Delores Jones

Delores M. Jones is a National Public Radio award-winning host, published columnist, motivator, social worker and adjunct professor.  She writes and speaks from the depths of her soul about facing life traumas and tragedies, yet making it to the top.

She lived in an abandoned home, bathed in the basement bathroom of a community college, studied by candlelight and emerged as an award-winning radio host and journalist.  Affectionately known, as ‘Ms. Delores,’ her presence, style, stories and strategies are unforgettable and life-changing.  When Delores Jones speaks, you will without a doubt understand why, “Giving Up is Not an Option.”

Delores’ refusal to give up or give into the pains and pitfalls of poverty as well as a tragic twist, the murder of her 21 year-old mother, caught the attention of Oprah Winfrey, whom Delores stood center stage with as others offered a standing ovation saluting her unshakeable faith, actions and courage shown during an 18- year journey from poverty to prosperity.

Her story of overcoming homelessness and hardship as a teenager is captured in the New York Times Best Seller, Come On People: On the Path from Victim to Victor by Drs. Bill Cosby and Alvin Poussaint.  Her courageous story about rebounding from violence and destructive relationships is featured in the book

SisterFaith to be released in 2009 by Howard/Simon and Shuster.

Delores is a member of The Kansas Legal Aid Board of Directors, UMKC Arts and Sciences Board of Directors, Young Women on the Move and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. The Kansas native graduated from University of Missouri School of Journalism dual-majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Communication. She earned her Master’s Degree at the UMKC School of Social Work in Kansas City.

Some of Delores' speaking topics are:

POWER2 WIN.  POWER with the number 2 square which stands for Personality. Outlook. Work. Expectations. Reasoning & Resources. 

"The 30-Minute Living Receipt for Success and less Stress."How about "Downsizing for a Big Comeback." 

 "Life is like Driving a 5-speed, Not an Automatic: How to Maneuver Roadblocks, Unexpected Twists and Turns on Your Road to Success and Happiness." 

And for The Single, Successful, Busy Mothers:  "Girl Get a G.R.I.P. on Your Child:  Practical and Positive Ways to Be Mama and Mean Business