Care to Learn is proud to announce the promotion of Jhasmine Watson to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective July 1, 2025. In this new role, Jhasmine will oversee the organization’s operational strategy and administrative functions, continuing to build on her legacy of leadership and service.

Jhasmine joined Care to Learn in May 2016 and has since held a range of impactful roles, including Administrative Coordinator, Operations Manager, Deputy Director, and most recently, Director of Operations and Administration. Her strategic vision and steadfast commitment to the organization’s mission have been instrumental in strengthening Care to Learn’s operational infrastructure and expanding its ability to meet the health, hunger, and hygiene needs of students across Missouri.

“Jhasmine has been a driving force behind Care to Learn’s growth and success over the past eight years,” said Krystal Simon, CEO of Care to Learn. “Under her leadership, Care to Learn has increased its average spending for health, hunger, and hygiene needs by 225%. She’s led initiatives that increased the number of students with access to Care to Learn, increased Closet Project capacity, and increased staffing to accommodate this growth. We’re so grateful and proud of everything she’s done to make Care to Learn what it is today.” 

A graduate of Missouri State University, Jhasmine is deeply invested in her community. She currently serves on the Mayor’s Commission for Children Advisory Council, the Associate Board of Trustees for Missouri State University, and the Leadership Springfield Board. She has also held leadership and advisory positions with the Springfield Regional Arts Council, Springfield Little Theatre, and the Springfield Tech Council, among others.

“To say it's been an honor is an understatement,” says Jhasmine. “I am so grateful to have served at Care to Learn for nine years, but I've also worked with some wonderful people who have helped both the organization and me learn and thrive. I look forward to continuing our important work to support even more children as we continue to grow.”

Care to Learn’s mission is to meet children’s emergent health, hunger, and hygiene needs so they can succeed in school. Since 2008, Care to Learn has celebrated more than 4.2 million Missouri student success stories. The nonprofit is headquartered in Springfield, Mo., and partners with 45+ school districts across the state of Missouri. To learn more, visit www.caretolearn.org.