Fleda Mask Jackson, M.S. '77 ACES Ph.D. '91 EPSY, has been named the Diversity and Inclusion Award winner for the 2026 University of Illinois Alumni Association Awards.
Jackson is a nationally recognized expert on maternal mental health, has spearheaded research on stress and depression as risk factors for pregnancy outcomes, and has partnered with March of Dimes, United Way Healthy Start, and local and national health agencies to create safe spaces for pregnant women. She is the President of Majaica, LLC, a research firm and think tank where she leads the Save 100 Babies network.
The Diversity and Inclusion Award is bestowed upon alumni by the University of Illinois Alumni Association on behalf of the University of Illinois. This award recognizes those alumni who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion through their professional and/or voluntary achievements and whose accomplishments support the UIAA’s goal of promoting diversity, cross-culturalism, open-mindedness, and respect within the University of Illinois community and beyond. In alignment with our mission to foster a supportive environment for all members of our university community, this award is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, or national origin.
The awardees will be honored at the UIAA’s 2026 Alumni Awards Gala on Oct. 1 at Pear Tree Estate in Champaign.
