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.

"I’m honored to serve as a Harvard Institute of Politics Fellow at a moment when mayors are the first line of defense when our democracy is under attack. City leaders confront the real-world consequences of polarization, disinformation, and backlash every day, and I’m eager to bring those lessons from my experience in local government into conversation with students. I look forward to engaging with the next generation of leaders as we explore how inclusive, values-driven leadership can strengthen and rebuild our democracy from the ground up."