Jamell Meeks
First Lady Emeritus
Salem Baptist Church of Chicago
Reaching, Teaching, Empowering, and Mentoring
Jamell Meeks is the former Director of Women's Ministries for the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, under the leadership of her husband, Reverend Senator James T. Meeks. A shining example of a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she is nationally known as an influential leader with a gentle spirit. Jamell is a graduate of the historic Bishop College in Dallas, Texas.
Jamell Meeks is a visionary. When she operated as Director of "Women of Influence," she led ministry projects and activities for thousands of women. Out of her passion for the spirit of entrepreneurship, Jamell developed the nationally recognized A.R.I.S.E Entrepreneur Program, a 7-week training program designed to nurture and expand small businesses. Under her leadership, she has developed programs that focus on health and wellness, mentoring, professional development, HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, domestic violence awareness, education, teen pregnancy and parenting, and educational development and training. Jamell challenges women to become leaders, helping them to discover and cultivate their unique purposes in life.
Jamell also acts as the National Chair of the First Ladies Health Initiative and is a John Maxwell certified speaker and trainer. Her unwavering faith in God continues to fuel her mission—to inspire women of all ages to live a life grounded by faith, guided by purpose, and motivated by infinite possibilities. She served as First Lady of the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago for over 37 years. First Lady Jamell and her husband, Pastor James T. Meeks, transitioned into retirement after January 8, 2023.