SLP Alumna Helps Women Speak Up

Maureen Jones ’06
Photo by: Tracy Sham Photography

Offering one-on-one and small group coaching for women, a motivational blog, and the moChats podcast, moLife is the product of an SLP education combined with a determination to help others.

“When I decided to pursue speech-language pathology as a career, my goal was to work with children and help them find their voice. Little did I realize becoming an SLP would also help me find my own voice,” says Jones. “I grew up a quiet and introverted child. Navigating the world and speaking up was often a challenge for me. In becoming an SLP and learning how to use my voice, I developed the skills to speak with confidence in life and work. I want to be able to help other women go from quiet to confident so that they can own the power of their voice in life and work.”

Jones credits her experience in MMC’s SLP program with jumpstarting her career. Jones was especially fond of the Normal Language Development course that focuses on linguistic development in children, which influenced her to become a pediatric speech-language pathologist before creating moLife.

Jones additionally noted that Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders Susan Behrens, Ph.D., was a real inspiration for her career development.

“Dr. Behrens has such a love for the field and the courses she teaches,” says Jones. “That really resonated with me and I enjoyed learning from her. She challenged me to be my best but also supported and encouraged me to pursue my masters degree.”

Transitioning from a pediatric speech-language pathologist to a public speaking coach was a natural transition for Jones, who already had years of experience in helping others find their voice. Becoming a business owner in today’s political and economic climate, however, proved to be a challenge.

“Starting a business is definitely a learning experience,” says Jones. “And as a Black, female business owner, it can be intimidating and overwhelming. Society wants to put me in a box, label that box, and define that box to their standards. I can either fall to those standards or rise above it. I chose to rise above it. Everyday. Setting my own limits, surrounding myself with people who love and support me, and believing in my mission.”

For more information on Mo Jones, public speaking, and moLife, visit molifespeaks.com.

Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment, Mo!

Published: October 22, 2020