CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tanya Jones is using her passion for the arts and storytelling to help spark conversations about healthy relationships.
“We call it the hot seat or the show within the show," Jones explained. "There are so many different pieces of this production that’s going on that’s happening around you."
She’s the founder and CEO of Interactive Advocacy.
“We’re going to make you laugh," Jones shared. "We’re going to make you cry, but we are always going to do it in a safe space learning environment."
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It’s full on immersive theatrical-based training. Interactive Advocacy incorporates a live stage as way to train companies, organizations and institutions about topics surrounding sexual assault and harassment prevention, mental health and domestic violence.
“The very first play that I wrote was, 'No Words,'" Jones said. "It's the story of a young woman who was sexually assaulted and it's actually my own personal story."
Her story starts in Brooklyn, New York. Jones enlisted in the Army in her early 20s.
“I somehow managed to be that go-to person if there was a problem in the organization,” she mentioned.
Fast forward to 2019, as she was starting IA, she got connected to the North Carolina Veteran’s Business Association.
“They were actually having an event in Charlotte at the speedway. I was just blown away by the camaraderie," she said. "I was blown away by so many people with so much knowledge."
NC Vet Biz works to help veterans along their journeys, either as professionals or as business owners. They do so through networking and education events across the state.
There are more than 52,000 veterans living in Mecklenburg County, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Between both Carolinas, there are roughly 1 million more. Jones sees it as an opportunity help servicemembers and their families get ahead of life after their military career.
She became the first Black president of NC Vet Biz. It's led to a 20% increase in membership. She says the organization is now working to connect veterans and their families to careers in cybersecurity.
“These individuals now have an opportunity to graduate with a job that offers them $100,000 plus in salary," Jones said. "That’s huge."
NC Vet Biz, along with KSE Consulting Group in Washington, D.C., are offering 100 cyber technician certification scholarships.
You don’t need a background in cyber tech to apply. Jones hopes her passion for helping fellow vets can spark better outcomes.
“Because you’re talking about changing the trajectory and outcome of someone’s life,” she stated.
Contact Nick Sturdivant at nsturdiva1@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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