(804)-835-6400
About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
JumpStart U2 (JSU2) is a mission-driven initiative founded to disrupt cycles of displacement and inequity through community-rooted housing solutions, strategic advocacy, and systems-level reform. Our work centers on empowering families, stabilizing neighborhoods, and advancing equity in public education and housing policy.
Our Story
Our Structure
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Founder & Executive Lead: JSU2 is led by its Founder, who oversees all strategic, operational, and programmatic efforts.
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Board of Directors: JSU2 maintains a board, though it is not actively engaged in day-to-day operations. One member provides oversight and signs off on official documentation as needed.
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Staffing: JSU2 currently operates leanly. A former Program Coordinator supported operations through December 2023; the Founder now serves as the sole staff member.
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Strategic Focus
JSU2’s current priorities include:
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Advancing the Breaking the Cycle proposal to realign public school facilities and promote housing stability
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Piloting the FSHI (Family Stability Housing Initiative) to support long-term housing solutions
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Expanding the CRIP (Community Resilience Internship Program) to develop youth leadership and civic engagement
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Building cross-sector partnerships to drive systemic change
We operate with intentionality, agility, and deep community commitment. Our mission-aligned structure allows us to remain responsive and focused on impact.
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Meet The Team
About the Founder
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Carl S. Vaughan, EdD is the heart and engine behind JSU2. With over 25 years in public education—as a teacher, administrator, and systems-level strategist—Carl has spent his career helping schools and communities navigate change with integrity and purpose.
He began in Richmond, Virginia, teaching art in middle and high schools, where his classroom wasn’t just about creativity—it was a launchpad for student growth, leadership, and community engagement. After earning his Master’s in Administration and Supervision from VCU, Carl stepped into school leadership, helping reopen a middle school, integrate technology, and lead a high school to full accreditation during one of its most challenging chapters.
Carl’s leadership style is hands-on, transparent, and relentlessly focused on impact. He’s mentored future principals, supported award-winning programs, and driven some of the highest academic gains in his district. Along the way, he pursued doctoral studies at Virginia Tech, deepening his understanding of organizational systems and educational reform.
Today, Carl leads JSU2 as its sole staff member—designing programs, managing operations, and maintaining compliance with minimal resources. He’s not just keeping the lights on; he’s reframing purpose-built operations as a strategic advantage. Whether he’s refining an org chart tile to match the bylaws or reclaiming JSU2’s public narrative after years of negative press, Carl brings precision, resilience, and vision to every detail.
JSU2 reflects his belief that small, mission-driven organizations can punch above their weight—especially when they’re built on transparency, equity, and a clear sense of purpose.
Nelson Corbert
Board Member
Carolyn Waller Warren
Board Member
Kassaundra Blount, PhD
Officer
Thelma Tunstall-Williams
Board Member
Gary T. King
Officer
Bobby Shockley
Officer
JSU2 maintains board and officer roles as outlined in our bylaws. These positions are currently inactive but remain part of our formal structure. We are actively exploring opportunities to expand board engagement in alignment with our evolving mission.
JSU2 Strategic Timeline of Milestones
2012
Bylaws drafted to guide JSU2’s mission and structure.
2014
Operational launch with VCU & UVA interns. Essence of Empowerment Gala co-hosted with the Virginia War Memorial.
2016
VCU Federal Work-Study collaboration with 8 student participants.
2019–2020
Mission reframed: lean operations positioned as intentional and impact-centered.
2021
Website and public-facing proposals launched to engage district stakeholders.
2022–2023
Life Skills Academy launched. Back to School Bash, Client of the Month, and Vision Board creation. Dominion Energy Christmas Parade participation.
Re-engaged Virginia State University and VCU interns as program advocates. Became ChamberRVA members and partners. Participated in Mission Tomorrow.
2023
Organization Chart and operational framework overhauled to reflect solo leadership and strategic priorities.2024Solo leadership formalized. Founder assumes full operational control; lean model reframed as strategic.2025“Breaking the Cycle” proposal delivered. Transparency and legitimacy reinforced through stakeholder alignment.
