Meet Deanna

Deanna Jones, sales and operations expert, joins our team as an Empowering Differences expert. Deanna holds a passion for speaking to companies and at civic and professional events to share her story of not only transitioning in the workplace, but her personal life as well. Deanna has also launched, “Deanna Jones Now” LLC Consulting as a way to help others understand how they can empower transgender employees in the workplace as they navigate becoming their authentic self. 

In 2019, Deanna Jones transitioned to her authentic self while working at Cisco Systems in the Research Triangle Park region of North Carolina. Immediately after transitioning, she emerged with joy into a life filled with new promise and possibilities. Soon, she realized she had a story to tell, one that could impact people, companies, and society. 

First, she began speaking at a storytelling group called the Monti in Durham, then serving on panels for conferences focused on diversity, equity, & inclusion.  She has spoken at Chamber events and has also spoken at many companies seeking to better serve their LGBTQ employees. Deanna’s passion now lies in speaking to companies and at civic and professional events to share her story of not only transitioning in the workplace, but her personal life as well. There is a powerful connection audiences experience from hearing someone share their lived experiences–it’s how we make meaning in our lives. Deanna has launched “deanna jones now” llc consulting to share insights and inspiration on the transgender experience in life and work, one of the most compelling topics of our times. The company’s mission is to help people understand what it is to be transgender in the workplace today and help corporations navigate personal transitions and transformations.  Whole, authentic employees make all the difference. Everyone needs to feel like they belong. Deanna Jones has worked in sales and operations roles in the technology field for over 25 years, including the last 24 years at Cisco where she is still employed. She is currently serving as a team lead for Education at Cisco’s Cisco Confidential Pride ERG. She holds an  MBA from Elon University and a Masters Degree in Instructional Technology from University of Maryland University Global Campus. She also has a certificate in DEI from Ecornell University. Deanna is the President of Harmony, the Raleigh area’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce. Deanna is also a proud member of the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and serves on the DEI collective there. She is a member of the NC Chamber of Commerce, the Carolinas Chamber of Commerce and The National Speakers Association.

In her spare time, Deanna enjoys coaching T-ball, hiking and reading.