Nona Jones is known internationally as a speaker, preacher, and author. She currently leads global faith-based partnerships at Facebook. Before this, Nona held leadership positions in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.
Biography
Nona Jones was the unwanted child. When her mother found out she was pregnant with her, she cried, even though she was married to Nona’s father who wanted a child. Her mother simply didn’t want to be a mother. Two months before Nona turned two, her father passed away, and her mother relocated to a new state to be with a man she hardly knew. She had several boyfriends over the course of two years before settling down with a man who became her live-in partner. The abuse started right after that.
When Nona was just 5-years-old, her mother’s boyfriend began hugging her when her mother wasn’t around; holding her too close to his body and too tightly for too long. Although she was too young to understand what he was doing, it scared her. This would make her start lock her bedroom door when her mother worked late at night. But she learned at that young age that a straightened wire hanger could pick the lock.
Nona first told her mother about what he had done to her, the latter had him arrested. However her mother brought him back home because she needed his money to pay bills. Unfortunately the abuse resumed, but tis time she chose to remain silent.
Today, Nona Jones is an international speaker, preacher, author, and the head of global faith-based partnerships at Facebook. Previously, Nona held executive leadership roles across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.
Outside of the pulpit and boardroom, Nona is a skilled vocalist, songwriter, worship leader, and musician . She wrote, composed, and co-produced her Billboard-Charting Gospel Album, “Take Me.” She is an avid runner and fitness enthusiast who has written five books and just completed her thirteenth half-marathon in Paris, France.
Age
Nona celebrates her birthday on every 23rd Day of July.
Education
Nona graduated from the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida. She was recognized as an Outstanding Young Alumna at the University of Florida.
Additionally, Nona completed the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program, a collaboration between Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, as well as Leadership Florida. She actively engages in civic activities through participation in The Links, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the University of Florida Digital Advisory Council.
Family Life
Nona, along with her husband Pastor Tim, directs Open Door Ministries. They have two sons, Timothy Jr. and Isaac, and a Goldendoodle named Shiloh.
Ministry
In sixth grade, Nona got her first invitation to church from a classmate. Not knowing much about God or the Bible, she went to her first service with uncertainty. However, when the preacher said, “God is a father to the fatherless,” it deeply resonated with her, sparking her curiosity about God. At 11, she began her own personal Bible study, and at twelve, she made Jesus her Lord and Savior.
Over the next five years, Nona became increasingly involved in ministry, taking on roles such as a worship leader, youth leader, and eventually, a minister-in-training.
At the age of 17, Nona received her Gospel ministry license in Jacksonville, Florida. Soon after, she began preaching in Florida and received invitations to speak nationwide. Nona gained a reputation as a popular preacher and public speaker while attending the University of Florida in Gainesville and engaging in local churches.
Career
Nona achieved remarkable success in her career after obtaining a Bachelor of Communications and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida. Her introduction to business strategy happened at a young age when, at 23, she was appointed to her first executive position with a Fortune 100 company. Later, she took on an executive role in the public sector, overseeing public affairs and regulatory strategy for a municipal utility with annual revenues exceeding $500 million. Before turning 35, she received the Robert F. Roundtree Rising Star Award from the American Public Power Association for her leadership.
Following this, Nona transitioned to the nonprofit sector’s C-Suite, where she developed external affairs strategy for a state-wide network of alternative schools. Her role included resource development, brand strategy, advocacy for legislation, and program expansion. She became prominent in the juvenile justice reform movement, speaking at notable events such as the UN GirlUp International Summit and Attorney General Eric Holder’s National Youth Violence Prevention Summit.
Invited to join Facebook, Nona used her leadership and business acumen to shape the company’s global faith-based partnerships strategy. Despite no prior experience in technology, this opportunity became a God-ordained one, shaping her expertise in utilizing social technology for Kingdom advancement. She collaborated with major churches in the U.S. and globally, earning recognition as a thought partner by influential religious figures. Nona’s approach of moving from social media to social ministry has assisted thousands of church leaders.
Nona’s achievements include features in ESSENCE Magazine’s “Under 40 Woman to Watch” and Florida Trend Magazine’s “30-Something All Stars.” She currently chairs the University of Florida Digital Advisory Council and serves as president of The Links, Incorporated’s Gainesville (FL) chapter. She has held positions on the Georgia Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force and as Secretary of the Florida Juvenile Justice Association Board of Directors. Nona is an alumna of the Presidential Leadership Scholars program and Leadership Florida. She’s been recognized as a University of Florida Outstanding Young Alumnus and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Nona Jones Weightloss
In an Instagram post, Nona shared that she was labeled as morbidly obese for a significant part of her life, reaching 276 lbs by the age of 26. Her struggles with childhood abuse led her to use food as a coping mechanism, resulting in weight gain. Teased for her weight in school, she experienced periods of bulimia in high school and college, which provided temporary relief.
After reaching 276 lbs by the age of 30, Nona decided to make a change for her health. Facing difficulties with breathing and joint pain, she committed to a fit lifestyle. Despite not being a runner, she registered for the Disney Princess Half marathon happening nine months later. Following a clean diet and regular exercise, she lost 60 pounds by race day and an additional 40 pounds in the following six months. She has maintained this weight loss for over ten years.
Last year, Nona underwent surgery to remove excess skin from her abdomen, a physical representation of the self-loathing from her painful past. Today, at 40 years old, she weighs 40 lbs and is a testament to her journey towards a healthier and happier life.
Books
- Killing Comparison
- Success from the Inside Out
- From Social Media to Social Ministry
Net Worth
Nona Jones is estimated to worth $3 Million USD.
Social Media
You can find Nona Jones on the following social media platforms:
- Instagram: @nonanotnora
- Facebook: @Nona Jones
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