Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Shaniqua Jones.
Dr. Jones, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My life started way before I was conceived in 1980. I have been told all my life by spiritual and religious leaders that I have a calling on my life. I have been prophesied to since childhood and was named lil’ missionary as being a reflection of my mother who was called to minister as well. I was the typical naive church girl who sought direction outside of the will of God. By the age of 15, I became a rebel without a cause that led to teen pregnancy, a failed suicide attempt followed by a mental illness diagnosis, poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, and other life altering matters including being diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2005. With all of the circumstances that occurred, I was able to find solace in knowing that God can deliver me from everything meant to kill me. I asked God to save me from myself in 2006 while dying on the operating table as the doctors performed an emergency C-section to have my last and final blessing, Sanaa Grace. It was not until 2016 when I releasesd my memoir, 12: A Memoir To My Younger Self that I was able to live what I speak – RESTORATION. To learn more about my life, purchase my memoir at http://bit.ly/DrSJ12AMTMYS. My life – my journey has prepared me to apply theory to practice as it relates to Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices as well as the power of forgiveness and healing. To learn more about Restorative Justice watch this 96-second video: http://bit.ly/DrSJRJVideo.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This journey has not been easy whatsoever but well worth the courage and resilience needed to press forward. When I made the conscious decision to return to college after attempting to attain an associate’s degree for 10 nonconsecutive years, is when my life shifted from good to great. In 2010, I returned to college to receive a general liberal arts undergraduate degree. I went on to receive my graduate and doctoral degree in less than six years. While on this eduactional journey, I became heavily involved as a student leader, employee, and mentor. I began to use my voice and platform to advocate for changes that wil allow students to matriculate through and beyond the public square of education via Restorative Justice.
My message to women is to never stop – shatter the glass ceiling by changing the way you think about our traditional methods of employment. Learn every lesson you can and become solution-oriented to in order to not just see the problem but create sustainable efforts to resolve the problem. Think of your personal experiences and be the person you wished you had when you felt alone. Show compassion and empathy while dismantling barriers. Create meaningful relationships and reassess them from time-to-time to make sure there is a mutual benefit. Remember, your passion can be your profit so do not be ashamed to provide your service with a fee.
What should we know about Dr. Shaniqua Jones – Motivational Speaker & Restorative Justice Practitioner? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am known as a motivational speaker and Restorative Justice Practitioner. I speak. I teach. I train. I inspire. When I speak and train, I speak from my soul – deeper than your average. I am transparent about my journey and this allows others to gain a better understandingoft Restorative Justice as well as how to implement in your everyday life. I am proud to know that people from all walks of life reach out to me to speak or train about forgiveness, healing, navigating the college experience, domestic violence, surviving cancer, homelessness, etc. which are all experiences I had to overcome with the help of God. Many ask if I would change anything I ever went through. The answer is NO. I am here in this moment because brought me through. My life’s mantra is: a journey not shared is a soul not healed. What’s the point of overcomng all of these obstacles just to keep it to myself.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
The sky is not the limit because there is not limit. Seek God in all you do. Make it a habit to write your plan and to create a vision bord that allows you to see reflect and view what you plan to accomplish.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shaniquajones.com
- Email: drshanjones2016@gmail.com
- Instagram: @drshanjones2016
- Facebook: @drshanjones2016
- Twitter: @Shan_Jones0808
Image Credit:
Felice Kimbrew Media, Tyler Minessma – Trinity Christian College, Dr. Shaniqua Jones
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