Shomari M. Jones
Summary
Dynamic and visionary executive with extensive expertise in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), civil rights compliance, and organizational strategy. Adept at embedding DEIB into institutional frameworks, leading large-scale cultural transformations, and influencing policy at the highest levels. Recognized for pioneering systemic change, building high-performing teams, and driving accountability across public and private sectors. Trusted advisor to executive leadership, boards, and community stakeholders, ensuring alignment of DEIB initiatives with business strategy, regulatory compliance, and workforce equity. Experienced in navigating complex bureaucratic environments and driving inclusive business practices. A sought-after speaker, consultant, and thought leader in advancing racial and social justice.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Lead And Dir. Of Equity and Engagement
Bellevue School District
06.2014 - Current
- Provide executive leadership in embedding DEIB principles across policies, operations, and strategic initiatives, ensuring systemic transformation that advances equity, access, and justice across diverse organizational environments
- Report to, and serve on the Superintendent's cabinet acting as a strategic advisor to executive leadership, ensuring alignment of DEIB strategies with long-term organizational goals
- Develop and lead an Equity Department, overseeing cross-functional teams and managing a $3M budget, ensuring resources are equitably allocated for impactful initiatives
- Spearhead major equity initiatives, including stakeholder diversity programs, workforce equity strategies, and inclusive engagement efforts, increasing accessibility and representation in decision-making processes
- Partnered with regional agencies, community-based organizations, and other leaders to implement equity-driven policies that align with federal compliance mandates such as Title VI, ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act), and EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity)
- Develop and implemented DEIB workforce strategies, alongside human resources, that increased representation of underrepresented employees across all levels of the organization, including leadership roles
- Design and administer bias training and organizational change management programs that enhanced workplace culture and improved retention of diverse talent
- Build key partnerships with public and private entities to align DEIB efforts with large-scale infrastructure projects, capital investments, and transportation equity strategies
- Track and reported key equity impact metrics, demonstrating measurable improvements in employee engagement/relations, inclusive workforce development, and elevating stakeholder voice
- Successfully developed and implemented organization-wide DEIB policy
- Lead the development of the Equity and Accountability Framework (including a decision-making framework), adopted by executive leadership to institutionalize DEIB principles across all operations
Chief Operations/Chief Development Officer
Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
07.2012 - 06.2014
- Provided executive oversight in revitalizing organizational performance and aligning strategic initiatives with economic development and workforce inclusion
- Led financial growth, increasing the organizational budget from $300K to $3M in 16 months through innovative partnerships and fundraising efforts
- Expanded community-based services, including employment training, business incubation, and corporate equity initiatives that strengthened economic mobility
- Developed partnerships with city governments, corporations, and nonprofit agencies to drive systemic change in business inclusion and workforce policies
- Managed multi-functional teams and large-scale initiatives, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and community-driven impact
Director of Black Achievers
YMCA of Greater Seattle
08.2007 - 07.2012
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees and other stakeholders to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive environment that fostered community engagement, increased organization visibility, and boosted overall outcomes for both the client and the organization.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL05-1999
Skills
- Cabinet Level Executive Leadership
- Policy Development
- Equity Driven Decision Making
- Organizational Transformation
- Large Group Facilitation
- Community Relations and Engagement
- Strategic Budget Management
- Workforce Equity
- Inclusive Hiring
- Strategic Planning And Execution
- Staff development
- Partnership development
Certification
- Beyond Diversity I, II, III (Pacific Education Group)
- Racial and Personal Bias Training (Bill de la Cruz)
- Leadership Tomorrow, Seattle, WA, 2010
- Facilitation Skills Certification (YMCA of USA)
Awards and Recognitions
- Social Justice and Leadership Award, Youth Eastside Services
- National DEIB consultant and keynote speaker, advising organizations including Google, American Reading Company, Education Trust, University of Washington, and more
- 2019, Education Week Leaders to Learn From Award
- 2021, Published in Phi Delta Kappan, 'Doing Equity Work While Black in a Culturally White District'
What Others Say About Me
Transformational DEIB Leader | Equity Strategist | Policy & Culture Innovator
Additional Information
Frequent keynote speaker and panelist on DEIB, inclusion and belonging strategies, and equitable compliance strategies Thought leader contributing to policy development and DEIB implementation at national and regional levels.
Timeline
Executive Lead And Dir. Of Equity and Engagement
Bellevue School District
06.2014 - Current
Chief Operations/Chief Development Officer
Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
07.2012 - 06.2014
Director of Black Achievers
YMCA of Greater Seattle
08.2007 - 07.2012
- Beyond Diversity I, II, III (Pacific Education Group)
- Racial and Personal Bias Training (Bill de la Cruz)
- Leadership Tomorrow, Seattle, WA, 2010
- Facilitation Skills Certification (YMCA of USA)
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering
Tuskegee University
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