Connext Program: The Mirror, The Mask, and the Mission

As we look to succeed in our work, we tend to function based on what is important to ourselves, the community, and the organization. Parts of ourselves can get lost in the mix, and we struggle to remain whole in a world that constantly asks us to be someone else. Perhaps that means you hide parts of yourself, act differently than you would prefer, or overexert yourself for the sake of the mission. You may be praised at work, but you feel something is missing or off.

Join us as Dr. Darian Jones leads a conversation about identity, belonging, and protecting your peace while pursuing your purpose. During this virtual session, Dr. Darian Jones will share insights and practical tips for finding that balance so you can be authentically yourself throughout your career and support the authenticity of others.

There will be opportunities to ask questions throughout this event, and a moderator will work with Dr Darian Jones to consider and respond to questions.

No matter where you may be in the conversation right now, you are welcome to join us as we consider who we are, how we share that with others, and how to accept someone else’s authenticity.

If you are interested in attending, we ask that you complete this 2-minute questionnaire to provide initial context for our speaker. All answers are confidential and are not connected to Personally Identifiable Information (PII).



 

Darian C. Jones, Ph.D., LMHC, MBA, PCC

Dr. Darian C. Jones is an internationally recognized speaker, executive coach, therapist, educational strategist, and social justice advocate whose work challenges leaders to reimagine what becomes possible when healing, equity, and human potential are placed at the center of transformation.

With more than two decades of experience spanning education, mental health, leadership development, and organizational change, Dr. Jones has built a reputation as a thought leader who bridges the worlds of racial justice, healing-centered engagement, culture change, and future-focused leadership. His work is grounded in a simple belief: systems do not transform until people do.

A former teacher, principal, district leader, executive consultant, charter school founder, and Founder and Clinical Director of The Jones Edge, Dr. Jones has led transformative efforts in some of the nation's most historically marginalized communities. Through his leadership, coaching, consulting, and therapeutic practice, he helps individuals and organizations navigate change, build resilience, and align their actions with their values and purpose.

Dr. Jones brings a rare combination of expertise as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Executive Coach, school transformation specialist, and organizational strategist. He has coached executives, developed school and district leaders, facilitated organizational change initiatives, and supported institutions in confronting issues of equity, belonging, bias, culture, and well-being with honesty and purpose. His presentations challenge conventional thinking while creating space for reflection, vulnerability, and action.

Whether addressing leadership, implementation science, school culture, responsive discipline, mental health, racial justice, educational equity, Black male well-being, trauma, belonging, or the impact of artificial intelligence on society, Dr. Jones is known for blending compelling storytelling, research, lived experience, and practical strategies that resonate long after the session ends.

As the founder of Sankoré Prep, an innovative educational ecosystem being developed in Atlanta, Dr. Jones continues to push the boundaries of what education can become when it is culturally affirming, community-centered, and future-ready.

Known for his authenticity, wisdom, and ability to move both hearts and minds, Dr. Jones leaves audiences with more than inspiration—he leaves them with a challenge. He invites leaders to confront uncomfortable truths, imagine new possibilities, and embrace the responsibility of creating schools, organizations, and communities where every person is seen, valued, known, and empowered to thrive.

His work stands at the intersection of justice, healing, and hope—reminding us that equity is not simply a policy goal, but a daily practice of courage, humanity, and collective action.