Debra Jones

About Debra Jones

I am an executive leader, educator, and global policy strategist with more than 20 years of experience advancing education, civic engagement, and evidence-based advocacy across higher education, international development, and multilateral systems. My work focuses on building the capacity of learners, institutions, and governments to address complex global challenges with rigor, inclusion, and impact. I serve as Adjunct Associate Professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, where I teach sustainable development practice and supervise project-based, community-engaged capstones. At Montclair State University, I serve as an Adjunct Professor of International Justice preparing students to navigate geopolitical systems, promote peace, and collaborate across sectors. I have designed widely used global learning resources, including \"Leave No One Behind: Strengthening Implementation of the 2030 Agenda\" for the United Nations Institute for Training and Research. Alongside my academic career, I bring deep executive and organizational leadership experience as Co-Founder and President of the International Organization for Adolescents, I lead strategy, fundraising, and people while overseeing national training and curriculum development for U.S. Office on Violence Against Women grantees. Previously, at Save the Children, I led global advocacy at the United Nations, chaired multi-stakeholder coalitions across 100+ countries, and advised UN leadership on initiatives including the Transforming Education Summit and Every Woman, Every Child. At J.K. Rowling’s Lumos Foundation, I directed cross-regional advocacy and research teams across the U.S. and Europe on de-institutionalization of children. As an executive consultant, I have partnered with UN agencies, global NGOs, and foundations to design education strategies, learning resources, and engagement campaigns that reach diverse audiences. I am known for collaborative leadership, building high-performing teams, and translating complex policy issues for decision-makers, donors, media, and the public. I am completing doctoral studies in education at Pennsylvania State University, with research on integrating lived-experience expertise into global education learning and design. I believe high-quality education and inclusive leadership are essential to ensuring all young people have both a fair start and a meaningful voice. I welcome connections with people and institutions interested in executive leadership, higher education, global education strategy, and cross-sector collaboration.

Experience

1. Adjunct Associate Professor of International and Public Affairs

   Columbia Sipa

   Jan 2000 — Present · New York, NY, US

   Teaching graduate-level international affairs professionals in sustainable development strategies and innovative project planning and management, which is then applied to real-life economic, business, and political development challenges through international Capstone projects.

Education

• Columbia | SIPA

  Master’s Degree, Economic and Political Development

• NYU Gallatin

  Bachelor’s Degree

• Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health

  Master’s Degree, Population and Family Health

• Penn State University

  Doctor of Education - D.Ed. (Doctoral Student)

  2027