Dr. Cheryl “Action” Jackson is described as a storm that’s always brewing! She is known as the Founder and CEO of “Minnie’s Food Pantry” in Plano and a sought-after speaker, TV host and author, which are just a few of her many talents. If you have ever been in the room with her and had the opportunity to hear her speak, you know you were in the presence of greatness. She’s not shy about her walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ either and is quick to tell you that’s where her Superpower lies. I believe if she were not an entrepreneur running Minnie’s, she would be an evangelist! Additionally, she has a new book coming out, “The Power of Action” endorsed by Tony Robbins with the foreword by Stedman Graham. I will let Dr. Cherly share how she brought Oprah Winfrey to Dallas! What a story that is! Although she has been everywhere, it seems her roots are in Southern Dallas, off of Bonnie View and Prosperity Avenue, where her late mother, Minnie Hawthorne-Ewing, raised her in Oak Cliff. She named her food pantry, Minnie’s Food Pantry, in honor of her mother. Dr. Cheryl has a conference coming up soon on October 3rd, The RESET Conference, so you have an amazing opportunity see her and RESET for the great things God has in store for you!
SDM– Dr. Cheryl, it’s hard to figure out where to start with you! You seem to be all over the place from running Minnie’s Food Pantry, to your new book, “The Power of Action,” to your upcoming conference, RESET! Do you sleep at all?
Dr. Cheryl– Thank you for noticing—it’s true, I do have a lot on my plate! From running Minnie’s Food Pantry to sharing my journey through “The Power of Action” and preparing for the RESET conference, I’m incredibly passionate about the work I do. Over time, I’ve learned the importance of prioritization. I don’t believe the word “balance” really applies to anyone’s life, especially when you’re juggling so much. Instead, I focus on what matters most in each moment, and I’ve started to make rest a priority more than I used to. Taking those moments to recharge helps me stay energized and fully present for the people and causes I care about. It’s all about knowing where to direct your energy and being intentional with your time.
SDM– Tell us about the birth of Minnie’s Food Pantry? You have now been serving the community for nearly two decades. So many families are dealing with food insecurity.
Dr. Cheryl– It’s actually been almost three decades now, and while most people hear the name Minnie’s Food Pantry and immediately think of food insecurity, we’ve grown to be so much more than that. In addition to providing meals, we’ve expanded our mission to empower individuals and families in meaningful ways. For example, we have Minnie’s Empowerment Center, where we teach workforce solutions and skills to help people improve their quality of life. We also have Minnie’s Retail Store, where all the products are given away for free, thanks to our incredible community partnerships with Kroger, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Whole Foods, and Amazon. It’s all about creating opportunities and resources that go beyond food, helping people build a foundation for a better future.
SDM– I remember meeting you years ago and just saying to myself, I have never met someone so motivated to help people as much as this lady is! It was quite remarkable and this is where the Oprah Winfrey story comes in. I recall you telling me how much you wanted Oprah to be the main speaker at one of your conferences and after years of reaching out to her, she finally came! I attended that conference and it was night I’ll never forget. Walk us through how that happened and what it showed you about resilience and faith.
Dr. Cheryl– It took me eight years of hearing “no” before I ever heard Oprah say “yes.” Eight years. I want to pause right there because the number 8 biblically symbolizes new beginnings. I didn’t know it then, but God was writing a bigger story than the one I was begging for.
During those eight years, I stayed consistent. I didn’t just keep asking—I kept doing the work. I continued building Minnie’s Food Pantry. I kept serving. I kept praying. I kept dreaming, even when the door stayed shut.
Then something unexpected happened—my mother passed away. That kind of grief is a weight you can’t describe. I was heartbroken, but I chose to grieve forward, not backward. In the midst of that heartbreak, Oprah Winfrey called me personally—not about the gala, not about the pantry—but to offer her condolences. That call alone meant the world, but she didn’t stop there.
She donated $250,000 to Minnie’s Food Pantry. I could’ve said thank you and ended the call, but when you know you’re called for something greater; you don’t shrink back—you ask for what’s in alignment with your purpose. So, I said, “Thank you so much for your donation… but that’s not enough. I don’t need just your gift—I need your voice. I need you to be the voice for people who go unheard. I need you to come to Texas and speak at the gala.”
And to my surprise, Oprah said yes.
That moment taught me something that every leader must understand: Rejection is not the end—it’s refinement. All those years of no’s weren’t personal. They were preparation. The delays made sure I was ready when the yes came. When Oprah stepped onto that stage, when I walked the red carpet beside her, when I saw my sons sitting next to Floyd Mayweather and the Money Team and my husband beaming from across the ballroom… I realized something bigger than a dream had come true.
A movement had been confirmed.
So, to every leader reading this: Don’t stop. Your “yes” may be wrapped inside 50 no’s. Keep doing the work. Stay faithful. Lead with excellence because one day, your new beginning will arrive—and it will be worth the weight.
SDM– Fast forward to today and you have this new book out, “The Power of Action”! It sounds like a book that’s calling us to Action! Am I right? Is it available at bookstores?
Dr. Cheryl– Yes! You heard that right — “The Power of Action” book is finally here! This has been a mountain I’ve spent the last three years climbing, and I finally made the decision to face it head-on. Every step, every delay, every rewrite was part of a greater purpose. I am incredibly honored and humbled that this book—birthed out of real-life leadership from the front lines—has been endorsed by some of the most powerful voices of our time, including Tony Robbins, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Cynt Marshall, Dr. Dharius Daniels, Ron Hall, and so many more. Their belief in the message confirms what I’ve always known: when you take action, doors open. This book is not just my story—it’s a clarion call to anyone with a dream, a purpose, or a fire in their belly to lead. “The Power of Action” will inspire you to stop waiting and start moving. And let me be clear: everyone is a leader, whether you’re in a boardroom, a classroom, or on a street corner serving someone in need.
In “The Power of Action,” I share the raw, unfiltered moments that shaped my leadership journey—from sitting with the President of the United States in the White House, to sitting on the sidewalk with a homeless woman named Sarah, taking her cardboard sign just to understand her pain. That’s the spectrum of leadership I’ve lived.
This book is a guide for those who feel called to lead, but never thought they were ready. It’s filled with the lessons I’ve learned while being placed in roles I didn’t seek, platforms I didn’t plan for, and fights I didn’t expect—but knew I was chosen for.
“The Power of Action” is available now at CherylAction.com and Amazon, and it’s coming to bookstores nationwide this fall.
SDM– On October 3rd, you have the RESET Conference! Tell us about that. Is it for women or both men and women?
Dr. Cheryl– The RESET Conference is a dynamic, transformative gathering designed for both men and women hungry to elevate their leadership. This immersive experience, hosted at Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West, is all about pressing Pause. RESET. Take Action.
The RESET meets leaders, dreamers, and change-makers right where they are—helping them realign with purpose, reclaim their power, and reignite the fire that life tried to dim. RESET is for anyone committed to leveling up their leadership—established executives and grassroots changemakers alike.
This year, I am honored to partner with Stedman Graham for a Leadership Empowerment Session during the conference. Together, we’ll unpack how true leadership is less about title and more about action—especially in moments when you’re called to serve beyond your comfort zone.
SDM– You have worked with so many people through the years, who are some of those people and why are they drawn to you? I remember Rihanna collaborating with you.
Dr. Cheryl- I’ve Been Blessed to Work With Giants — But It’s the Spirit That Draws Them. I’ve had an incredible life. From humble beginnings to standing beside some of the most recognizable names in the world, I’ve learned that favor meets action. I feel extremely blessed to have worked with people like Rihanna, Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Jim Parsons, Cynt Marshall, Bill Cawley, and Brad Albert. Every one of these individuals brought something powerful into my life—but they were also drawn to something in me.
I’ll never forget the time we honored Devin Harris from the Dallas Mavericks at one of our Minnie’s Food Pantry galas. Just 30 minutes before the event began, I got a call that nearly took my breath away: the entire Dallas Mavericks team was coming to support him—including Mark Cuban himself. As a lifelong Mavs fan, I was stunned, but even more than the moment, I’ll never forget the message: when your mission is pure, people will show up.
But let me be very clear—while celebrities might make headlines, it’s the 40,000+ volunteers who’ve served shoulder-to-shoulder with me over the years that make Minnie’s Food Pantry what it is. Many of them are CEOs, executives, and community leaders who could be anywhere else—but they choose to roll up their sleeves and serve. I believe they are drawn to the spirit in which I serve others, especially those most people would overlook or ignore.
They see that I don’t chase status—I chase souls. I chase needs. I chase impact. And I always, always express my genuine gratitude for their presence and their partnership.
So yes, Rihanna once flew to Texas and surprised us, and yes, Oprah Winfrey wrapped her arms around our mission, but none of it would have happened if I hadn’t shown up every single day with a willing heart and a bold ask.
SDM– Dr. Cheryl, we are living in very uncertain times. Non-profits are having a very tough time and people in general are uneasy. What can you share with our audience about overcoming obstacles? You always seem to have a word of encouragement.
Dr, Cheryl– Take Action. That’s always my answer. Not reckless, frantic movement—but intentional steps rooted in purpose. You don’t have to see the whole staircase—just take the next right step. When I was building Minnie’s Food Pantry, there were days I had no money, no food, and no reason to keep going… except I knew someone was counting on me to show up.
Believe in yourself—even when no one else does. When Oprah told me no for eight years, I didn’t stop. I knew who I was. I kept serving. I kept asking. And eventually… the door opened.
Also, here’s what I’ll always say to leaders navigating hard seasons:
Make sure your ask is clear. People can’t say yes to what they don’t understand.
Show gratitude for the little things. I mean deep, daily gratitude. That small $10 donation? Celebrate it. That one volunteer who keeps showing up? Thank them. Because when you honor the small, the big will appear. I’m living proof that miracles show up in motion. When you move with courage, clarity, and gratitude… the world shifts.
SDM– We could go on and on, but I only have so much real estate in the magazine! Thank you so much for taking the time with me and Southern Dallas Magazine! This has been years in the making, but God’s timing is always on time! This month is the North Texas Giving Month and Hunger Action Month. How can those who would like to give to Minnie’s do so? Do you need volunteers as well?
Dr. Cheryl– Yes, yes, and YES! There are two ways to take action and help us continue our mission at Minnie’s Food Pantry:
On September 18th, visit www.northtexasgivingday.org and search for “Minnie’s Food Pantry” — my favorite charity. When you give a minimum of $25, your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar, making an even greater impact!
We always need hands and hearts. Whether you’re an individual, a company, a student group, or a retiree—there’s a place for you to serve. Visit www.minniesfoodpantry.org to sign up and become part of our volunteer family.
At Minnie’s, we don’t just hand out food—we serve dignity, integrity, and love on a plate. In these uncertain times, that kind of leadership matters more than ever. Let’s make this Hunger Action Month a turning point.
