Hidden Gems: Meet Dr. Franceska Jones of Jones Consulting Firm

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Franceska Jones.

Hi Dr. Jones, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
My story developed over the years, and learning to trust God’s plan for my life. I am originally from Cleveland’s Buckeye/Shaker neighborhood. I have been blessed with two hard-working parents that made countless sacrifices for me to have a better education. I grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, because of my parent’s quest to provide more opportunities for me. 

I went to The Ohio State University, where I marched in the band for five years and created my own major combining Business, Economics, and Politcal Science together. I returned to Northeast Ohio and decided to go to John Carroll University to get a master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration. I wanted to know how nonprofits were structured, operated, led, and grown. That was the best decision; I received an impeccable education while learning some critical life lessons. I was the first in my immediate family to get a graduate degree. I lacked much of the social capital my White counterparts and others seemed to have. I struggled to connect and needed more support from the community around me. I reached out to many of the same organizations that I remembered from my undergraduate experience, but they still need to provide help with graduate school. Through my family’s support and faith in God, I made it through. As a result, I recently published a book called ” Conquering Graduate School” to help others like me. 

I decided to attend a historically black college and university (HBCU) for my doctoral studies. I was looking for more support because I would be the first again in my family to pursue a doctorate. I attended Morgan State University, and that was the best decision! I felt supported and more confident. Yet, there was much to learn. 

Now I have a unique combination of work experiences and education. What’s next? I felt constrained working with one employer or one organization. I need to multiply my impact. My husband and I started a successful virtual tax preparation business in 2014. So, I already had a taste of entrepreneurship and knew I needed to move into full-time entrepreneurship. I founded Jones Consulting Firm in 2022, where I develop and inspire individuals, nonprofits, and leaders to be the best version of themselves! I have a book published this spring that covers all I learned as an African American scholar in graduate school. I am making the impact I have always wanted by serving others and telling my story! 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always bee smooth, but I thank God for my pain. There is purpose in pain. Even now, working in my own business, I am still met with unfair behavior as a woman, a person of color, a younger professional. But it all teaches me something. Resilence and faith in God. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am the President and Principal Consultant at Jones Consulting Firm. I have been blessed with a unique set of skills. I have a keen business sense, can do everything nonprofit, and am an educator. I am helping the growth and sustainability of my community and beyond. I have a special niche in sports philanthropy and assisting public figures and athletes with improving their impact on the communities they serve. My work allows me to travel worldwide, learn about different communities, and make dreams come true. Many of my clients may have a vision but need help being strategic, raising money, and setting up an organization or initiative that is sustainable. I love sports, so I am getting to live out my dreams, too! 

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk-taking as an entrepreneur is a must! Taking a risk does not have to mean you aren’t being strategic. It does not have to be reckless. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thejonesconsultingfirm.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franceskajones/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franceskajones/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYEOTDxwevcrrxfOd7irWlg