Jacqueline Buckingham is an actress, advocate, and advisor whose work spans art, style, design, media, philanthropy, healthcare, and women’s rights.

She studied Art History at Emory University, earned a B.A. with High Honors from the University of Toronto, completed postgraduate studies in Neuroscience and Lifestyle Medicine at Harvard, and was certified in Compassion Cultivation through Stanford’s CCARE Center.

Her advocacy began as a teenager in Texas, where she helped repair homes for families in need through her local church and was an official “hugger” for the Special Olympics. Those early experiences taught her the invaluable power of kindness and philanthropy in action.

Women’s Advocacy

Jacqueline has been at the forefront of women’s health advocacy, producing an Anthem Award–winning podcast that brings intelligent information about women's health to the public. Featuring physicians also seen on Oprah, such as Dr. Sharon Malone, Dr. Elizabeth Comen, and Dr. Heather Hirsch, her work helped close the knowledge gap in menopause and other under-researched areas. She launched philanthropic initiatives that partnered with The Pink Fund to create collaborative giving for women facing critical health challenges.

Power of Style

Jacqueline started her first business in 1999 to advise people in matters of art and style. In 2009, through Style Meets Life, Jacqueline created a unique style system that empowered women to embrace confidence and body positivity during challenging transitions. She partnered with Gap Inc., Nordstrom, J.Crew, Macy’s, and Simon Malls to share the stories of women adapting to life after breast cancer, reentering the workforce, and redefining themselves at every age. Style Meets Life was honored to sponsor Dress for Success, where Jacqueline served as Honorary Chairwoman.

Wellness & Education

As Co-Founder and Director of The Wellness Institute in Dallas, Jacqueline developed a curriculum of accessible community programs rooted in lifestyle medicine. She combined ancient wisdom with practical neuroscience to create experiences that empowered people to improve their health and well-being. Her keynotes at Baylor Health, women’s retreats, and high schools inspire audiences to see wellness as a practice of body, mind, and spirit.

Art & Healthcare

Jacqueline founded JBA Art Solutions and Photos for Health, pioneering research-based art programs that redefined healing environments. Her projects encompassed over two million square feet of healthcare space for Indiana University Health, culminating in permanent art installations at the IU Simon Cancer Center, Riley Hospital for Children, Methodist Hospital, and the IU School of Medicine. Nationally recognized by Healthcare Design Magazine and embraced by medical researchers, Photos for Health demonstrated how art rooted in nature fosters resilience, reduces stress, and brings comfort to patients and families.

Film & Television

Jacqueline's training as an actress began at York University. She landed her first role next to Dave Chappelle as Delilah in Half-Baked, later became a regular on Late Night with David Letterman, co-starred in Amazon's first film opposite Minnie Driver, and has had guest-starring roles on Law & Order, Ed, Hack, and As the World Turns. Years later, fusing entertainment with activism, Jacqueline wrote, produced, directed, and starred in a female empowerment series on Amazon that won awards at over a dozen film festivals internationally.

Philanthropy & Cultural Leadership

Jacqueline dedicated 17 years to philanthropic pursuits and cultural leadership in the arts, at institutions including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Her work included chairing dozens of philanthropic initiatives, spearheading a multi-million dollar historic property restoration, and serving as Chairwoman of the Venice Biennale on behalf of the United States. She was honored to build bridges between art, philanthropy, and community engagement on a national and international scale.

Global & Local Service

Committed to raising her children as global citizens, Jacqueline led advocacy projects with her kids at the center. With her son, she produced a documentary for AMPATH’s Orphans and Vulnerable Children Program in Kenya; and with her daughter, she wrote and taught a global school curriculum throughout Australasia, inspiring cross-cultural dialogue. Closer to home, she continues to serve through volunteer outreach.

Theology

As she deepens her studies at Princeton Theological Seminary, she is humbled to offer bereavement services to those in need. Jacqueline’s mission is to help others find more joy and unite in a shared legacy of peace.

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