MAD PR Board Advisor Announcement 2025: Jacqui Porter
Make A Difference Inc. Strengthens Idaho Roots with New Board Appointment and a Call for Local Collaboration
Jacqui Porter Joins Make A Difference (MAD) Now Board of Advisors
Boise, ID — July 23, 2025 - Make A Difference Inc. (also known as Make A Difference (MAD) Now), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and women worldwide through sustainable education programs, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jacqui Porter, MBA, CPEC, to its Board of Advisors.
With more than two decades of experience across finance, marketing, operations, and leadership - and as a Certified Personal and Executive Coach - Jacqui brings a unique blend of business acumen and personal development expertise to MAD’s mission. Her work guiding individuals to build confidence, and pursue meaningful careers aligns seamlessly with MAD’s commitment to preparing youth and women for success in the workforce and beyond.
While Jacqui’s experience is invaluable, her appointment marks a renewed effort by MAD to strengthen its presence in Idaho, where the organization was founded and remains registered. Jacqui’s deep ties to the state where she resides and passion for youth empowerment make her an ideal bridge between MAD’s global programs and its expanding local initiatives.
A Bridge Between Idaho and Africa
Across Idaho and in the international communities where MAD operates, youth face a common challenge: they are graduating from high school and college without the knowledge, skills, or confidence to succeed in the workforce. Many don’t know how to apply for jobs, prepare for interviews, or believe in their own potential. This gap leaves too many young people—despite years of education - ill-prepared and disheartened at a critical turning point in their lives.
In Tanzania, where MAD has operated for over 15 years, these challenges can be even more extreme. In the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, young women like Rehema rise before dawn in search of work that may never come. Despite finishing school, Rehema - like many of her peers - lacks access to job preparation skills, mentorship, and economic pathways needed to support herself or her family. Despite determination, they remain stuck without the tools to turn hope into progress.
To address this growing crisis, MAD created the Business Empowerment (BE) Program, a hands-on initiative that equips youth and women with the tools to become either strong contributors to existing businesses or creators of their own. The program delivers practical, real-world skills - resume writing, job interview preparation, workplace readiness, budgeting, marketing and business planning through a locally managed Learning Management System (LMS) and an activity-based workbook.
With this model, MAD has already empowered numerous youth in East Africa and Latin America. And now, with renewed focus on Idaho, the organization is poised to expand the BE Program locally - creating pathways for young people in the state to succeed, while connecting them with global stories of resilience and growth.
As founder Theresa Grant-Narasimhan shared:
“Jacqui’s deep ties to Idaho and experience in career coaching make her an ideal partner in scaling our mission locally,” said MAD founder Theresa Grant-Narasimhan. “The BE Program gives youth the practical tools and confidence to succeed, whether in Boise or abroad.”
Jacqui, who also mentors young professionals through the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI), brings a values-driven approach to sustainable growth.
“I'm honored to join Make A Difference (MAD) Now’s board of advisors and support its mission of creating real-world opportunities for youth and women,” said Jacqui. “What inspires me most is how MAD helps people believe in themselves and build a future they can feel proud of. I’m excited to help grow the Business Empowerment (BE) Program and build connections here in Boise that expand MAD’s reach and ripple effect around the world.”
MAD has already awarded scholarships to underprivileged international students to study at schools in Idaho from Ukraine and Syria, as well as to local Idaho high school students to participate in service-learning programs abroad - deepening cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship. These programs serve as a foundation for even greater collaboration between Idaho and the communities MAD supports around the world.
Call to Action
The need is local. The impact is global. And the time to act is now.
Make A Difference invites Idaho businesses, foundations, vocational schools, higher education institutions, and community leaders to partner in this mission. Together, we can prepare young people in Idaho and abroad for meaningful employment, entrepreneurial success, and a future filled with opportunity.
Learn More:
To learn more or get involved visit: www.GoMADNow.org
About Make A Difference
Make A Difference (MAD) Now is a registered 501c(3) award-winning non-profit registered in Boise, Idaho.
MAD’s mission is to provide quality education to vulnerable youth and women through scholarships, career development and school improvement. The organization invites individuals to volunteer, hike and partner with them to transform lives.
Media Contact:
Make A Difference Now
Email: info@madempowerment.org
Phone: (208) 309-2100
Website: www.GoMADNow.org
