February 12, 2026
By Tracie Troha

At the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Black History Month is a time to reflect on the past while celebrating the achievements of the members of our community who continue to shape our present and future. This annual observance allows us to honor the legacies that paved the way and amplify the voices of those advancing representation and excellence today.

This year, the Woodruff School is spotlighting Jaeda Bennett, program and operations manager, whose journey, leadership, and commitment to lifelong learning embody the spirit of Black History Month.
 

Can you tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from originally, and what’s your role at Woodruff School?

I’m originally from North Carolina, though Georgia has been home for most of my life. In my current role as program and operations manager, I provide support to the director of design, innovation and experiential learning. Being involved in these initiatives has been an energizing and rewarding part of my professional journey so far.
 

What drew you to working in higher education?

Education has been woven into the fabric of my life for as long as I can remember. With a college librarian for a mother and a computer science instructor for a father, I spent many days on college campuses. My grandmother—one of the most influential figures in my life—carried the same calling as an educator, grounding our family in the belief that learning is both a responsibility and a privilege.

From an early age, I excelled academically and sought out intellectual challenges out of genuine curiosity. I consider myself a lifelong learner, so stepping into environments devoted to discovery, inquiry, and human growth has felt not just familiar but very natural.

This is what drew me to Georgia Tech: an esteemed R1 institution provides a rare intersection of rigor, innovation, and impact—an environment where my personal academic strengths, my love of learning, my business-minded approach, and my experience in youth and human development can meaningfully converge. Working here has allowed me to contribute to the journeys of students in a way that feels aligned with both my history and my purpose.
 

Who are some of your inspirations and mentors? Can you share an early experience that influenced you personally or professionally?

My greatest inspirations are my mother and grandmother. They exemplified grace, intelligence, and wisdom, while also demonstrating remarkable strength. I deeply admire the balance of these qualities in them, and I am grateful to carry forward their legacy.

I have been fortunate to have several exceptional mentors throughout my life, but three have been profoundly impactful on my personal and professional development. These are my former high school Spanish teacher, my former professor at Georgia Southern University, and my master’s capstone preceptor. Each of them has played a significant role in shaping who I am today—teaching, guiding, supporting, and inspiring me over the past 15 to 25 years.
 

Have you faced personal or professional obstacles, and how have you overcome them?

Over the past few years, I have navigated several significant and unexpected life transitions, both personally and professionally. While such challenges could understandably disrupt anyone’s path, I was committed to emerging stronger and more resilient. I approached each circumstance with intentionality—leaning into more healthy habits that support holistic well‑being and reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth, learning, and renewed capability. In addition, I mentor several remarkable young individuals, which further motivates me to lead by example. Modeling perseverance, adaptability, and resilience during difficult periods reinforced my commitment not only to my own development but also to support and inspire those who look to me for guidance or inspiration.
 

How can we continue to champion the importance of diversity at Georgia Tech and in our personal lives?

Although a collective approach is ideal, everyone remains ultimately responsible for their own actions and contributions. At the individual level, pausing for self-reflection to acknowledge and challenge our own biases is a critical first step. By doing so, we open the door to greater learning and the opportunity to build positive connections across diverse groups of people.
 

What is your favorite mantra or quote?

I have a strong appreciation for philosophy, so choosing a single quote is difficult. However, one that has stayed with me—and that I shared with my classmates during my high school valedictory address—is the following from Jimmy Dean: “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”