Dr. Jones is a pediatrician, educator, and founder of Raising Risers. She began her journey toward medicine at age 12 through Temple University’s Minority Access to Research Careers program. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Temple University and her medical degree from Meharry Medical College.

Dr. Jones initially set out to become a pediatric surgeon, but during her surgical training, she witnessed the devastating impact of gun violence on the Black community. That experience changed the direction of her career. She chose pediatrics so that she could work with children and families not only when they were sick or injured, but earlier—through prevention, education, and advocacy. 

 It was through her work in Southeast DC that she witnessed firsthand how factors beyond the doctor’s office—including education, environment, opportunity, mental health, and access to resources—can profoundly shape a child’s trajectory.

Through community workshops, mentorship, and the Empowered curriculum, Raising Risers, combines her medical expertise and passion for social equity to promote scholarship, self-confidence, healthy emotional development, and leadership among Black children.

At the heart of Dr. Jones’s work is the belief that Black children deserve not only access to opportunity, but also the knowledge and support to fully recognize and pursue their potential.