Vera Jones, “The Empathy Coach,” is an inspiring, funny, and relatable Motivational Speaker, Author, Professional Development Trainer and Coach. She offers resilience, empathic leadership, communication, public speaking, team building, wellness, and conflict resolution keynote speaking and training services.

A Syracuse University Hall of Fame scholar-athlete with a master’s degree from the Newhouse School of Public Communications, and an MTI Certification in Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Vera is also a former ESPN, Fox Sports, MSG, WNBA, and Big Ten Network Basketball Analyst.

She has coached Division 1 college basketball, performed on stage as an actress with the Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company, and even entertained “inebriated hecklers” as a stand-up comedian! Vera is an Adjunct Public Speaking Professor at the University of North Florida and the Founder of the Perseverance Speakers Academy.

Thus, her “spare time” is often dedicated to helping professionals build confidence and credibility through polishing their public speaking skills. In all her endeavors, her faith-based mission is to promote the power of empathy to inspire, educate, uplift, and unite. Vera is a Prince George’s County, Maryland native residing in Jacksonville, Florida.