Renee Jones; MS, CMHP, CDVC
CEO, Therapist, Speaker, Educator
Renee Jones is a trailblazing advocate, licensed mental health professional, and inspiring survivor dedicated to empowering individuals and transforming communities. Her journey of resilience began on February 14, 2000, when she embraced recovery as a survivor of sex trafficking and addiction. Since then, Renee has become a beacon of hope and change, leveraging her personal experiences and professional expertise to make a profound impact.
Renee holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, and she is a certified mental health professional in the state of Florida. Her affiliations include renowned organizations such as the Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network (RAINN) and the United States Institute Against Human Trafficking, reflecting her unwavering commitment to advocacy and healing.
Throughout her career, Renee has been deeply involved in community service and leadership. She has served on the Community Health Activation Team and the Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board in Cleveland, Ohio. Currently, she chairs the Florida Statewide Action Plan to Reduce and Prevent Sexual Violence, where she continues to spearhead initiatives that foster systemic change.
Renee is also the founder of the Reconnection to Life Inc. Women’s Center in Birmingham, Alabama, a transitional housing program designed to support women reentering society post-incarceration. Additionally, she established I Speak Hope, a platform amplifying voices of empowerment, and operates In Community Counseling LLC in Florida, providing accessible mental health services.
Her outstanding contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Mental Health Association of Central Alabama Award, the Birmingham Resolution Award, and the prestigious Clifford W. Beers Award from Mental Health America in 2024. These honors underscore her tireless dedication to mental health, advocacy, and social justice.
Renee’s expertise extends to training and public speaking. She has developed crisis intervention training for law enforcement and has been a sought-after speaker at prominent events such as the International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference and the Circuit 5 Human Trafficking Symposium. She has also hosted the impactful radio show “Sisters Talk” and is the author of the memoir Mama Ain’t Teach Me That, published in 2011, which candidly details her upbringing and experiences of abuse.
Through her work, Renee Jones has inspired countless individuals to embrace healing, find their voice, and pursue a brighter future. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of hope, resilience, and unwavering faith.
As a chair holder and committee member for several county and mental health organizations, Renee is at the forefront of shaping policies and initiatives aimed at improving access to mental health services and advocating for the rights of survivors. Her passion for growth, personal success, and emotional and spiritual healing drives her work, inspiring transformation and empowerment in the lives of her clients and community.