Thursday, January 4, 2024 / St. Louis, Missouri – YWCA Metro St. Louis is proud to announce that Dr. Tiph Jones, Ed.D., has joined the agency as Chief Economic Inclusion Officer. Dr. Jones is an accomplished organizational psychologist and workforce development professional who brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to empowering individuals and fostering diversity and inclusion.
Dr. Jones’ passion for economic empowerment and her extensive experience in workforce development positions her as an asset to both YWCA Metro St. Louis and the broader St. Louis community.
“We are thrilled to add Dr. Jones to our Executive Leadership Team,” said Dr. Cheryl Watkins, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of YWCA. “Her vision, strategy and experience will create an environment and shape a program that will help the women we serve move their families down the path to self-sufficiency.”
Dr. Jones previously served as Executive Vice President of Education and Employment at Concordance, a non-profit dedicated to reducing recidivism, and as Director of Workforce and Talent Development for St. Louis Community College, where she led the development and provision of comprehensive workforce training services and talent development strategies to business, labor, and community organizations.
Before moving to St. Louis, Dr. Jones made significant contributions as the Director of Leadership Development and DEI Initiatives for the State of Maryland Judicial System. Her work in deploying cross-jurisdiction trainings and DEI programs was instrumental in fostering equitable practices within the organization.
Throughout her career, Dr. Jones has collaborated with non-profits, academic institutions, and government agencies to design and implement professional development programs aimed at enhancing organizational effectiveness and employee engagement. She is well-regarded for her strategic initiatives that not only create employment pipelines but also build meaningful relationships with individuals, businesses, and community stakeholders, facilitating positive organizational change.
Dr. Jones holds a Doctorate degree in Education with a concentration in Organizational Leadership, Learning, and Innovation from Wilmington University. She also holds both a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, with a specialty in Human Resources Management.
Dr. Jones is passionate about working with underserved populations, such as young adults, justice-involved individuals, the underemployed, and historically excluded communities. She firmly believes that, with the right tools, training, and support, anyone can have a successful and meaningful career path. Her dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion aligns perfectly with YWCA Metro St. Louis’ mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote economic inclusion for all.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Jones currently volunteers with organizations that assist individuals in successfully re-entering the workforce. She also served on the board of STEMSTL, an organization committed to providing equitable access to high-quality STEM learning and employment opportunities for diverse youth learners.