Trina Jackson

Work-Based Learning Coordinator/CTE Pathway Coordinator, Asheville High School

Trina Gragg-Jackson
is an educator, author, entrepreneur, and community advocate with over 30 years of experience in the field of Career and Technical Education (CTE). Trina has become a cornerstone of the Cosmetology Department. A passionate advocate for bridging the gap between education and the workforce, she has made a lasting impact by shaping young minds and preparing them for the challenges of entrepreneurship. Trina's academic journey began at St. Augustine’s University, where she majored in Business Management, before furthering her expertise at Carolina College of Hair. Her dual passion for business and beauty paved the way for her to merge the two, creating unique educational experiences that empower the next generation of business owners. As a three-time author, Trina has written books focused on entrepreneurship, with an emphasis on guiding students from the classroom to the business world. Her innovative approach led her to create entrepreneurial cohorts, providing mentorship to young business owners eager to launch and grow their own ventures. Through these cohorts, she has helped countless students and professionals transform their ideas into thriving businesses. Trina’s exceptional work has earned her recognition at local, state, and national levels. She has been awarded CTE Teacher of the Year, Black Wall Street Educator of the Year(Asheville) Walmart Teacher of the Year, and the Business Trailblazer Award. Her contributions to education and community empowerment have solidified her as a leader in both the classroom and beyond. In addition to her work as an educator, Trina is a business owner and community activist. Her commitment to the community is evident in her active participation on several boards, where she advocates for educational reforms and business development initiatives. Trina’s legacy is not just in the curriculum she teaches, but in the lives she touches through her entrepreneurship programs and civic engagement. Trina Gragg-Jackson continues to be a driving force in CTE education, where she is now the Work Base Learning Coordinator equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in the competitive world of business. Her life’s work is a testament to her belief that education is the key to unlocking potential and creating lasting change!