I’m Kristyna N. Jones, a strategy and operations leader with a passion for helping mission-driven organizations find clarity, confidence, and systems that work.
OFFICIAL BIO
Co‑Founder & COO, Brothers Empowered to Teach (2011–2021)
Larry Irvin and I launched Brothers Empowered to Teach (BE2T) in 2014 to build a pipeline of Black male educators in New Orleans. From a 7‑fellow cohort, we grew to serve hundreds—placing over 175 fellows in classrooms and raising more than $3M (including a major grant from MacKenzie Scott) .
After leading operations, program design, and fundraising, I stepped away in 2021 due to a deep misalignment in leadership and values. This chapter taught me firsthand the power dynamics that live through growth—and the importance of structure, equity, and leadership alignment.
Today, I bring those lessons into my consulting work: helping founders, boards, and senior teams navigate transitions, conflicts, and scale with integrity.
What I Do Now
Design strategy + operational infrastructure that has impact
Lead board–executive navigation, clarifying roles and building trust
Support founder & leadership transitions, anchoring exits with dignity
Build financial models and sustainability roadmaps for mission-driven orgs
Background & Credentials
B.A. in Economics & Metropolitan Studies, NYU
M.S. in Urban Policy & Community Development Finance, The New School
Alumna, WK Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network & Propeller Growth Accelerator
DIVERSE EXPERTISE
Finance
Community Development Loan Underwriter and Originator
Leadership
Loan Fund
Manager and Interim Executive
Coaching
Executive Coach
to Mission-Driven
Leaders
Innovation
Founder of
successful for-profit and nonprofit organizations
Get In The Cipher Podcast
Recent
Press
