About Our Founder & CEO

A native of the Whitehaven community and a proud graduate of Whitehaven High School, Jason Sharif brings over 20 years of experience in both public and private sectors. His career began in the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, where he served in multiple roles including Child Protective Services Investigator and Juvenile Justice Regional Coordinator. He later worked in the private sector as a Sales Representative for Comcast in Houston.

In 2019, Jason returned to Memphis and resumed his community and youth advocacy work. He taught middle school social studies, coached baseball, worked as a Youth Behavioral Counselor, and launched the Boys & Girls Club at Westwood High School. His organizing efforts have focused on reducing barriers for families and students, especially through work in the Klondike-Smokey City neighborhood with Whole Child Strategies.

In 2024, Jason was a candidate for the Memphis-Shelby County School Board (District 7).

Jason holds a B.A. in Political Science from Jackson State University and an M.P.A. in Public Administration from Tennessee State University. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Urban Affairs at the University of Memphis.

As Founder & CEO of A Better Whitehaven (formerly RESPECT The Haven), Jason continues to champion community engagement and collective impact. He’s also served in the past as: