Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Shaniqua Jones.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Dr. Shaniqua Jones. My journey started before conception through God’s timing to prepare me for such a time as this. I was born and raised in the church but lost my way when I was 15 years old. For 11 years, I lived a life unrecognizable from my upbringing.
When I laid dying as I gave birth to my fifth and final child, I promised God that I would step into my God-given calling with authenticity and compassion. November 22, 2006 – I surrendered my life to one that is more meaningful.
Those 11 years consisted of teen pregnancy, postpartum depression, poverty and a poverty mindset, promiscuity, suicidal ideations, and the act to want to leave this life, police brutality, domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, cervical cancer, and homelessness. Yes, these are some heinous circumstances.
I am able to stand with my head held high because of restoration. Today, I am recognized as a global leader with over 12 years of direct experience in the world of education utilizing Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It became smoother once I stepped out on faith as a full-time businesswoman as of April 2022.
The struggle I once experienced is praying for the right team to be the leader I am today. There had to be a mindset shift that allowed me to be laser-focused and strategically disciplined.
I had to create a system that provide sustainable opportunities for me to thrive. Healthy boundaries, time management, and reality were key areas of my life that allowed me to flourish.
We’ve been impressed with Purple Path & Jones Academy of Excellence, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Purple Path is a for-profit organization founded on Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices principles. We strive to support youth and their families, educators, and the communities at large with consulting education, training, and virtual healing spaces.
We cultivate a journey that fosters wholeness and prosperity for the entire community. Purple Path provides empowering and motivational signature talks, Restorative Justice consulting and training, and wraparound services for youth and families impacted by deep-rooted harms. Purple Path is passionate about revolutionizing the community through storytelling and vocalizing its truth.
Our mission is to end trauma and exploitation facing our country’s most vulnerable youth and provide healing in the communities they reside. Purple Path stepped up in faith to establish Jones Academy of Excellence in response to the disheartening matters witnessed in our local educational institutions.
Jones Academy of Excellence prides itself on providing a quality educational experience that promotes healing from a restorative lens infused with a robust academic curriculum.
Jones Academy of Excellence Instructional Philosophy:
*Students are expected to work consistently at the highest levels of their ability to develop skills.
*Students are expected to produce and/or revise work until it meets our collective established standards.
*Students will be actively engaged in learning through a combination of the following instructional strategies; independent work, cooperative group work, and project-based assignments that include direct instruction, research, decision making, and technology.
*On-going practice helps students develop needed skills in a wide variety of areas.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Dr. Shaniqua Jones is a Global Leader and Restorative Justice Practitioner, Expert. Affectionately known as Dr. J and for her brilliant ability to connect deeply with those who have been harmed and have caused harm through Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices.
Dr. J has been called upon to remove barriers alienating and dehumanizing people from all walks of life. Dr. Jones completed her doctoral degree in Interdisciplinary Leadership specializing in Higher Education in May of 2016. She has a diverse background in academics.
What separates Dr. Jones from her peers is her uncanny ability to infuse her personal and professional experiences, which allows her to connect genuinely and have a great deal of empathy for the people she serves. In 2018, Dr. Jones was honored and inducted as a member of the 40 under 40 rising leaders into the Young Women’s Professional League Chicago for her industry expertise and leadership.
The global speaker founded the Purple Path for-profit organization in the spring of the following year. The organization provides sustainable and tangible resources, building competencies, relationships, and social capital in deserving communities. Recently, Dr. Jones acted as Director of Community Engagement and Diversity Programs at Trinity Christian College.
The educator provided opportunities to discuss matters of the heart related to diversity and social justice by utilizing Restorative Practices. Dr. Jones advised students to serve across the country and mentored scholars through academic preparation and spiritual formation.
Serving the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement as Restorative Justice Trainer, Dr. J has solidified herself as an effective leader with significant momentum. In May of 2021, Governor Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education appointed Dr. Jones to the Whole Child Task Force.
In December 2021, Dr. Jones accepted an assignment as a Project Manager for MacArthur Foundation – Just Imperative Working Group based on her expertise as a Restorative Justice Practitioner focused on healing and resilience. Dr. Jones also serves as Chief Educational Officer for Touch Gift Foundation.
Dr. J used her experiences as Restorative Justice Coordinator – Dean of Students at Chicago Collegiate Charter School. She also used her foundation for Restorative Justice training for churches, schools, community organizations, The Cook County Southland Juvenile Justice Council, and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice.
Dr. Jones has served as a consultant-to-District Coordinator of Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices with Thornton Township High Schools District 205 for four years, ending her residency in 2022. With a global platform, as the founder of Purple Path and Jones Academy of Excellence, Dr. Jones has educated and served thousands of students, parents, guardians, educators, organizations, and more through her work rooted in Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices.
Dr. Jones is a wife and mother of five biological children and an author of 10 awe-inspiring works. When she isn’t impacting lives and transforming communities, you can find Dr. J sporting her favorite gym shoes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.purplepathbydrj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purplepathbydrj/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purplepathbyDrJ
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PurplePathByDrShaniquaJones
- Other: Jones Academy Of Excellence: https://
jonesacademyofexcellence.com
Image Credits:
Felice Kimbrew of FMK Media
