Faith, Family, Finances, and Flutes! Jasmine Barnes Brings a Thoughtful Approach to JAN’s Ward 1 Leadership

At first glance, those four words: faith, family, finances, and flutes, may not seem to have much in common. Together, however, they tell the story of Jasmine Barnes, the newest Ward 1 representative on the Jackson Association of Neighborhoods Board of Directors.

A woman of faith, a devoted mother of two boys, a financial professional and a former flutist, Barnes has learned that life often requires balancing many different roles. Rather than trying to do everything, she has become intentional about doing the right things well. That mindset shapes not only her career and family life, but also her approach to serving Jackson’s neighborhoods.

Barnes officially joined the board in June. Although she was already very familiar with the organization, Barnes said she wanted to make sure she could devote the time and energy necessary to make a meaningful contribution.

“I’ve learned to be more intentional,” Barnes said. “I want to make sure that whatever I commit to, I can give my best.”

Barnes said she has already begun developing her own vision for serving on the JAN board. While she is still learning the organization and listening to residents, she wants to be someone who contributes her unique strengths while helping strengthen relationships between neighborhoods throughout the city.

Her commitment to service did not begin with JAN.

Many Jackson residents first became familiar with Barnes during her campaign run for Jackson City Council. Although she was not elected, the experience expanded her understanding of the city’s neighborhoods and reinforced her desire to remain involved in civic leadership.

She believes there are many ways to make a difference beyond holding elected office.

Her perspective aligns well with JAN’s mission of supporting neighborhood associations and empowering residents to become active participants in improving their communities.

When asked what she appreciates most about her neighborhood, her answer had little to do with streets or amenities.

Instead, she pointed to the people.

While she initially searched for the right word, Barnes ultimately described her neighborhood as a place defined by camaraderie.

“I honestly love the camaraderie,” she said.

For Barnes, neighborhoods are communities where people notice one another, step in during difficult times and build relationships that extend well beyond property lines.

Barnes proudly describes herself as “Mississippi made.” Born in Canton before later moving to Jackson, she graduated from Terry High School and went on to earn her degree from the University of Mississippi before completing her Executive MBA. Growing up, she was heavily involved in church, excelled academically and participated in band. She credits all of these experiences with helping develop both discipline and a heart for service.

Today, these same values continue to influence how she invests her time.

Professionally, Barnes serves as deputy director of the Audit Division at the Mississippi Department of Transportation, where she has worked for more than five years. A Certified Public Accountant, she has built a career centered on planning, accountability and responsible stewardship, skills she hopes to bring to her work on behalf of Ward 1 and the Jackson Association of Neighborhoods.

She is excited to learn from longtime neighborhood leaders while helping bring fresh ideas and new energy to the organization. 

Ward 1 represents an area of Jackson with neighborhoods that each have their own strengths, challenges and opportunities. Barnes hopes to help ensure those voices are heard while encouraging more residents to become engaged in neighborhood associations and community efforts.

For Barnes, serving on the JAN Board is not about adding another title to her résumé. It is about honoring the values that have shaped her life from the very beginning.

Faith reminds her to serve others. Family keeps her grounded. Her career in finance has taught her to plan thoughtfully and steward resources wisely. Certainly, the lessons she learned as a flutist continue to remind her that the strongest performances happen when everyone works together toward a common goal.

Barnes believes Ward 1 already has a strong foundation. Now, she hopes to help unlock what she calls its “untapped potential.”

“If we can transcend Ward 1,” she said, “you really can transcend the city as a whole.”

Barnes’ journey has included moments of triumph as well as disappointment, but each experience has strengthened her resolve to serve with grace, intention and purpose.

For Ward 1, that may prove to be one of her greatest qualifications.