Sharon Jones

Background

About Sharon Jones

Sharon E. Jones, CEO and Founder of Jones Diversity, Inc, is a lawyer and a diversity consultant who specializes in diversity/inclusion training and consultations for individuals, law firms, corporations, not-for-profits, educational institutions, and other types of organizations. Launching Jones Diversity, Inc. in 2003, Ms. Jones successfully designs and integrates global workforce diversity strategies for the hiring and development of diverse talent. Sharon also develops strategies and training for fostering inclusive work environments and ensuring management accountability. Since assuming the role of CEO, Ms. Jones has established a framework of policy and practices that have advanced Jones Diversity's recognition as a top company for diversity. Among her accomplishments, Sharon has led a team while designing and launching "Mastering the Game", a success strategies seminar for diverse professionals. Prior to her role at Jones Diversity, Sharon held an array of titles within corporations, law firms and not for profits, including Founding Director, President, Executive Vice President, Partner, Assistant US Attorney and Senior Counsel. Ms. Jones received her Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Harvard College and a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School. Ms. Jones currently serves on the member of the board of directors of the Federal Defender Program. Among other recognitions, Ms. Jones has received the Two Steps Forward: Leading Women in Law Award for her support and advocacy of workplace equality for women in law. Notable Highlights:• Doubled the Chicago Urban League annual budget in 2 years from $5M to $10M which allowed for the development of new programming and strategic planning in building economic development in Chicago’s black community. She managed an organization with 75 employees and 3 locations in metropolitan Chicago. • Created a Buffalo, NY high school funded by a $3.2M grant from New York State to build an advanced manufacturing program with an Associate’s Degree in advanced manufacturing from Alfred State College by negotiating the deal with the Buffalo NY School District, SUNY College, and others. • Designed and generated diversity and inclusion strategies for law firms and professional services clients to build more inclusive workplaces for diverse professionals to achieve leadership roles. • Created inclusive cultures to attract top talent resulting in reduced attrition, increasing employee retention, and overall positive corporate exposure. Frequent public speaker.