Jesuit Volunteer Corps

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JVC News: Jesuit Volunteer Corps Announces Incoming Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dr. Shana Jones

Hands placed on a tree working together

(Sent to JVC Community 6/9/2021)

After a thorough search with many qualified and remarkable candidates, Jesuit Volunteer Corps is eager to announce the appointment of Dr. Shana Jones to Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The creation of this new role is indicative of our priorities at JVC to become an antiracist organization that centers melanated voices and experiences. The new role will lead the organization in designing, implementing, and evaluating work to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion values, principles, policies, and practices in all aspects of JVC. 

Dr. Shana Jones has over ten years of experience in equity work across non-profit, corporate, and higher education institutions. She studied Organizational and Multicultural Communication and earned her Doctor of Education in Higher Education and Organizational Change. She is stepping in during a critical planning and visioning time within the organization and will be integral to JVC's strategic planning process, which began with staff interviews in May of 2021.  

Dr. Jones says, "My passion for DEI stems from my own experiences, which helped shape my understanding of the world, but better shape my understanding of a world that I wish to thrive in."  
 

A Chicago native, Dr. Jones’ professional focus has been on creating opportunities for those who would not otherwise have them, framed within the foundational principle that 'there should be a space for everyone.' Her accomplishments and experiences range from developing and facilitating programming; mentoring underrepresented populations so that they never forget their worth in a world that tries to diminish it every day; and facilitating DEI conversations, training, and workshops. Dr. Jones is highly proficient in implementing this work by using restorative practices, diversity and climate audits, leadership development, and strategic planning. 

Her approach commonly starts by listening and learning, creating spaces to heal and restore to build and strengthen organizational foundations that invite and amplify the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. JVC is ready for this renewal of our commitment to this work. Staff, consultants, and leadership have spent the past year getting the baseline infrastructure for this new role to start strong during this next step of our process and journey as an organization.  

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Shana Jones to the team!