Meet Dr. Franceska Jones

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Franceska Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Franceska, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

In the realm of sports philanthropy and consulting, I often find myself as one of the only Black women in spaces historically dominated by others. This reality has sharpened my approach, becoming a unique strength that allows me to offer fresh perspectives in sports philanthropy and consulting.

From early on, I realized that standing out wasn’t something to hide—it was a powerful opportunity. One of my most formative experiences came when I was invited to a roundtable with influential stakeholders in the sports industry. Surrounded by leaders with backgrounds and experiences vastly different from my own, I saw the clear contrast yet chose to use my position as an asset. I shared insights not only from my professional journey but also from my personal understanding of community needs and the potential impact sports can have beyond just the field. My voice, grounded in empathy and purpose, resonated deeply, sparking a meaningful dialogue around inclusion and community-focused sports initiatives.

Through each experience as “the only one in the room,” I’ve learned that authenticity, persistence, and a commitment to impactful change are essential. They are not just part of my professional toolkit but principles that guide my work at Jones Consulting Firm and initiatives like my blog, Impact Play, and upcoming podcast. They remind me that while I may sometimes be the only one who looks like me, my role is to create space and open doors for others who will follow.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Dr. Franceska Jones, founder of Jones Consulting Firm, where our mission is to bridge the gap between sports and community impact. My team and I work with athletes, sports organizations, and community leaders to develop philanthropic strategies that go beyond the game, creating real and lasting change. What excites me most about this work is witnessing how sports can serve as a powerful tool for social impact. It’s about creating platforms for athletes and organizations to give back in ways that resonate with their values and community needs.

Our current focus includes expanding our sports philanthropy initiatives to reach underserved communities, amplifying efforts that support youth empowerment, education, and equitable access to resources. Alongside this, I am thrilled to be launching my blog, Impact Play, which highlights stories and insights around sports philanthropy. This will pave the way for our upcoming podcast in 2025, which will dive even deeper into the intersections of sports, philanthropy, and social impact. Both projects are an extension of my passion for sharing real, impactful stories that inspire others to see sports as more than just a game—they’re a force for good.

As a Black woman in a predominantly white male industry, I’m driven to bring diversity and representation to this space. Through Jones Consulting Firm, we are committed not only to impactful consulting but also to creating a broader platform for inclusion, offering opportunities for those who may not traditionally see themselves represented in this field.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I cannot give you just three! So the four qualities that have been essential to my journey are faith in God, resilience, adaptability, and empathy.

Faith in God: My faith has been my foundation and guide throughout my career. It has provided me with strength, direction, and the courage to persevere, even when facing challenges as a Black woman in a predominantly white, male-dominated industry. For anyone beginning their journey, I would say that grounding yourself in something greater than the work itself—whether it’s faith, purpose, or community—can offer a powerful source of strength and clarity.

Resilience: Navigating this field has required resilience to stay focused and confident, despite obstacles. I encourage those early in their journey to view challenges as learning experiences and to remember the unique perspective they bring. Staying resilient will help you push through setbacks and keep sight of your long-term goals.

Adaptability: The consulting and sports philanthropy industries are constantly evolving. Being adaptable has allowed me to embrace new challenges and stay responsive to change. To develop this skill, I suggest leaning into experiences that push you outside your comfort zone and practicing a mindset of growth and openness.

Empathy: In my work with athletes and communities, empathy has helped me understand the real needs of the people we serve. For those just starting out, take time to listen deeply, connect with the communities you want to impact, and ensure that your work reflects a genuine commitment to their well-being.

These four qualities—faith, resilience, adaptability, and empathy—have shaped both my journey and the mission of Jones Consulting Firm. My hope is that others will embrace these qualities to create a career that’s impactful, grounded, and true to their values.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

My ideal client values sustainable, lasting impact and isn’t interested in projects that are only for show. They recognize that impactful work takes time and trust, and they genuinely want to build something meaningful with me and my team, not just for their own success but for our mutual growth.

The best clients are those who respect our expertise, trust our process, and are willing to let go of control, allowing us to do what we do best. They value our input and are ready to take a step back, empowering us to bring their vision to life with full creative and strategic freedom. They also understand that great work deserves fair compensation, appreciating the value we bring and recognizing that quality investment leads to quality results.

Lastly, an ideal client is someone who champions our work by speaking our name in rooms we’re not in, advocating for us as true partners. They understand that by building their vision, they’re also helping me build my own, contributing to the legacy I aim to leave in sports philanthropy. This mutual respect and shared commitment make the journey not only fulfilling but truly impactful.

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