LaToya M Jones First Vice President of Syracuse Onondaga NAACP

 

LaToya M Jones has built a reputation as a change-agent in the arena of public policy,
healthcare, and disability advocacy. Ms. Jones has had an impressive career in the
healthcare industry. LaToya is a Nurse and currently serves as the Regional Healthcare
Advocate for Syracuse & Central New York with the Healthcare Education Project.

She is passionate about decreasing the rate of healthcare disparities in the community. She
is a staunch social justice lobbyist, influencer, educator, volunteer, and promoter of holistic wellness. Ms. Jones leverages her talent as a coalition-builder and social change agent through her active participation in various organizations.

LaToya is the 2021-2022 First Vice President of the Syracuse Onondaga NAACP. She has previously served as the Health Committee Chair & Public Relations Chair. Along with her work with the NAACP,
LaToya is the founder of The Joe Family Foundation for Disability Advocacy Inc., serves on the boards of Syracuse – Onondaga Food Systems Alliance (SOFSA), David’s Refuge, and past President of Black Nurses Rock Syracuse Chapter Inc. within the grassroots nurse organization focusing on cultivating innovative nurse leaders and community outreach within disadvantaged neighborhoods.

She has been featured in numerous Central, NY & Syracuse, NY region magazines. LaToya holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration from Bryant & Stratton College. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Public Policy. A mother of two girls, one boy, and resides in Central New York.

 

We Empower readers, please enjoy our interview!

 

Tammy Reese:

Congratulations on becoming VP of the Syracuse NAACP, what are you looking forward
to during your term?

 

LaToya Jones:

I am looking forward to being a part of a team approach that works on the ground in the
community. An organization that understands the human rights of our people, our rights that
were systemically oppressed before the pandemic. I have been involved in social justice advocacy & grassroots work for years.

I come from a family of generations of public service. My grandmother, my uncles, and cousins paved the road for me with their strong ties to organizations such as Catholic Charities, Peace Inc., and Southwest Community Center. They instilled into the younger generation, the seed of service at a young age. On the ground doing the work, meeting people where they are.

We are only as good as our community. It is my goal in life to do what is necessary to assist my family and my community. In my term as VP focusing our work on the NAACP game changers as it pertains to our local community will definitely elevate our voices and the stories of injustice that still continue in 2021.

 

Tammy Reese:

What does your role entail?

 

LaToya Jones:
Being elected the First Vice President of NACCP I hold a vital role under the President’s
leadership. Being second in command my skills and responsibilities are most versatile and
rewarding to the office.

While the major responsibility of the Vice President is to perform all of the duties of the President in his or her absence or disability. I am additionally tasked with meeting with the President to determine how our roles will complement each other; set goals and agreements.

Become acquainted with the President’s responsibilities so that I may serve when or where she is not able. Meet with the President and Advisor monthly to update and share progress. Meet with committee chairpersons to discuss goals for the year.

A receiver of reports and access for communication, resource, and help for committee chairs. Accessible to the NAACP membership and a community liaison. As our administration functions from the top down in a team approach. Meet once a month to coordinate a calendar of activities with chairs.
Community networking and coalition building along with the President. Process, observe and give feedback when appropriate.

 

Tammy Reese:

What key roles are you looking to fill to assist in the efforts and what resources
does the organization provide?

 

LaToya Jones: 
We are always looking for individuals to be apart of our local NAACP as volunteers, members, committee members, and chairs. If you are a community member that has a passion for health, education, economic, housing, criminal, or racial justice.

You can assist in our efforts and the key role is your expertise within that committee. The President will be announcing next month at the NAACP Town Hall the chairs of the current committees.

 

Tammy Reese:

What impact is the new NAACP administration hoping to make?

 

LaToya Jones: 
The administration will be impactful in assisting with breaking the barriers down that have long
been in place that oppresses our communities.

Igniting the fire of community members to advocate along with the NAACP for human rights! Solidifying the message that we are stronger together.

 

Tammy Reese:
What would you like for the Syracuse community to know about the new direction of
the NAACP?

 

LaToya Jones: 
I would like the community to know you are not alone in this pandemic of systemic racism,
healthcare inequities, housing issues, educational inequality, economic instability along with
other pressing issues.

We are a volunteer organization and are committed to equipping committee members that believe in the mission and vision of the organization. That will help our communities with resources and support as we continue to fight these crises together.

 

Tammy Reese:

How can the community get involved to assist with the mission?

 

LaToya Jones:
You can get involved by becoming a member of the local branch and finding a cause that is
close to your heart. One that pulls at your heart, that makes the work easier to do.

Connect with me or Bishop Colette if you would like to have a further discussion or perhaps a virtual coffee. Getting involved will bring you into a team atmosphere to do the work that is most necessary to
help our communities move forward.

 

 

For more information about the Syracuse NAACP chapter please visit www.syracusenaacp.com.

 

*Photo Credit- Indaria Jones*

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