Episode 11

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Published on:

24th Mar 2026

From Constant Transition to Consistent Leadership with Moryah Jackson

***This Episode***

In this episode of Civically Grown, Moryah Jackson shares her leadership journey shaped by resilience, service, and early opportunities to lead.

Now serving as Executive Director of Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity, Moryah reflects on growing up amid frequent moves, housing insecurity, and constant transition, and how those experiences built the adaptability and confidence she relies on today.

From student government beginning in third grade, to creating a service-learning walkathon as a teenager, to launching a multimillion-dollar corporate foundation during the pandemic, Moryah’s story highlights the long-term impact of youth leadership, mentorship, and agency.

This conversation explores how supportive adults, service learning, the arts, and being pushed to do hard things helped shape her leadership identity. Moryah also shares how she leads through uncertainty, invests in systems, builds healthy team culture, and prioritizes personal well-being alongside professional responsibility.

The episode closes with reflections on reading to apply learning, investing in yourself, supporting emerging leaders, and why Moryah sees her leadership style as a field of wildflowers: resilient, authentic, and rooted wherever they grow.

***Guest Bio***

Moryah Jackson, Executive Director, Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity:

From experiencing housing insecurity as a child to leading a mission-driven organization focused on affordable housing, Moryah Jackson has built a life centered on purpose, leadership, and compassion. In March 2025, she joined the Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity team as Executive Director. With a career that spans higher education, banking, corporate philanthropy and community development, Moryah brings a unique blend of strategy and heart to her work.

Prior to joining Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity, Moryah launched and led a $10 million corporate foundation, directed community engagement strategies across six Southeastern states and designed a Leadership Academy that graduated more than 80 emerging banking leaders. Her work reflects a common thread: bringing people together, building bridges across difference and creating pathways to opportunity.

As a first-generation college graduate, Moryah’s perspective is informed by her lived experience and academic background. She studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic as an undergraduate and completed a graduate fellowship in Maseru, Lesotho. Her global education expanded her understanding of cross-cultural leadership.

Moryah inspires others to lead with empathy, clarity and courage. She is passionate about cultivating cultures where people feel valued, wellbeing is a priority, and curiosity fuels innovation. A results-oriented leader with a growth mindset and a “let’s make this happen” attitude, Moryah brings both heart and discipline to her work. When she’s not working, you can usually find her on a soccer field, exploring a state park or browsing the shelves of a local bookstore.

***Show Host***

Dr. Shaniece Criss

***About The Podcast***

From youth leadership to enduring community impact, Civically Grown highlights changemakers who have turned early civic action into meaningful legacies.

Two new episodes are released each month on YouTube and all major podcast platforms: https://civicallygrown.captivate.fm/.

#CivicallyGrown #YouthLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Resilience #Agency #MentorshipMatters #NonprofitLeadership

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About the Podcast

Civically Grown
Where changemakers share the roots of their leadership and the impact they’re cultivating today.

Civically Grown shares the stories of leaders whose early steps in civic engagement began in youth leadership and have grown into legacies of lasting community impact. Dr. Shaniece Criss, a former youth governor turned health scholar and public servant, hosts this podcast. It is your source for inspiration, insight, and actionable strategies that fuel your momentum and amplify your influence.

Each episode blends uplifting conversations with tools to help you overcome obstacles, strengthen your leadership, and spark meaningful change. Whether you’re looking to deepen your impact or build a lasting legacy, Civically Grown equips you to grow as a leader and empower the next generation. Join a community of passionate changemakers committed to making a difference that endures.

About your host

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Dr. Shaniece Criss

Dr. Shaniece Criss is a civic leader and podcast host who believes in the power of community to drive meaningful change. At Furman University, she serves as Associate Professor of Health Sciences and Director of the Advocacy and Social Policy master's program. Her career spans local and global impact, from producing a national health television program in Guyana during her Peace Corps service to roles at the CDC, ICF International, and CNN. She earned degrees from Harvard University (ScD, MPA), Emory University (MPH), and Oglethorpe University (BA). Dr. Criss brings experience, optimism, and authenticity to every conversation.