Episode Description
Instead of a single, pivotal moment, Sarah Jones compares her journey towards social justice work to a fire that ignited during her first experiences with race and racism in the 1st grade, defining further memories and experiences as the logs that kept the fire burning.
She shares a story about how studying abroad as a first-generation college student revealed how capitalism reinforces inequity by limiting access to travel opportunities, especially for Black and Brown students. Her experience clarified her commitment to making travel experiences more accessible and inclusive, which she does in her work today, leading global leadership programs with an intentional focus on equity.
Sarah shares what sustains her, what keeps her up at night when it comes to global equity trends, and why rest, community, and storytelling matters in social justice work.
You can Connect with Sarah Jones on LinkedIn.
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Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.
00:00 Study Abroad Spark
02:07 Money Shapes Access
03:32 Career Mission Emerges
06:00 Show Identity and Values
07:19 Meet Sarah Jones
13:10 Early Racial Awakening
17:40 Soccer Field Microaggressions
20:42 Finding Support Systems
24:13 Mentors Megan and Monroe
29:58 Spanish and Demographic Shifts
36:59 Katrina Displacement Story
46:03 Leading with Equity Today
51:01 Why This Work Matters
52:51 Alumni Moment of Support
54:34 Representation Fuels the Fire
58:09 What Keeps Me Up
01:02:54 Internalized Oppression
01:11:17 Internalized Superiority
01:16:35 Mentors and Rest
01:22:46 Black Food as Joy
01:30:05 Gratitude and Shoutouts
01:33:03 Listener Takeaways
01:35:10 Finish the Statements
01:38:30 Wisdom for the Future
01:39:31 Naming the Journey
01:41:52 Closing and Community