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Cierra Kaler-Jones, Ph.D. is a narrative strategist, leadership story coach, and educator who helps mission-driven organizations and leaders harness the power of storytelling for connection, community-building, and social change.

With more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, arts education, and movement work, Cierra blends narrative strategy, embodied storytelling, and healing-centered practices to support clients in building stories that inspire, mobilize, and transform.

She has served as an Executive Director of a national nonprofit publisher and advocacy organization, curriculum designer, and facilitator. She was formerly the Director of Storytelling at a philanthropic intermediary and supported grassroots organizing groups across the U.S. with narrative strategy training and capacity-building. She has facilitated fellowships, led creative community programs, and built narrative campaigns rooted in equity, justice, and joy.

Through Unlock Your Story, Cierra partners with organizations, educators, artists, and leaders to develop storytelling frameworks, strengthen communications strategies, design transformational workshops, and craft leadership narratives that move people to action. She also coaches leaders in uncovering and articulating the values, experiences, and stories that shape their work.

Her writing has been featured in Rethinking Schools magazine; books including Strong Black Girls: Reclaiming Schools in Their Own Image, Black Girl Civics: Expanding and Navigating the Boundaries of Civic Engagement, and Teaching Brilliant, Beautiful Black Girls; academic journals including Middle School Journal, Girlhood Studies, The Journal Committed to Social Change on Race and Ethnicity (JSCORE), The Urban Review, and Frontiers in Education. In addition, she’s been contracted to write research papers and briefs, commissioned by entities including the federal government, the National Geographic Society, and USAID. She received her Ph.D. in education from the University of Maryland - College Park.

Dr. Kaler-Jones has given over 300 talks, keynotes, and workshops. Her speaking credits include TEDx, SXSW, and SXSW Edu, the White House, the U.S. Department of Education, and more. She’s led workshops for Ladies Wine & Design DC, DC Design Week, WeWork, 305 Fitness, ESPN, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, UBS, Brazen, Childmind Institute, National Alliance for Caregiving, Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Foundation (HOBY), National Education Association (NEA), NEA Foundation, the Restorative Justice Partnership, the Institute for Women’s Leadership, Women in Construction, Pennsylvania State University, Louisiana State University, Rutgers University, as well and professional development for school district administrators and educators, including District of Columbia Public Schools, Alexandria Public Schools, and more. Her storytelling and education work have garnered her fellowships and awards, including being named a Voqal Fellow (2025), Monument Lab Fellow (2025), and Black Enterprise’s 40 Under 40 list for social impact (2022).

In 2014, Kaler-Jones was the second Black woman to earn the title of Miss New Jersey, and dedicated her year of service to offering free visual and performing arts lessons to students along the East Coast and advocating for equity in education. She lived out her childhood dream of competing for Miss America in 2015, her interview was featured on the interview DVD, and she was a Quality of Life finalist.

As a professional dancer, a fitness instructor, yoga and meditation instructor, and dance educator, Cierra also uses movement and art as a way to encourage others to take care of their minds, bodies, and souls throughout the process of sharing stories. Her training as a dance and fitness professional guides her coaching on presentation and confidence-building strategies.

Blending artistry, strategy, and care, Cierra helps individuals and organizations tell the stories only they can tell — with clarity, authenticity, and power.

Why Work With Me?

1. I blend strategy with soul.

You get a consultant who understands messaging, movement-building, and audience engagement — and an artist who brings creativity, embodiment, and storytelling.

2. I’ve been in your seat.

As an Executive Director, nonprofit leader, and communications strategist, I understand the pressures of fundraising, communications, campaigns, staff leadership, and board relations. My work is grounded in real-world experience.

3. I center justice, authenticity, and HEALING.

I bring a values-driven and healing-centered approach to every engagement. Your stories won’t just be polished — they’ll be true to your mission and community.

4. I create transformational experiences.

Whether we’re working 1:1 or in a group, I design spaces that are safe, creative, reflective, and transformative. People leave feeling grounded, inspired, and connected.

5. I help leaders uncover stories they didn’t know they were ready to tell.

Through my embodied and narrative methods, you’ll discover the stories that shape your leadership — and learn how to share them with clarity and confidence.

6. My expertise is cross-disciplinary and deeply integrated.

Storytelling
Narrative power
Leadership development
Participatory action research
Movement + somatics
Nonprofit strategy
Communications
Program design

Your work benefits from all of it.

7. I’m committed to your growth.

My approach is relational, not transactional. I partner with you to understand your values, amplify your story, and support your goals.