The Team

Keisha Jones

Keisha Jones, the CEO of By Design Consulting, is a visionary leader in the fields of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and Leadership strategy. Her unwavering passion lies in witnessing organizations thrive and reach their full potential. With roles encompassing curator, consultant, instructor, and presenter, Keisha empowers organizations to strategically integrate DEIB, sparking lasting and purposeful transformation.

Keisha is a seasoned professional with a rich and diverse background spanning 20 years, encompassing higher education, business and industry, leadership development, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) efforts. Her multifaceted career has allowed her to make significant contributions in various leadership roles within higher education while also making a substantial impact in the business and industry sectors.

With a strong foundation in higher education, Keisha has held key leadership positions in esteemed institutions, leveraging her expertise to drive student success and create inclusive campus environments. Her journey in higher education has spanned roles at both four-year institutions, such as NC A&T State University and Georgia State, and two-year colleges, including GTCC and DDCC.

Keisha's influence extends beyond academia into the dynamic realm of business and industry. Drawing on her wealth of experience, she has actively collaborated with various industries, bringing her unique insights to the corporate landscape. Her ability to navigate diverse sectors reflects her adaptability and commitment to bridging the gap between academia and the professional world. In her extensive career, Keisha has not only served in leadership roles but has also made impactful contributions as a board member and chair within several organizations. Her strategic vision and dedication to fostering positive change have positioned her as a key influencer in the organizations she has been a part of.

At the heart of Keisha's professional journey is her commitment to leadership development and DEIB efforts. Her passion for creating inclusive and equitable spaces is evident in her roles, notably serving the various roles she has held. Keisha's leadership in these areas reflects her dedication to driving positive change and cultivating environments where everyone can thrive. Leveraging her diverse industry background, Keisha possesses the insight needed to comprehend and cater to the multifaceted demands of organizations, addressing a broad spectrum of needs.

Beyond her impressive professional achievements, Keisha is a native of Greensboro, NC, and a proud alumna of NC A&T State University. Her commitment to making a lasting impact in both academic and professional spheres continues to be a driving force in her multifaceted career.

Dr. Abraham Dones

Abraham Luis Dones affectionately known as Abe was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. He grew up in a predominately Puerto Rican and Black neighborhood where he understood the cultural wealth and richness that stemmed from his upbringing and community. After graduating high school, he was the first male in his family to leave home and attend college. He went to the University of Pittsburgh where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. He began his educational career as a Bilingual Secondary Mathematics Teacher for the School District of Philadelphia. He later transitioned into an IT career at Drexel University where he would further his education by earning a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration. The Dones’ relocated to Raleigh, NC and Abe returned to his first passion, education.

He worked in student affairs at North Carolina State University. After serving as the Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs for 5 years, he began working at Durham Technical Community College. He attributes his commitment, passion, and purpose for working in higher education to the academic experiences of his mother who was an adult learner and graduated from a community college. He credits his pursuit of the Educational Doctorate in Adult and Community College Education to his mother and family. Currently, Abe is the Vice President, Chief Student Services Officer at Durham Technical Community College.

Abraham Luis Dones is a highly experienced practitioner who seeks opportunities for organizational change to improve student services and support. An equity champion who implements strategies addressing access, success and completion with a focus on social capital and upward mobility of marginalized students. A creative thinker, problem solver, decision maker, and motivator with extensive enrollment management experience, employee development, and promoter for outstanding customer service. He has worked at several higher education institutions culminating over 20 years of experience. Throughout his professional experiences he has lived by a “Student’s First” Philosophy.

Dr. Alex Kappus

Dr. Kappus (he/him) is a lifelong learner, educator, and student advocate. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, he brings over a decade of professional experience in higher education in a variety of functional areas and institutional types in Georgia, Texas, Michigan, and North Carolina. Viewing social responsibility as central to his work as a scholar-practitioner, Dr. Kappus has advanced diversity, equity, and inclusion goals throughout his career. For over a decade, he has facilitated presentations on diversity, equity, and inclusion at institutional, state, and national levels. Dr. Kappus serves as the Senior Director for Student Success in the College of Education at NC State University. He earned a Ph.D. in the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education program at Michigan State University. His research examined the experiences of college students involved in nonpartisan political engagement during the 2020 election season. He received a Master’s in Education from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Emory University.

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