Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones is a name that resonates deeply in various circles, from philanthropy to education, from healthcare to business innovation. Her life story is one of tireless dedication to the improvement of society, rooted in compassion and driven by a vision for a better world. Born into modest beginnings, Mary Margaret rose to become an influential figure, not only in her community but globally, as her efforts transcended borders and touched lives across continents.
This article aims to shed light on her inspiring journey, her enduring contributions to various fields, and the powerful legacy she has left behind. Through her extensive philanthropic work, Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones has become a symbol of altruism and hope, making her an inspirational figure for generations to come.
Early Life: Foundations of Compassion and Service
Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones was born on February 12, 1948, in Omaha, Nebraska, to parents deeply involved in community service. Her father, Robert Haxby, was a school principal, and her mother, Eleanor Haxby, worked as a nurse at the local hospital. Growing up in a household where service to others was a daily practice, Mary Margaret learned early on the value of giving back to the community. She was the eldest of three children, and from a young age, she exhibited leadership qualities, as well as a deep sense of empathy for those around her.
Mary Margaret’s academic prowess became evident as she excelled in her studies, particularly in the sciences and humanities. She earned a full scholarship to the University of Nebraska, where she pursued a degree in sociology with a focus on community development. Her university years were marked by her involvement in numerous student-led initiatives aimed at addressing social inequality, from advocating for marginalized communities to promoting educational reforms. It was during this time that Mary Margaret’s passion for social justice was ignited.
After graduating with honors in 1970, she moved to Chicago to work with several grassroots organizations focused on poverty alleviation and education reform. She spent the next few years immersing herself in this work, gaining valuable insights into the structural challenges facing low-income communities. This early period in her career helped solidify her lifelong commitment to advocacy and philanthropy.
The Formative Years: A Career in Philanthropy and Education Reform
By the mid-1970s, Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones had established herself as a rising star in the nonprofit sector, thanks to her tireless efforts in education reform and community development. She played a crucial role in founding the Chicago Youth Outreach Project (CYOP), an organization dedicated to providing underprivileged youth with access to quality education and vocational training. Through CYOP, she helped hundreds of young people gain the skills and confidence they needed to succeed in the workforce. The program’s success led to her recognition as a transformative leader in the field of education advocacy.
Her work in Chicago also drew the attention of prominent philanthropists and business leaders, who encouraged her to expand her reach beyond the city. This led Mary Margaret to join the National Education Equity Council (NEEC), a nationwide organization dedicated to reducing disparities in educational opportunities across the United States. As NEEC’s Director of Policy and Strategy, she was instrumental in securing federal funding for educational programs in underserved communities, helping to close the achievement gap between low-income and affluent school districts.
Throughout her career, Mary Margaret maintained a strong focus on the link between education and economic empowerment. She understood that breaking the cycle of poverty required more than just short-term solutions; it required systemic change that addressed the root causes of inequality. Her advocacy for improved teacher training, equitable school funding, and expanded access to higher education helped shape national education policies during the 1980s and 1990s.
A Visionary Philanthropist: Expanding Horizons and Impact
In 1995, after nearly two decades of leadership in education reform, Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones made a significant pivot in her career. With the support of her husband, Dr. Charles Jones, a renowned cardiologist, she established the Haxby-Jones Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to addressing pressing global challenges, including healthcare access, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability. The foundation’s mission was to fund innovative, scalable solutions that could have a lasting impact on the world.
Under Mary Margaret’s leadership, the Haxby-Jones Foundation became known for its bold approach to philanthropy. Rather than simply donating money to established charities, the foundation sought out and supported groundbreaking initiatives that tackled systemic problems in new and creative ways. Mary Margaret was a firm believer in the power of collaboration, and she forged partnerships with governments, NGOs, and private-sector companies to maximize the foundation’s impact.
One of the foundation’s most notable initiatives was the Global Health Innovation Fund, which aimed to improve access to healthcare in developing countries. The fund invested in technologies and healthcare delivery models that could be scaled to serve large populations, such as mobile health clinics, telemedicine platforms, and low-cost diagnostic tools. By focusing on innovation, the foundation was able to improve health outcomes for millions of people in some of the world’s poorest regions.
Mary Margaret also championed environmental sustainability, recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental health and human well-being. She launched the Green Futures Initiative, a program that provided grants to communities developing renewable energy projects and sustainable agriculture practices. This initiative not only helped mitigate the effects of climate change but also empowered local economies by creating jobs in the green energy sector.
Her approach to philanthropy was characterized by a deep commitment to long-term impact and sustainability. She once said in an interview, “Philanthropy isn’t just about writing a check. It’s about asking the tough questions: How can we make this work better? How can we ensure that what we’re doing today will continue to benefit people tomorrow?” This philosophy guided her work and became the hallmark of the Haxby-Jones Foundation.
A Champion for Women and Girls
In addition to her focus on education and global health, Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones was a passionate advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. She understood that empowering women and girls was key to creating healthier, more prosperous societies, and she devoted much of her philanthropic efforts to this cause.
In 2002, she launched the EmpowerHer Initiative, a global program aimed at providing women and girls with access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The initiative worked in collaboration with local organizations to provide scholarships for girls in developing countries, fund maternal health programs, and support women entrepreneurs. Through EmpowerHer, Mary Margaret was able to create lasting change in communities around the world, helping women gain the tools they needed to improve their lives and the lives of their families.
One of the signature programs of the EmpowerHer Initiative was the Women in Leadership Fellowship, a scholarship program that provided young women from marginalized communities with the opportunity to attend top universities and receive mentorship from female leaders in various fields. Many of the fellowship’s graduates have gone on to become leaders in their own right, working in politics, business, and nonprofit organizations to continue the work of advancing gender equality.
Mary Margaret was a vocal advocate for policies that supported women’s reproductive rights and gender equality in the workplace. She worked closely with lawmakers and activists to push for legislation that protected women’s access to healthcare, equal pay, and protections against gender-based violence. Her advocacy efforts helped bring about important changes in laws that have had a lasting impact on the lives of millions of women.
Personal Life and Legacy
Despite her many professional achievements, Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones was known for her humility and genuine concern for others. She remained deeply connected to the communities she worked with, often traveling to meet with program beneficiaries, whether in urban centers or remote villages. Her down-to-earth personality and approachability endeared her to those she met, from world leaders to ordinary citizens.
Mary Margaret’s marriage to Dr. Charles Jones was a partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared values. Together, they raised two children, Amelia and Robert, both of whom have continued their parents’ legacy of service. Amelia became an environmental scientist focused on climate change, while Robert followed in his father’s footsteps to become a physician dedicated to public health. The Haxby-Jones family remained close-knit, with frequent family gatherings and vacations, despite their busy schedules.
Tragically, in 2015, Mary Margaret passed away after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Her death was met with an outpouring of grief from the many people whose lives she had touched. Thousands of messages of condolence were sent to her family, and memorial services were held in cities around the world. The Haxby-Jones Foundation continued its work, now led by her children, ensuring that Mary Margaret’s vision and legacy lived on.
Continuing the Legacy: The Haxby-Jones Foundation Today
Since her passing, the Haxby-Jones Foundation has continued to grow and expand its impact under the leadership of Amelia and Robert Jones. They have remained true to their mother’s values, maintaining a focus on innovative, sustainable solutions to global challenges. In recent years, the foundation has launched several new initiatives, including a program to address the global refugee crisis and a fund for research into cutting-edge medical technologies.
The EmpowerHer Initiative, in particular, has grown significantly, now providing scholarships, healthcare services, and mentorship to over 50,000 women and girls worldwide. Amelia and Robert have also expanded the foundation’s environmental programs, with a renewed focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Mary Margaret’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of philanthropists, activists, and social entrepreneurs. Her belief in the power of collaboration, innovation, and compassion has become a guiding principle for many who seek to create positive change in the world. In her honor, the University of Nebraska established the Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones Center for Social Innovation, a research center dedicated to exploring new approaches to addressing poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability.
Conclusion: A Life Well Lived
Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones was a woman ahead of her time, a visionary who saw the potential for a better world and dedicated her life to making that vision a reality. Her work in education, healthcare, gender equality, and environmental sustainability has had a lasting impact, not only in the United States but around the globe. Through her foundation, her advocacy, and her personal example, she has inspired countless others to follow in her footsteps.
Though she is no longer with us, Mary Margaret’s spirit lives on in the lives of those she helped and in the many organizations that continue to carry out her mission. Her legacy is a testament to the power of philanthropy, compassion, and the belief that we all have a role to play in making the world a better place.
