Dr. Tavis Wade-Jones is a Mentor and Motivational Speaker. She is a very proud native of Memphis, TN. She attended and graduated from LeMoyne-Owen College where she was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Upsilon Chapter in April of 2000. From Freed-Hardeman University, she received her Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction, her Ed.S., from Nova Southeastern University in Administration & Supervision and her Doctorate in Leadership in Higher Education from Capella University.
Dr. Wade-Jones, began her career as a US & World History teacher in public schools. Moving up the ranks, she became an administrator in Las Vegas, Nevada, Austin, Texas and Nashville, TN. Throughout her educational career, she created opportunities for advancement for women and mentored women in education, both professionally and as a volunteer.
Her personal commitment to empowering teenage girls led Dr. Wade-Jones to help start Modern Distinctive Ladies, Inc. in 1988. She serves as the Executive Director of MDL Inc. This nonprofit organization inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and courageous. MDL Inc. offers life-changing programs and experiences that are delivered through a network of over 30 affiliates to help young ladies navigate gender, economic, and social barriers.
Dr. Wade-Jones is also the Founder and CEO of Purity P.E.A.R.L.S a Mentoring Program which reaches teen girls in promoting abstinence, embracing spiritual guidance, increasing self esteem and building leadership. Dr. Wade-Jones inspires both young and old by the gift God has placed inside of her. She speaks to the wounded and hurt in order to be healed. Her testimony is real and her life has become a message.
Since its’ inception, MDL Inc. & Purity P.E.A.R.L.S has implemented programs that reflect our belief that young women and girls are capable of creating positive changes in their lives and communities. They both promote the positive development and well-being of youth and young ladies by providing a supportive and empowering space that inspires them to overcome challenges make healthy choices and take action to create a safer and better world for young ladies. The goal is to provide young ladies with the opportunity to become prominent leaders in our society by giving them the tools necessary to achieve excellence in all facets of their lives.
Dr. Wade-Jones truly stands out as a star shedding light wherever she goes. Her passion and dedication to young women stems from her own experiences, overcoming life challenges. She realizes her test and trials have made her into the woman she is today. She lives by the motto, “All things work together for the good.” Dr. Wade-Jones, shares her life with her daughter Kennedi’ Alicia and grandson Trio. She is also an ordained minister and her focus is to create a healthy balance of family, faith and philanthropy. Recreationally, she enjoys quality time with friends and family, “me time”, traveling, fine dining, fashion and relaxing.
