Yalonda Jones

Yalonda Jones has spent her entire career in human services, including roles working with children and at the local county assistance office in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where she assisted people with essential needs such as gas and electric bills. Currently advancing her education through Penn State York while maintaining full-time employment and achieving all A's, she is transitioning toward a therapy-focused path in social work. Her goal is to open her own practice and deliver therapy to young Black and Brown girls and young men in accessible community locations including schools, barbershops, and hair salons to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. As a continuing member of the local NAACP chapter in York, Pennsylvania, Jones attributes her success to her faith and her commitment to providing the support she lacked earlier in life, helping others discover their identity and worth at a younger age. She cites her biggest challenge as demonstrating that age is not a barrier to pursuing new goals, emphasizing that timing is everything.