About Us
About We Deserve Better
We Deserve Better (WDB) is a nonprofit organization committed to building bridges between communities and law enforcement agencies. Founded on the belief that everyone deserves to live in a safe and inclusive environment, we work tirelessly to foster understanding, trust, and collaboration.
About
Judge
Maria T, Jackson
“In 2008,Maria T. Jackson was elected as the 339th State District Court Judge. During Jackson’s tenure, she presided over 80,000 cases.”
Judge Maria T. Jackson Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2023 Police Administrator, Houston Police Department Founder & President, We Deserve Bettera non-profit organization dedicated to uniting law enforcement agencies and communities in the State of Texas. She currently works for the Houston Police Department (HPD) as the police administrator with the office of Legal Services. Judge Jackson created the Arrest, Search and Seizure program for HPD, now a Mandatory Training for the entire Houston Police Department, which includes more than 5,000 officers.
Judge Jackson began her professional career as the program director of two charter schools, where she educated and trained disadvantaged youth. In 2003, she was appointed by the mayor to serve as a full-time Municipal Court Judge. Judge Jackson became the first municipal judge to be featured in the mayor’s Spotlight City of Houston publication for her outstanding work.
Maria T, Jackson
Executive Director
In 2008, she was elected as the 339th State District Court Judge.During Jackson’s tenu presided over 80,000 cases. Many of these high-profile cases were featured nationally, including on “The First 48” television show. She implemented and led sweeping changes for DWI probationers within the 339th. These DWI changes were so notable, the Harris County Probation Department subsequently adopted and implemented them countywide.Judge Jackson served as the Administrative Judge over the 22 Felony Courts in Harris County.
In 2009, Judge Jackson was selected by The United States Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security, the District Attorney of Alabama and the National Judicial College as one of 24 judges from across the country to receive training at the National Computer Forensics Institute.
Judge Jackson’s awards and achievements include 2021 President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, 2019 Outstanding Public Service in the Community Award from the Mexican American Bar Association, 2018-19 Matthew Plummer Sr. Justice Award from the Houston Lawyers Association,2018 Faith Award and Women Making History by the Texas Democratic Women.
In 2015, she was recognized by the Lebanon Times Magazine.In 2014, she was named one of the Top 30 Most Influential Women of Houston by d-mars.com. In 2011,she was named Best Criminal Court Judge by the Houston Press the first African American woman to be given this honor.
Judge Jackson credits her pursuit of excellence to her family. She was heavily influenced by her mother and grandmother, who taught her the value of kindness friendship and fairness. Her father taught her the value of hard work and to keep Jesus as CEO of her life. These characteristics, faith in God, honesty and integrity are key to how she conducts herself, both personally and professionally.
Judge Jackson earned a Bachelor science with from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Juris Doctorate from Texas A&M University School of Law. She is a Certified Mediator and Arbitrator.
Judge Jackson is a member of the State Bar of Texas, a senior fellow of American Leadership Forum, a fellow of Texas Bar Foundation,a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and a member of the Houston Chapter of Links Incorporated, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Lakewood Church.
