Born and raised in Waco, Texas, SHARON WATKINS JONES attended The University of Texas at Austin and gained valuable experience working at the State Capitol as a legislative aide and legislative director during college and for several years after graduation.

She is a certified classroom teacher, dyslexia education specialist and taught in elementary, middle school and community college special education programs.

Sharon combined her commitment to education with her knack for advocacy and legislative impact when she returned to public affairs, directing public policy strategies for ACLU of Texas, managing political campaigns and consulting and training on diversity, equity and inclusion.  Sharon helped implement the Anthony Graves Smart Justice Speakers Bureau at Texas Southern University.

Sharon Watkins Jones is owner and principal consultant of Watkins Jones LLC, a public affairs and campaign management practice and served as a political consultant in the successful and historical Dedrick Johnson Campaign for Mayor of Texas City.

Sharon is the inaugural Director of the Texas Racial Equity Collaborative and Chief Equity Officer of Children at Risk, a research and advocacy group.