Carileigh Jones, Ph.D.
Urbana
Summary
Equity-driven Sociologist with over 7 years of experience in applied research, community engagement, and nonprofit evaluation. Skilled in strategic planning, stakeholder relationship management, and cross-sector collaboration in support of racial justice and public safety. Proven track record in trauma-informed practice, gun violence prevention, and translating research into actionable policy recommendations. Experienced in building partnerships with diverse audiences to promote inclusive change.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Evaluation Team Member
SU Institute of Health and Education
01.2023 - Current
- Collaborates on a city-wide gun violence prevention initiative, supporting program strategy, data collection, and community engagement efforts.
- Serves as liaison between evaluation team and local stakeholders to ensure alignment and accountability.
- Co-authors reports and translates findings into actionable policy recommendations for local government and community partners.
Researcher
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
01.2018 - Current
- Lead and contribute to research projects focused on violence prevention, reentry, and racial justice.
- Facilitate partnerships with advocacy coalitions, local governments, faith-based communities, and academic institutions to advance collaborative gun violence prevention strategies and deepen public engagement.
- Engage diverse audiences to promote inclusive dialogue and policy advocacy.
Community Engagement Specialist
Trauma & Resilience Initiative
06.2022 - 07.2023
- Designed and co-led trauma-informed engagement initiatives focused on violence recovery, resilience, and racial equity.
- Coordinated cross-sector efforts, including work with faith-based organizations, social service agencies, and hospital systems, to support community healing and violence prevention.
- Gathered and analyzed community data to inform programs and policy rooted in local needs.
Education
Ph.D. - Sociology
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
MA - Sociology
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
BA - Sociology
Hampton University
Skills
- Research Methods: Community based research; qualitative data analysis; interviews; focus groups; survey design, participatory action research
- Community Engagement: Stakeholder relationship management; trauma informed care; resilience-building; wraparound services; psychological first aid
- Project Management: Team coordination; deadlines management; task prioritization; Zotero; Slack; Google Drive
- Communication: Oral and written communication; public speaking; data visualization
Timeline
Evaluation Team Member
SU Institute of Health and Education
01.2023 - Current
Community Engagement Specialist
Trauma & Resilience Initiative
06.2022 - 07.2023
Researcher
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
01.2018 - Current
Ph.D. - Sociology
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
MA - Sociology
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
BA - Sociology
Hampton University
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