Resilience, Redemption, and the Work of Transformation: A Discussion with Shaka Senghor and Tishaura Jones

The Institute of Politics invites you to a lunchtime conversation with bestselling author and resilience expert Shaka Senghor, moderated by IOP Spring 2026 Resident Fellow Tishaura Jones. Drawing on his extraordinary journey from 19 years of incarceration to global thought leader, Senghor will explore what it means to break free from life’s hidden prisons and turn adversity into purpose. Together, Senghor and Jones will discuss leadership, second chances, and the policies and personal choices that create pathways to opportunity and equity. Join us for a powerful dialogue on resilience, justice, and the transformative power of hope. 

Please register with a valid Harvard email address to attend in-person.

About Shaka Senghor

Shaka Senghor is a globally recognized resilience expert, bestselling author, and transformative thought leader whose journey from incarceration to inspiration has empowered executives, entrepreneurs, elite athletes, and audiences around the world. Born in Detroit amid economic hardship, Shaka overcame immense adversity—including 19 years in prison—to become a leading authority on resilience, grit, and personal transformation. 

Since his release in 2010, Shaka has guided individuals and organizations to break free from their hidden emotional and psychological prisons, turning resilience from theory into actionable practice. As President and Creative Director of Shaka Senghor, Inc., and former Vice President of Corporate Communications at Navan (TripActions), he has advised and inspired leaders at global organizations including Apple, Google, Meta, Airbnb, Clio, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), and Slauson & Co. Shaka’s acclaimed memoir, Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death, and Redemption in an American Prison, became a New York Times bestseller, followed by Letters to the Sons of Society, a two-time Porchlight bestseller. His forthcoming book, How to Be Free: A Proven Guide to Escaping Life's Hidden Prisons, offers powerful insights into achieving true freedom and personal success. His inspiring TED Talk has reached over 1.8 million viewers, further cementing his reputation as a dynamic communicator. 

A sought-after speaker at universities, conferences, and summits worldwide, Shaka has received numerous honors, including Oprah Winfrey’s SuperSoul 100, Ebony Magazine’s Power 100, and the NAACP’s Great Expectations Award. His message resonates deeply with those committed to overcoming obstacles, unlocking potential, and achieving extraordinary results. 

About Tishaura Jones

Tishaura O. Jones is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in local and state government, known for her progressive approach to public service. She made history as the 47th Mayor of St. Louis, Missouri, becoming the first African American woman to hold the position. Elected in April 2021, she was responsible for managing a $1.2 billion budget and over 5,000 employees.

Throughout her career, Jones has consistently focused on racial equity, public safety reform, and economic justice. As Mayor, she worked to address systemic inequality and build a more inclusive St. Louis. She successfully reduced violent crime to its lowest in decades, invested in underserved communities, and focused on the root causes of crime. Her administration also prioritized transparency and equity, reshaping how the city allocates resources for housing, health, and entrepreneurship.

Before her time as Mayor, Jones gained over a decade of experience in public office, serving as St. Louis City Treasurer and as a Missouri State Representative. During her tenure as Treasurer, she implemented financial literacy programs and modernized the city's parking system, which generated millions in revenue for community reinvestment.

Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Hampton University and a Master of Health Administration from Saint Louis University. She also completed the Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard University's JFK School of Government. She is the proud mother of Aden, the founder of Oneda Consulting, LLC, and is the Distinguished Leader in Residence at Washington University’s Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity and Equity.