Ciarra Jones on business ecology, redistributing power, and going beyond harmony.

Tell us a bit more about your work.

I own and operate a diversity, equity and inclusion consulting firm! My work includes workshops and training, curriculum review/DEI content development, and qualitative research. Through workshops, I upskill organizations concerning best practices regarding anti-racism and inclusion. I help organizations sharpen their training approach through curriculum review and development and ensure their educational resources are inclusive. Through qualitative research, I unearth key themes concerning employee experience and illuminate the best DEI interventions for organizations. I also run a DEI and religious deconstruction TikTok with a community of about 40k people. Lastly, I have my Master of Theological studies and frequently work with churches and religious communities in order to improve their practices of LGBTQIA+ religious inclusion. 

One of the cornerstones of my work is business ecology, a framework that considers how natural systems teach us what best practices concerning collaboration at work look like. From plants, we can actually learn about best practices concerning allyship, advocacy, equity, and systemic change. 

How does your lived experience influence your approach to your work?

I am a Black Queer Woman who grew up as a conservative Christian. I know firsthand what it means not to belong. I know firsthand the painful experience of existing in a community that does not see or value you. I draw upon my own unique experience of exclusion to help organizations understand the importance of crafting an inclusive environment.

What do you hope to see from this industry as it evolves?

I hope we can move past the war of rhetoric in order to help improve people's lives. Right now, as the anti-DEI movement rages on, we've gotten into a battle of narrative and language. Those who are against DEI frame DEI as a "handout" to minoritized communities that simultaneously strips dominant groups of their rights and resources and gives marginalized communities an "unfair advantage."This narrative that DEI is "reverse racism" continues to hinder the progress of this work. This pushback is not new; since the emancipation of enslaved Black people, dominant communities have held onto their power by any means necessary. However, I think our industry is scrambling to appease those against this work, and I don't know if this approach will be helpful.

I yearn for a future where DEI leaders refuse to appease those against this work and proudly stand up for what is right. DEI does not need to be harmonious work, and our desire as an industry to please everyone removes the reality that inclusion has never been easy or simple work. The work of inclusion and belonging will always be disruptive to someone because the redistribution of power is necessarily disruptive. How can we, as practitioners, better accept this discomfort? How can we embrace upheaval as part of change?"

How can this community support and uplift your work?

I launched my consulting firm a year ago, and like many practitioners, I sometimes navigate burnout and uncertainty. Also, like many Black women founders, I am self-funded and did not receive outside capital to start my business.

I want to be in a community with like-minded practitioners doing this work! I would love to learn how other practitioners are growing and developing their businesses and what approaches they are using. I love learning in the community. As my mentor says, "genius is collective."

I am also currently signing clients for the Spring and Summer.  I'd love to work with clients concerning training and facilitation, DEI content development, and DEI survey analysis. I am also expanding my work to include purpose, vision, and value work for staff retreats and staff development sessions. 

My expertise is in anti-racism, allyship/solidarity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, Black women's inclusion, and team development/interconnectedness at work. 

Last question: What's bringing you joy right now?

Gardening! I am an avid gardener, and my relationship with nature is vital to my work and well-being.

Ciarra Jones is a consultant, writer, and educator who believes workplaces are sites for connection, community, and belonging. She received her BA in American Studies from UC Berkeley and her Master of Theological Studies from Harvard University. She draws upon her unique background in American Studies and Theology to help organizations deepen their commitment to equity and inclusion. Organizations can learn how to create more psychologically safe and interpersonally connected work environments with her support.

Her consulting partners include, but are not limited to, Louisiana State University, OpenSesame, Hinge Health, Nonprofit Finance Fund, and Covenant House California.In addition to consulting, Ciarra is a speaker and writer. Her speaking engagements include Fox Soul TV, UC Berkeley, Mills College, and Harvard Club of New York. Her writing has been featured in the Huffington Post, BBC, Elite Daily,  Thebody.com, and Zora Mag. 

ciarrajonesconsulting.com