“Humbled, grateful, thankful.”
Those were the words of Roxane Jett after learning she earned TSA’s top annual public service award. However, it’s the less fortunate people in her hometown of Atlanta who are grateful and thankful for Jett’s giving spirit to make their lives better and their community a greater place to live.
For her extraordinary giving spirit, Jett, management assistant with TSA Investigations, earned the agency’s Public Service Award at the 2022 TSA Honorary Awards Ceremony.
Known as a true public servant, Jett spends much of her time away from work helping others. For the past several years, she has partnered with the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home, which promotes the spiritual, physical and emotional wellbeing of children, youth and families, providing learning supplies and clothing donations and helping individuals overcome trauma, stress and adversity.
She also donates much of her time, learning supplies, clothes and money to Women’s Resources and the International Women’s House. Both nonprofits offer nutrition and family support services to women and their families impacted by violence, drugs and other less than desirable circumstances. Women’s Resources recognized Jett as one of their top fundraisers.
“It was instilled in me at a young age to give,” Jett recalled. “I am inspired when I see the mother, sister or daughter run to escape the fist that knocked them to their feet. I am inspired when I see my brethren lying on the cement or in filth with hands stretched out for something to eat. My heart overflows, because I wish I could help everyone. I may not be able to help everyone, but I can help someone.”
TSA diversity and inclusion and leadership programs helped her developed her desire to help change the world for the better. She said it’s been rewarding to help others in her community.
“I sometimes feel like I get more out of it than they do,” Jett said. “I think it is my passion. I find myself seeking opportunities to help others. It is work, but when you love to help, it is a joy. I am doing what I love.”
Jett also makes a point to readily raise her hand to spearhead TSA Investigations’ annual support for the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) and serves as her office’s CFC keyworker, helping raise critical funds for thousands of charitable organizations across the country.
“CFC is a very important component that gives federal employees access to so many nonprofits,” said Jett. “I want to motivate the masses to help the world. This is one way of doing that. I want to encourage others to give back. CFC allows you to volunteer or give monetary donations. Can you imagine if everyone within TSA gave 1% (of their salary)? What a difference it would make for others. Amazing!”
When learning she won the 2022 TSA Public Service Award, Jett felt like a starlet from a movie scene with a steady flow of tears rolling from her eyes.
“We didn’t have a lot when I grew up, but my mother taught us to give. She was my first role model. I can accept this award in honor of my mother, my family, TSA Investigations Deputy Special Agent Whitmore, mentor Ronnie Bell, TSA’s Change Agent program and the Rising Leaders. I am grateful. I encourage others to use the tools the Administrator speaks on. The tools can’t help you reach your full potential if you don’t use them.”
Jett believes she is defined by her public servanthood and calls serving a privilege.
“I would define a public servant as one who is willing,” said Jett. “It defines me and my work, because I am willing even when it is not convenient. You don’t give to seek the glory. You give because it is the right thing to do. If you have a cup that is running over, get another and fill that one. Give that cup to someone else, so they, too, can do the same.”
By Don Wagner, TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs