In the Mood for Leadership: Jackie Walker
Jackie Walker, Executive Director, Lucy’s Love Bus
Name: Jackie Walker
City: Kittery, Maine + Amesbury, MA
Organization: Lucy’s Love Bus
What inspired you to get in the healthcare space, specifically cancer care for kids? Lucy’s Love Bus is a childhood cancer support organization, and there’s a personal connection for me—my parents met while working in the pediatric oncology clinic at Johns Hopkins Hospital, so it feels like a full-circle moment. Cancer touches so many lives, and having the opportunity to support the families of the youngest patients has truly been the honor of a lifetime.
What do you think is the most pressing problem in this space right now? The most pressing problem in this space right now is that organizations focused on quality-of-life support, like ours, are often overlooked in favor of immediate basic needs and financial assistance.
“Support causes that matter to you—but do so sustainably, without burning out. ”
As healthcare coverage is cut and costs rise, funding and attention tend to prioritize essentials. While these basics are critical, our programs provide stability, joy, and developmental opportunities that are vital for children’s long-term wellbeing.
The challenge lies in effectively communicating how quality-of-life organizations complement direct-support services, so that children can thrive both now and in the future.
What does leadership mean to you? To me, leadership means being authentic and transparent with both staff and board members, while adapting my management approach to align with each individual’s strengths and work style. I believe effective leadership is not just guiding a team, but helping each person grow, feel valued, and work toward a shared mission with confidence and purpose.
How do you manage burnout? This is a work in progress for me, definitely! I’m trying to stick to creating gratitude lists at the end of each day, even if I can only come up with one small thing and that thing is as simple as “My dog ate all his food.”
Is there a space in your city that you absolutely love that helps you reset or think forward or be present? I just moved to the coast of southern Maine, and it’s absolutely beautiful. There is a bench a few blocks away that has a great view over Portsmouth Harbor for sunsets, so I’m soaking those in while the sun still sets after work hours!
If there is one action that readers can take to improve this space, what would it be? Support causes that matter to you—but do so sustainably, without burning out. At the same time, look for adjacent organizations that may need help. For example, if you’re drawn to large, well-known and well-funded organizations like St. Jude’s, consider also supporting local programs or those that help families once treatment ends so your dollar goes farther and has a deeper impact.
Thank you, Jackie, for the work that you do! Please check out www.lucyslovebus.org to learn more.