Phenomenal Women Spotlight: Constance Jones

Constance Jones descends from Abbeville, LA, and has been a Houston native for over 30 years. Constance pursued her studies in Healthcare Law and Business Administration, majoring in Healthcare Compliance. In addition, she has over 25 years of experience working at all levels of corporate compliance. She has been a consultant, head administrator, auditor, and guest speaker in her field of expertise.

For several years, Ms. Jones worked as a compliance auditor for the state of Texas and Harris County Medicaid HMO. She opened her own compliance consulting company, “CRJ Healthcare Credentials and Consulting,” in early 2000, specializing in opening hospitals, surgery centers, and clinics, including overseeing state-mandated audits and surveys.

She was first elected in 2016 and was re-elected for a third term as a State Officer for the Texas Coalition Black Caucus in 2021.

In 2017, Ms. Jones was recruited by the Steering Committee from the University of Texas to serve on the Texas State Task Force for Policy and Legislative Maternal Morbidity Steering Committee, along with State Representative Shawn Thierry serving as one of the honorary board members. This has proven to be one of her greatest accomplishments as she is dedicated to true advocacy for women’s healthcare.

Ms. Jones deeply believes in supporting her community and has volunteered and served in various professional, civic, and charitable organizations. Some of the organizations she is actively involved in are the Executive Board for International Women’s Empowerment Movement, National Congress of Black Women (NCBW), Annie’s List Steering Committee (Texas Chapter), Member of the National Medical Malpractice Advocacy Association (NMMAA), Communications Director for TCBD (Harris Chapter), Brand Ambassador for Boss Up Inspirations, Board Member for I Aspire Youth Organization, and True Faith Healthcare Systems Executive Board as the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) and Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO).

In 2021, Ms. Jones was recruited to work with Black Wall Street as the Chief Medical Director, and in 2020 she joined the American Caribbean Chamber of Commerce as the Executive Senior VP of Community Affairs and Chief Compliance Officer, wishing to provide the American Caribbean Chamber of Commerce with all the essential elements to stand concrete and durable and to serve the community according to the mission, vision, and plans of the organization.

The American Caribbean Chamber of Commerce awarded Ms. Jones for her work as an advocate for women’s healthcare and political voice. The award was presented at one of the most prestigious events of the year. Awarded as a “Phenomenal Women Global Award 2021.”

Ms. Jones was also featured in We Empower Magazine in March 2021 as an advocate for women’s healthcare rights! Most recently, Ms. Jones was nominated in 2022 to receive an award from the Houston Urban League Guild for her community service work.

What are your plans for the 2022–2023 year in the Healthcare Administration?

Constance: As part of my current plans, I want to create and continue to advocate for legislation that will help black women achieve their healthcare goals.

I plan to continue to push for expanding access to patient-centered care and preventative services. We must overcome healthcare disparities and ensure equal access for all women, but particularly black women.

My main concentration and energy are to create and focus on national and state policies. It is imperative to work with elected officials on the most critical issues for black women’s health. Society is still dealing with healthcare disparities prevalent in the African American community, such as diabetes, breast and cervical cancer, maternal health, and congested heart failure, to name a few.

Some of my efforts thus far have been to partner with a well-known mammogram organization called “The Rose.” These efforts are to raise awareness and visibility about self-care and supply information for community events. The Rose is known for helping women with no insurance or low income by supplying screenings for all women. Women’s empowerment is really needed in society. It is so important for women’s self-esteem and for self-care.

What led you to this profession and why are you dedicated to it?

Constance: Beginning in early 2000, I was introduced to the world of healthcare. I worked as a surgical assistant in the labor and delivery operating room. It taught me a lot about female anatomy and the different things we, as women, are put through as birth-givers. We are truly blessed to know that God has blessed us with the ability to herald the birth of life in this world.

After thirteen years in L & D, I then expanded my knowledge of the healthcare field with special studies in healthcare law and corporate compliance. I guess you could say I found my niche and realized that I am skilled at it.

Back then, as a single parent, I wanted to work a job from 8 to 5, where I could not only be a working mom but also be present physically and mentally in my children’s lives to ensure monetary responsibility and my complete undivided attention in ensuring their overall well-being. It was always about meeting their basic needs and being able to give them the opportunities to take part in extracurricular activities as well as their studies to keep them grounded and focused.

I can relate to a lot of women about the role as a sole provider, and I consider myself so blessed to have had the help of my parents and family with support and advice when needed. Honestly, they were the backbone and success that helped me become the woman I am today. Morals and ethics are especially important. They speak to a person’s character and personality. I derive deep joy from knowing that I am working to ensure that women have access to quality insurance, women’s rights, and potentially life-saving care.

Would you define yourself as an expert in your industry?

Constance: The answer is yes. Nevertheless, I am always prepared to pursue further education. It is necessary to stay up-to-date and marketable if you want to remain relevant. Although one will never know everything about their field, one should always remain open to learning the latest skills. Keeping a passion for knowledge is essential to becoming the most successful. As the cliché says, “knowledge is power.” To be one of the best, it is important to keep that passion and thirst for knowledge.

Why is supporting women important?

Constance: Sisterhood, for sure! There is nothing better than genuine love and support from colleagues who have your back. Oftentimes, women can be cutthroat and malicious when jealousy and envy come into play. Our strength lies in our unity.

I get my strength and endurance from my mother. Instilled at an early age that your blessings and God’s favor are yours and no one can block or take them away. Hence, uplifting and pushing my sisters is just who I am, unapologetically authentic! We do not diminish ourselves by supporting one another.

Once we learn to celebrate others’ wins and purposes, we will be able to rejoice in those of our circle genuinely. “ I recently read somewhere in honor of Women’s History Month that there is research that shows women receive help from collaboration over competition. Lastly, my advice would be to always show up as you, real and authentic, and never forget that you are enough!

What do you like to do in your spare time when you are not being a community maven?

Constance: Traveling is something I appreciate, even though I do not have much time to do it. Being able to explore other cultures is so satisfying and relaxing. On my bucket list are Dubai and Europe.

I also enjoy listening to audio books about female entrepreneurs who have made millions of dollars, as well as crime action stories. Boss women are inspiring, and there is something about us being allowed to sit at the decision-making table and not just in the room that inspires me.

Carl Weber is one of my favorite audible book authors. Recently, I attended an award ceremony for this book called “Boss Lady,” which is on its way to becoming a national bestseller.

In hearing about their struggles and successes, I admired their strength and the fact that they were not ashamed of standing in their truth. This is black excellence in its purest form.

Lastly, it is family time, interacting with family events and spending quality time together.

I learned last year that you should live life to the fullest, especially when my brother suddenly passed away. I was not prepared, but then again, no one really is. While I am grieving, I try to live life to the fullest with that knowledge.

The hardest part is to put on a brave face and continue to push forward. It is not easy, and I cannot even pretend. I do have my moments as well. I sometimes reflect and will forever be thankful for the time we shared, and, at the end of the day, memories are all you have.

Keep up to date by connecting here @constance.jones.39545464

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