Deanna Jones' Advocacy Work
One time, I asked an audience:
“How many of you have ever been discriminated against — or have seen it happen?”
Every single hand went up.
And then I asked the real question:
“And you mean to tell me this isn’t a problem?”
That moment stayed with me. Because too many people are still acting like discrimination is a rare exception — not a pattern we’ve just gotten good at ignoring.
This is why I advocate.
As someone who lives at the intersection of stories people don’t always want to hear. As a transgender woman. As a leader. As someone who knows how much easier it is to stay quiet — and chooses not to.
I speak out because I’ve seen what silence costs.
I’ve seen how policies fail when no one names what’s broken. I’ve watched leaders outsource responsibility for equity to HR or let fear steer the conversation off course. And I’ve seen what’s possible when someone steps up and says, “This matters — and here’s why.”
Whether I’m addressing a state legislature, speaking on a panel, or challenging norms inside a room full of executives, I show up to name what too often goes unnamed — and to advocate for communities, especially LGBTQ+ individuals, who are too often talked about instead of listened to.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to show up as an engaged advocate:
Serving as president of Harmony, an LGBTQ+ advocacy network that fosters opportunities for LGBT+ and allied businesses and professionals.
Speaking to the state legislature, advocating for inclusive policies and protections that directly impact the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.
Appearing on panels like Activate Good, sharing lived experience and actionable insight to spark meaningful dialogue on inclusion, leadership, and social impact.
Speaking to the Raleigh County Commissioners, bringing visibility to local issues and pushing for equity-focused decisions at the community level.
Speaking Clips
Advocacy in action.
Deanna Jones She did an amazing job resonating across generations with the audience and setting our event off to a truly inspirational start! Deanna is poised, prepared, and thoughtful as an inspirational speaker. We are so glad she agreed to Keynote for our event!
Nicole Guernsey, Financial Advisor, Prestige Financial Group
