Jay Jones’s path to becoming a prominent trans leader and activist has not always been easy—being a trailblazer often means having few, if any, role models to help light the path. Jay’s abounding empathy, work ethic, and faith, however, have fueled her to take on a multitude of leadership roles and to become the type of leader she did not have the chance to see when she was younger. 

Currently a senior at Howard University, Jay is the first woman of trans experience to serve as Executive President of the Student Association. Before becoming president, she took on several other roles in student government, and throughout her time as a student leader, Jay has prioritized building community and encouraging inclusivity through policy and initiatives that support and uplift LGBTQIA+ students. 

“I’m really passionate about connecting people and building community in different places or in ways that people don’t always expect are possible,” she said. 

Jay first found her footing in LGBTQIA+ advocacy within historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). While at Howard, she discovered that some community members did not envision the university to be a place where all students could fully express themselves. As a student leader, Jay went on to combat that idea through organizing far-reaching fundraisers for LGBTQIA+ rights, advocating for gender-affirming care to be covered by insurance, and promoting diverse voices in leadership roles both on- and off-campus. 

At NTLC, Jay serves as Executive Vice President, assisting with the organization’s day-to-day operations. Jay is also responsible for overseeing partnerships and managing the different people and organizations who are interested in getting involved with NTLC’s work. 

The roles that Jay has taken on and the efforts that she has lent her voice to are much more than work for her, though. 

“The work we do here at NTLC and beyond is life-saving. I think that it’s important to recognize and realize the importance of it—that this can be a life-saving thing for a person to have.”

One of the most important aspects to Jay lies in providing role models for others to look up to, especially amidst political turbulence. “This is some of the most important work right now, and I think we have an obligation to build up and support young leaders,” she said. “It provides people with an image they can see themselves in.”

Throughout her career, Jay often finds herself thinking back to what she may have needed when she was still getting started. What would have helped her feel empowered? What type of person would she have looked to for guidance, support, and comfort? Jay makes it her mission to be the person not only that she would have needed, but an advocate and supporter for all of the young leaders coming next—both to empower them to chase after their goals, and to remind them that rest and care are vital. 

“I want to be the person who, looking back, would have told me ‘It’s going to be okay, this is a safe place for you,’” she said. “I want to be the kind of role model who recognizes both where people are and where they can be.”

Outside of work, Jay is an active runner, and she loves spending time reading and being around friends.