From a childhood of poverty to the Academic All American Hall of Fame, then on to a successful career as an attorney fighting to reform our criminal justice system, Jolanda Jones’ personal story sheds light on the kind of leadership, commitment, and teamwork she will bring to Houston’s City Council.

That’s why Jolanda Jones is fighting for solutions to make our neighborhoods safer, keep our economy growing, make our city work better and ensure that every child in Houston has the best opportunity to learn.

 Jolanda Jones credits an excellent public school education and a rich after-school life in sports and community with her successes. Jones attended Alief Elsik High School in Houston, where she graduated magna cum laude and was an All-American in track and field and basketball. From there, she went on to the University of Houston, where she was nominated for the Rhodes Scholarship, earned an unprecedented three NCAA heptathlon championships and the title of Greatest Female Athlete of the Century. She graduated magna cum laude with a degree in political science, and later went on to earn her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center. In 1996, she qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials.

Along the way, Jones always stayed active in the community. Because of her outstanding service, she earned Congressional recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives, a key to the city of Galveston, Texas and three “Jolanda Jones Day” proclamations from the cities of Houston and Galveston. Jones holds numerous Hall of Fame titles, and was recently a contestant on CBS’ hit TV show Survivor. Today, Jones works as a successful attorney fighting to reform our criminal justice system. She was instrumental in bringing to light the serious problems at the HPD Crime Lab, refusing to back down because innocent people were being convicted, and criminals were going free. Of course, she’ll tell you that her most important job is being a mother to her 15-year-old son.

From her trailing list of achievements, it is nearly impossible to tell that Jones’ early life was colored by tragedy and personal setbacks. Jones grew up poor, was sometimes evicted and lived in apartments that often had no electricity or running water. Her father committed suicide in her presence when she was only 13 months old and she raised her four younger siblings while still a child herself. Yet, Jones fought her way out of the ghetto because she saw a better future and a chance to serve her community.

 “I learned some important lessons along the way,” says Jolanda. “I learned we don’t win in life by pushing people down. We win by lifting them up. We don’t win by tearing communities apart. We win by bringing them together. Most of all, I learned that winning ultimately means nothing unless we give back – by serving others.”

Now, Jolanda is running for Houston City Council, and her positions tellingly reflect her life experiences. Jones is calling for safer neighborhoods, affordable housing, job creation and community partnerships to maximize educational opportunities for all children. Indeed, giving every child in Houston the same opportunity that she had may be her hardest-held conviction, in life and in running for public office.

“My road out of poverty was paved with an excellent education and the chance to learn teamwork and leadership through after-school activities like sports. I overcame some seemingly insurmountable odds because I saw that hard work really does pay off and that hope is real—I want to make sure every child and family in Houston gets that same chance to realize their potential. ”

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