Davina J. Jones is a visionary leader, organizer, and advocate with over 30 years of combined experience in business administration, organizational management, project management, training and development, and community organizing. She is deeply committed to empowering underserved communities, fostering economic empowerment, and creating sustainable solutions for justice-impacted individuals and marginalized populations.

Founder & CEO – Hand Up Resource Center, Inc.

As the Founder and CEO of Hand Up Resource Center, Inc., Davina has spearheaded transformative programs aimed at workforce development, reentry support, and emergency preparedness training. Under her leadership, Hand Up has launched:

• MKE Heroes, a partnership with the City of Milwaukee Office of Community Wellness and Safety, providing Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, CPR/AED certification, and trauma care instruction to equip individuals with lifesaving skills.
• Club Excellence, a youth mentoring and life skills program designed to guide young people toward personal and professional success.
• 9-1-1 for Kids®, a specialized program designed to educate young children on the appropriate use of 9-1-1 emergency services, ensuring they can recognize and respond to emergencies effectively.

Her strategic leadership ensures that these initiatives bridge the gap for underserved communities by providing education, workforce training, and access to essential resources.

Leadership & Professional Expertise

Davina has served in executive-level support roles for CEOs, CFOs, and Executive Directors, as well as Project Manager and Field Operations Supervisor, overseeing teams of up to 120 people. Her expertise spans:

• Curriculum development & training workshops, including:Office administration
  Small business development
  Receptionist skills
  Community emergency response training (CERT)
  Tactical emergency response training
  
• Grassroots organizing & civic engagement, leveraging community-driven initiatives and advocacy strategies to educate, mobilize, and activate communities for social justice and voter participation.
• Workforce development & reentry programs, ensuring that individuals have the skills and opportunities needed for long-term success.

Education & Certifications

Davina’s academic background reflects her diverse expertise in business administration, finance, and healthcare:

• Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Accounting
• Coursework toward an A.A.S. in Registered Nursing
• Coursework toward a B.S. in Business Administration
• Microsoft Office Certification
• Project Management Certification
• CPR/AED-BLS Instruction for Healthcare Professionals

Her experience and credentials position her as a leader in both public safety and workforce empowerment, ensuring that the communities she serves receive high-quality training and life-changing opportunities.

Commitment to Service & Advocacy

Davina’s passion lies in creating sustainable solutions for marginalized communities, justice-impacted individuals, and young people seeking economic empowerment and professional development. She believes that education, advocacy, and community-building are the keys to breaking cycles of poverty and injustice. Her work continues to uplift and inspire others to take charge of their futures, advocate for themselves, and build stronger communities.

Interests & Personal Growth

In addition to her professional and advocacy work, Davina has a deep love for music, mentorship, and faith-based service. She is currently pursuing divinity studies as a minister in training, furthering her mission to uplift, inspire, and lead through faith, leadership, and service. Her belief in the power of faith, vision, and collective action continues to drive her efforts to transform lives and strengthen communities.