C. Jessie Jones, PhD

I was once considered the least likely to succeed in life. Growing up, I faced overwhelming challenges—an unstable family, limited opportunities, systemic barriers, and the weight of others’ low expectations because of my dyslexia. But I refused to let those obstacles define me. Through perseverance, hard work, and an unshakable belief in my potential, I carved my own path to success.

A guiding philosophy in my life has been to live life to the fullest and strive to make a meaningful, positive impact on others, especially those less fortunate.

Today I focus my work on helping to guide women to overcome life’s obstacles and setbacks, navigate life’s transitions, and emerge healthier and happier. To help women on this journey, I co-authored Wise Women Seeking More: Igniting Passion and Purpose in the Second Half of Life.

In addition, I am co-founder of the R&J Leadership Group, LLC, where we conduct workshops and retreats for staff, faculty, and administrators in academic institutions on topics related to leadership and emotional intelligence. I am co-author of a forthcoming book titled, The 4G Mindset for Leaders.

At 75, I live in a charming community in the high desert near Tucson, where I embrace life’s adventures. I’m a lover of hiking, dancing, and immersing myself in the beauty of nature. My spiritual journey is a constant source of growth and inspiration.

My professional background.

I began my career teaching and coaching sports at the high school level for six years before earning my PhD with specializations in psychophysiology and healthy aging. Over my academic career, I taught in three disciplines—kinesiology, gerontology, and health science. Some of the academic courses I taught were physiology of aging, fitness and aging, health promotion and aging, women’s health, nutrition, and alternative healing therapies.

As a research scientist and author, I specialized my work in two areas: successful aging and fibromyalgia and chronic pain. My work to develop the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Center at a university in Southern California was driven by a diagnosis of fibromyalgia and the desire to seek answers for treatments and a cure. I was honored to have work with hundreds of women to help them manage their symptoms and reduce or eliminate unnecessary medications.

Following a long career as a professor in higher education, I served in several leadership positions on campus, including Department Chair of Health Science, Dean of the College of Health and Human Development, and Associate Vice President of Academic and Community Partnerships.

After stepping down from administrative work at the university level, I developed the Center for Healthy Neighborhoods in a disadvantaged community dedicated to addressing education and health disparities and revitalizing neighborhoods through activism and building resident leaders. After serving as Executive Director for seven years, I kept hearing an inner voice saying, it’s time to move on—seek more!

Teaming up with Dr. Laurie Roades, we now offer presentations, workshops and retreats designed to empower women, and leaders in general, to be successful and create the lives they truly desire.