Jacqueline Chaumette Receives 2009 Outstanding Young American Distinction
- By Staff Writer
- Published 08/23/2009
- Education
- Unrated
Jacqueline Chaumette HOUSTON- The United States Junior Chamber has named Jacqueline Baly Chaumette, University of Houston-Downtown political science adjunct professor, one of the 2009 Ten Outstanding Young Americans. Chaumette will receive her award at the 71st annual black-tie awards ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 during the 89th U.S. Jaycees’ Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla. “I am surprised and honored to be recognized by the U.S. Jaycees,” said Chaumettte. “I came to the United States at age 8, and to be recognized as a young American means a lot to me. Public service is my passion. No matter how much you give, you get back so much more.”
Giving back is why Chaumette teaches her sons to volunteer for nonprofits and why UHD students energize her enthusiasm. “I love teaching. It’s been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” said Chaumette. “To see students engage in public policy dialogue and develop as the semester progresses is what I get back from teaching. Occasionally one will make the leap to work in public service—that is the greatest payoff.”
Elected to the Sugar Land (Texas) City Council At-Large Position Two in 2008, Chaumette is the youngest member, only woman member, and only Black member on council. She has more than 20 years of municipal experience having served as a regional planner for the Houston-Galveston Area Council, planning director for the cities of Sugar Land and Seabrook, as a gubernatorial appointee to the Brazos River Authority and vice president with the Greater Houston Partnership. She is the founder of BalyProjects, a public policy, planning and public affairs consulting firm. At UHD, she teaches public policy and administration. Chaumette serves on the boards of several civic and community organizations.
She has been recognized by the Dynamic Woman of Houston as One of the Most Influential Women of Houston, the Houston Chronicle as a Woman on the Move, and the San Jacinto Girl Scouts as Volunteer of the Year. She speaks publicly on regional solutions for local, state and national policy concerns.A native of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Chaumette holds a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and a master’s degree in city planning specializing in public policy.
The Ten Outstanding Young Americans program is one of the oldest and most prestigious recognition programs in America. Since 1938, the USJC has selected ten young men and women who best exemplify the finest attributes of America’s emerging achievers. The TOYA selection process begins in the spring of each year.
Two panels of judges screen and review nominations to choose the top ten individuals. The judges score the nominees’ accomplishments and contributions in relation to the Jaycee creed: “That earth’s great treasure lies in human personality, and that service to humanity is the best work of life.” Previous recipients of the award include Presidents John Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Bill Clinton; Vice Presidents Al Gore, Dan Quayle, and Richard Cheney; as well as Howard Hughes, Orson Wells, Elvis Presley, Nelson Rockefeller, Ted Kennedy, Christopher Reeve, and Shannon Reed.