We recently connected with Shaniqua Jones and have shared our conversation below.
Shaniqua , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was stepping out on faith to start Purple Path—not just as a passion project, but as a full-fledged business that would redefine how Restorative Justice is implemented in communities. At the time, I had been working independently in the field since 2010, balancing my passion with traditional roles in education and leadership. But in 2019, I made the decision to officially launch Purple Path as a for-profit social enterprise, stepping away from the conventional career track and into the uncertainty of entrepreneurship.
The risk wasn’t just financial—though that was a major factor. As a wife, mother, and caregiver, my responsibilities extended far beyond my own dreams. I had a family depending on me, bills to pay, and no guarantee that my vision would translate into sustainable income. More than that, I was pushing against the traditional nonprofit model that most people associate with Restorative Justice. Instead, I was committed to creating a healing-centered business that could thrive financially while doing transformational work.
The journey was far from easy. There were months when I questioned whether I had made the right decision, times when contracts fell through, and moments of deep self-doubt. But I stayed rooted in my mission: to bring healing to individuals, families, and institutions that have been impacted by deep-rooted harm. Over time, my risk began to bear fruit—doors started opening, schools and organizations sought me out, and I became recognized as an expert in the field. Today, Purple Path is not just surviving—it’s growing into a global force for change.
This risk taught me that stepping into your purpose is always a leap of faith, but when your work is aligned with your calling, you don’t just land—you soar.
Shaniqua , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
For those who may not have heard of me before, I am Dr. Shaniqua Jones—an educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for healing-centered justice. I am the Founder and CEO of Purple Path, a for-profit social enterprise rooted in Restorative Justice, equity, and community transformation. My life’s work is dedicated to helping individuals, families, schools, and organizations move from harm to healing by implementing restorative practices that address conflict, trauma, and systemic barriers.
I grew up in Harvey, IL, a community that shaped my resilience, values, and deep commitment to justice. I experienced firsthand how punitive systems—whether in schools, workplaces, or the justice system—failed to address the root causes of harm. Instead of healing and restoration, I saw cycles of punishment and disconnection that often left people worse off than before.
Determined to change that, I pursued my education with a focus on Restorative Justice. I earned my Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, where I studied the failures of traditional punitive models and the transformative power of restorative practices. I later earned a Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership with a specialization in Higher Education, where I developed The Jones Theory of Restorative Community Practices—a framework that integrates identity development and social capital-building to create real, lasting change.
But my work isn’t just about research—it’s about action. After working independently in the field for years, I took a leap of faith in 2019 and launched Purple Path as a full-fledged business dedicated to restorative solutions, healing, and empowerment.
Purple Path is more than just a consulting firm—it’s a movement for healing, accountability, and transformation. We provide:
1. Signature Talks & Keynote Speaking – I deliver powerful insights on Restorative Justice, trauma-informed leadership, and equity-driven solutions at conferences, corporate trainings, and community events.
2. Restorative Justice Training & Consulting – We help schools, businesses, and institutions implement restorative practices that reduce harm and strengthen relationships.
3. Healing Retreats & Virtual Healing Spaces – Through in-person and online experiences, we create spaces for individuals and communities to engage in meaningful healing work.
4. Restorative Justice Accelerator Programs – Our multi-level training series teaches RJ principles, including social capital-building, conflict resolution, and trauma-informed practices.
5. Creative Works & Resources – I am the author of workbooks, journals, and guides that help people engage in personal and community healing, including the upcoming #SoulHealers Journal and accompanying coloring book.
Many institutions—whether in education, corporate spaces, or community organizations—struggle with unresolved conflict, trauma, and systemic inequities. Purple Path helps them move from punitive, ineffective approaches to healing-centered solutions. Whether it’s reducing school suspensions, helping teams navigate difficult conversations, or supporting communities impacted by violence, we provide customized solutions that create real, sustainable change. What sets us apart:
Lived Experience & Academic Expertise – I don’t just teach theory—I’ve lived through systemic harm and done the academic and practical work to develop solutions that work.
A Healing-Centered Approach – My work is not about punishment or compliance—it’s about true restoration, helping people rebuild relationships, reclaim power, and create lasting transformation.
For-Profit Social Enterprise Model – Unlike most RJ practitioners, I built Purple Path as a for-profit business because I believe in economic sustainability while doing transformational work. We operate with the heart of a nonprofit but with the strategy of a business.
Faith & Purpose-Driven Leadership – My work is deeply rooted in faith, purpose, and alignment. I believe in divine assignment, and I move accordingly.
What I’m Most Proud Of
One of my proudest accomplishments is seeing the impact of my work—not just in numbers, but in lives changed. Watching a student stay in school because of RJ circles, seeing a family heal after years of unresolved pain, and helping leaders transform their approach to conflict brings me a level of fulfillment that no paycheck ever could.
I am also incredibly proud of how Purple Path is growing globally, reaching new audiences, and setting the standard for healing-centered justice.
What I Want You to Know
If you’re reading this, I want you to know that healing is possible—for individuals, families, schools, and entire communities. Whether you’re an educator, a leader, or someone seeking change, you don’t have to navigate the journey alone.
Purple Path is here to walk with you, offering the tools, knowledge, and support you need to move forward. I invite you to connect with me, whether through our programs, speaking engagements, or upcoming creative works. Together, we can transform how we approach harm, accountability, and healing—one conversation, one relationship, and one community at a time.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building my reputation within the Restorative Justice (RJ) space and healing-centered leadership has been a combination of authenticity, expertise, consistency, and deep community engagement. It wasn’t something that happened overnight—it was a process of showing up, doing the work, and making a lasting impact. Here are the key factors that helped me establish myself as a trusted leader in this field:
1. Lived Experience & Academic Expertise
I believe my reputation is built on the fact that I don’t just talk about Restorative Justice—I live it. Growing up in Harvey, IL, I personally witnessed and experienced the harmful effects of punitive systems, but I also saw the power of community healing. That lived experience, combined with my Master’s in Criminal Justice with a focus on RJ and Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership, allows me to bring a unique blend of real-world insight and academic depth to my work.
People respect that I’ve taken the time to study, develop, and refine RJ models—particularly The Jones Theory of Restorative Community Practices—while also remaining deeply connected to on-the-ground work with youth, families, educators, and organizations.
2. Boldly Stepping Into Restorative Justice as a Business
Many people associate RJ with nonprofit work, but I took a bold risk by launching Purple Path as a for-profit social enterprise. This distinction helped me stand out because it proved that RJ can be financially sustainable while still being mission-driven.
This move positioned me as a trailblazer in the field, showing that RJ isn’t just a passion—it’s a profession that deserves investment, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability. Organizations and institutions recognize that I am serious about this work—not just as a service, but as an industry that needs to be valued.
3. Consistency & Showing Up for the Work
Reputation is built on trust and reliability, and I have worked hard to show up consistently—whether it’s leading a healing circle, consulting with a school, delivering a keynote speech, or training future RJ practitioners.
I have:
> Led countless RJ training sessions for educators, businesses, and organizations
> Developed multi-level Restorative Justice Accelerator Programs (RJ 101-104)
> Hosted healing retreats and virtual healing circles to create safe spaces for transformation
> Worked with institutions to implement real policy change
People see that I’m not just here to talk about Restorative Justice—I’m here to actively shape the future of it.
4. Expanding My Reach Through Public Speaking & Media
My TEDx Talk, public speaking engagements, and features in national media have helped solidify my credibility. When people hear me speak, they connect with my passion, wisdom, and authenticity. I’ve also leveraged social media, podcast interviews, and storytelling to ensure that my message reaches broader audiences.
By making RJ and healing-centered leadership accessible and relevant, I’ve been able to connect with diverse communities, from educators and corporate leaders to grassroots organizers and parents.
5. A Healing-Centered, Faith-Driven Approach
What truly sets me apart is that my work is deeply rooted in healing and faith. I don’t approach RJ as just a tool for discipline or policy change—it’s a way of life that transforms individuals and communities.
I’ve built my reputation on the foundation of faith, purpose, and calling. People recognize that my work is not just about fixing broken systems—it’s about helping people reclaim their wholeness. That level of sincerity and alignment with my divine assignment has resonated with clients, partners, and communities alike.
The Result? A Strong, Trusted Reputation
Because of these factors, I am now seen as a trusted authority in the RJ field, and Purple Path is recognized as a leader in healing-centered justice and social impact work. Institutions, businesses, and individuals seek me out because they know that my approach is authentic, transformative, and effective.
At the end of the day, my reputation wasn’t built on branding alone—it was built on results. It was built on lives changed, systems improved, and communities healed. And that’s what keeps me going.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Resilience isn’t just about surviving hardship—it’s about finding the strength to keep going when everything in your world is falling apart. If I had to choose one moment that truly tested me, it would be September 2022—a month that changed my life forever.
The Month That Shattered Everything
On September 2, 2022, I lost my beloved mother. She was my rock, my safe space, and my constant source of wisdom and love. Her passing left a void so deep that I could barely breathe through the grief. Just as I was trying to process that devastating loss, life dealt me another unimaginable blow.
Exactly 26 days later, on September 28, 2022, my husband, DJ, suffered a massive heart attack and stroke that led to an anoxic brain injury. One moment, we were navigating our everyday lives, and the next, he was fighting for his life while I was left trying to hold everything together—for him, for our family, for myself.
Doctors weren’t sure if he would survive. If he did, they weren’t certain how much function he would regain. In an instant, I became not just a grieving daughter, but also a full-time caregiver to my husband, all while still being a mother, an entrepreneur, and a leader in my community.
The Weight of It All—And the Choice to Rise
The weight of that moment could have crushed me. And honestly, there were times when I felt like it would. I was running on empty, emotionally and physically drained, while still trying to lead Purple Path, facilitate healing spaces for others, and make sure my children were okay.
But I had a choice: to give up or to stand firm in the very principles I teach others.
I leaned into my own work:
> Practicing Restorative Justice with myself—giving myself permission to grieve, rest, and navigate this painful chapter without judgment.
> Relying on my community—knowing I didn’t have to carry this weight alone.
> Restructuring Purple Path—adapting my business so I could continue my mission while balancing the new realities of my life.
> Holding onto my faith—trusting that even in the deepest pain, there was still purpose, still hope, and still healing ahead.
The Power of Resilience and Faith
Fast forward to today: DJ is still here. He is healing, fighting, and defying expectations every day. I am still here, still standing, still leading, and still answering my divine calling.
That experience didn’t just test my resilience—it transformed it. It taught me that grief and healing can coexist, that even when life strips everything away, I am still capable of rising.
So when people ask me what resilience looks like, I tell them: It’s choosing to keep moving when the weight of grief and responsibility feels unbearable. It’s holding onto faith when everything around you feels uncertain. It’s believing that healing is still possible, even after the deepest wounds.
That’s the foundation of who I am. That’s why I do what I do. And that’s why Purple Path isn’t just a business—it’s a lifeline for those who are also on the journey from harm to healing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.purplepathbydrj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purplepathbydrj/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/purplepathbydrj/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PurplePathByDrShaniquaJones
