature former student-athletes from all sports and eras, highlighting their careers as athletes at the University and what they are presently doing.
 
All interested former athletes and their coaches should submit a short bio, a recent head shot and contact information on how they can be reached via email to Monet Bowen (monet.bowen@bison.howard.edu) and Derek W. Bryant (derek.bryant@howard.edu).
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.