Supporter
Jill Chenault Wilson, native of Lexington Kentucky, is the daughter of Philip “Sonny” and Mary Carter Chenault. She is also the mother of Dr. Maria Wilson and Oba Wilson and grandmother of Oba Xander Wilson and Brooklyn Maria Bowman. Jill comes from a sports family in which brothers Kenneth, Philip Jr., and Chris all excelled in both football and track as record holders and state champions. Jill began running track and field at Lexington Junior High School and later became a high school All-American at Henry Clay High School, receiving a four-year full track scholarship to the University of Louisville. In 1978, Jill was a KHSAA state champion in various relay events and Central Kentucky Conference Champion in the 220-yard dash. She was also a member of the Kentucky Blue Diamond Track Club. In 1981, Jill was the Kentucky Women’s Intercollegiate Conference Indoor 60-meter champion.
After college, Jill began her Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) coaching career at Westside Track Club in Louisville, KY, and later went on to become the founder and head coach of the Dunbar Blazin’ Bearcats in Lexington, KY, coaching over 1,000 youth for over a decade. She also served on the AAU board for Kentucky for eight years and was awarded the AAU National Sports Association Volunteer of the Year in 2002. Shortly thereafter, Jill began coaching track at Lexington Traditional Magnet School, winning four county championships. She then went on to coach at Lexington Catholic High School for four years with state titles in both the 4X100-meter relay and boys 200-meter dash. Jill assisted over 25 high school athletes to receive college scholarships and financial assistance.
For the past 17 years, Jill has served as the Community Center Director of William Wells Brown Community Center, which is a division of Lexington Fayette Urban County Government, Parks and Recreation. Prior to this position, she was the Executive Director of the YMCA Black Achievers program, which advanced to the position of Urban Outreach Development Director. She has a passion for working with youth and families in Kentucky.
Jill is constantly striving to connect with communities and organizations to improve social justice in her community. She has always strived to provide resources and opportunities for others to reach their full potential. She prioritizes the needs of the youth while uplifting and encouraging them to succeed despite their daily hardships. Jill is generosity and kindness personified. It is for that reason that she has been able to impact the lives of so many. She is more than a role model; she is the mere representation of a servant leader.
An active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Beta Gamma Omega Chapter, Jill also works closely with the Lexington Health Department to help improve public health conditions at the local and state level. She feels that “We all should live on this earth with peace and harmony and have compassion for our youth. As we learn, we must also be sure to teach others in need. Without any struggle, there is no progress.”
