Celebrating Women In Philanthropy

Meet IT master, CEO, and philanthropist Jacqueline Gamblin

I first meet Jacqueline Gamblin while working as a major gifts officer at Central State University. We met for lunch to discuss her rise in Information Technology (IT) from worker to owner and her passion for education. I listened intently as she detailed her journey. Mentally I took notes about how she took everything she learned from working in various roles in IT as well as every relationship she made and leveraged it when she launched her own business. Was it a leap of faith? Definitely. But more importantly, it was strategic.

She did not leap in hope. She leaped with a plan. She understood how to structure deals, secure contracts and scale a business. And it paid off. Today, her company of more than a decade, JYG Innovations spans six states, has over 100 staff members, and is one of the region's largest defense contractors with a focus on cyber security and health care-related IT solutions. As a result, she is often tapped to serve in key roles on boards in the business community. Her success gives her voice weight. When Gamblin speaks people listen.

However, her effectiveness as a leader extends beyond the business community and into the nonprofit community.

Her list of services as a board member is extensive. From the board chair of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company to Dayton Children's to the trustee for Central State University, she embraces opportunities that focus on education, health, and the arts.

She brings her full self to each role. Her time. Her talent. Her treasure. This has had a transformational impact everywhere she goes. Gamblin has been recognized repeatedly for her work in IT and philanthropy including 2023 Who's Who in Aerospace and Defense, 2022 YWCA Woman of Influence and 2021 DBJ Business of the Year.

Further, her giving philosophy expands beyond her personal wealth to that of her business. She encourages her team to get engaged in the communities where the company has a footprint.

Gamblin is an example of philanthropy at its finest. If you are interested in supporting some of the same projects she does, consider giving to the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company or Central State University.

Reference: Dayton Business Journal, February 2023, November 2021, JYG Innovation, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland,