Jacqueline Coleman, born on June 9, 1982, in Danville, Kentucky, is an American educator and politician serving as the 58th Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky since December 10, 2019.
A lifelong Kentuckian, she was raised on a farm in Mercer County and has dedicated her career to education and public service.
Educational Background and Early Career
Coleman graduated from Mercer County High School, where she was an active basketball player. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Centre College, where she also played basketball.
She furthered her education with a Master’s degree from the University of Louisville and pursued a doctorate in educational leadership at the University of Kentucky.
Her professional career includes roles as a high school social studies teacher and basketball coach at Burgin High School and East Jessamine High School.
She was recognized as the Coach of the Year for Region 12 in 2015 by the Kentucky Association of Basketball Coaches. Coleman also served as an assistant principal at Nelson County High School.
Political Career
In 2014, Coleman ran as a Democratic candidate for the 55th District of the Kentucky House of Representatives but was not elected.
In 2019, she was selected as the running mate for gubernatorial candidate Andy Beshear.
The Beshear-Coleman ticket won the election, and she was inaugurated as Lieutenant Governor on December 10, 2019.
She was re-elected alongside Governor Beshear in November 2023, with their current term set to end on December 7, 2027.
As Lieutenant Governor, Coleman has been a staunch advocate for public education, leveraging her extensive background in the field.
She has focused on initiatives aimed at increasing teacher pay, expanding access to universal pre-kindergarten programs, and enhancing student mental health services.
In 2013, she founded Lead Kentucky, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering college women in the state to become future leaders.
Personal Life
Jacqueline Coleman is married to Chris O’Bryan. They have a daughter named Evelynne, and she is also the adoptive mother to Emma and a stepmother to Will and Nate. The family resides in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Recent Developments
In December 2023, Coleman underwent a successful double mastectomy following concerns raised during a routine medical examination. She cited a significant family history of cancer as a factor in her decision and expressed gratitude for the support from her family and healthcare providers. She emphasized the importance of preventive health measures and anticipated a full recovery.
Throughout her tenure, Coleman has remained committed to addressing educational challenges and advocating for policies that support Kentucky’s students and educators.
Dan Oliver founded Dan-O’s Seasoning, a famous seasoning brand known for its unique blend of herbs and spices.
Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Oliver launched Dan-O’s Seasoning to create a healthier, low-sodium alternative to traditional seasonings without sacrificing flavor.
The inspiration for Dan-O’s Seasoning came from a recipe Oliver developed himself. Growing up, he was passionate about cooking and experimented with various flavors and ingredients.
His signature seasoning blend originated from a spice mixture he created for a well-received chicken dish by friends and family.
This signature blend became the foundation of Dan-O’s Seasoning, which emphasizes an all-natural ingredient list, no sugar, and no MSG, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
Dan-O’s Seasoning gained popularity rapidly, mainly through social media platforms, where Oliver showcased its versatility in various recipes.
The brand’s appeal lies in its use for a wide range of dishes, from meats to vegetables. It allows home cooks and chefs to add robust flavor without adding calories, fat, or artificial ingredients.
Lisa Leslie is a highly regarded & respected figure in women’s basketball.
Born on July 7, 1972, in Gardena, CA.
She made significant contributions to the sport on/off the court.
Here are some key details about her career & achievements.
Early Life and Education High School:
Lisa attended Morningside High School in Inglewood, California, where she became a basketball star, scoring over 100 points in a single half during one game.
College: She attended the University of Southern California (USC) from 1990 to 1994, where she was a standout player and earned several awards and honors.
Professional Career WNBA:
Lisa Leslie was one of the original players of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) when it was founded in 1997. She played for the Los Angeles Sparks throughout her WNBA career, from 1997 to 2009. Achievements: Leslie led the Sparks to two WNBA Championships in 2001 and 2002. She was named WNBA MVP thrice (2001, 2004, 2006) and an eight-time All-Star. Milestones: In 2002, Lisa became the 1st player to dunk in the WNBA, marking a significant milestone in women’s basketball.
International Career:
Olympics:
Leslie represented the U.S. in 4 Olympic Games (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008), winning 4 gold medals. Her performance at the Olympics solidified her status as 1 of the world’s best players. Legacy & Impact: Retirement: Leslie retired from professional basketball in 2009. Her impact on the sport extended beyond her playing days.
Post-Retirement:
After retiring, she became a successful coach & sports analyst/commentator. She has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts & advocacy for women’s sports.
Hall of Fame:
Lisa was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015 & the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Personal Life:
Family:
Lisa Leslie is married to Michael Lockwood, a commercial pilot, & they have 2 children.
Influence & Recognition:
Role Model:
Leslie is a role model for young athletes, particularly women aspiring to play basketball. Her contributions to the sport & advocacy for women’s athletics have made her an influential figure in sports history.
Media:
She has authored a book, “Don’t Let the Lipstick Fool You,” & is a prominent sports media figure.
Leslie’s career is marked by her exceptional skills, numerous accolades, & pioneering role in women’s basketball, making her a legendary figure.
Darren Rogers is the Senior Director of Communications and Media Services at Churchill Downs, the historic racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky, famous for hosting the annual Kentucky Derby.
In his role, Rogers manages communications and media relations for the racetrack and its events, including the Kentucky Derby, which is known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”
Rogers has handled various aspects of Churchill Downs’ public image and media interactions, particularly during significant events like the Kentucky Derby Week.
His work includes coordinating with local, state, and federal law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of the large crowds that attend these events.
He also provides critical updates and information to the public regarding event logistics, ticketing, and other relevant details.
Rogers has been with Churchill Downs for several years and is a crucial figure in the promotion and execution of the racetrack’s significant events, contributing to the overall experience for guests and the smooth operation of the race meets.