Nia (knee-ya) means "with Purpose".  

Dr. Davina Jones founded Nia Inspirations in 2006, and collaborated on several spiritual enrichment and social change projects.  As of 2024, Nia Inspirations will transition simply to www.DavinaJones.com.  We are grateful for all of the work and the many people who served this amazing platform we have called NIA INSPIRATIONS. 

 

Dr. Davina Jones

Dr. Jones is an academic, community and faith-based leader.  She is the Provost of Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Dr. Jones serves on several community boards, including the Board of Directors for Operation Surprise Attack, North Tampa Bay Chamber,  Advent Health Hospital Wesley Chapel, and the North Tampa YMCA.  Dr. Jones is a 25yr veteran college professor in Communication Studies and the former Program Director for the Master of Arts in Media & Communications at Adler University in Chicago, Illinois.  Dr. Jones uses the study of communication as a lens of social critique to inspire individuals about our communion with good that transcends isms, personal trauma and injustice.  Dr. Davina Jones is also the Assistant to the Spiritual Leader of Today’s Church Tampa Bay in Tampa and St. Petersburg Florida; and the founder GREAT Camp for youth.  Dr. Jones is a proud graduate of both Bethune-Cookman University and Bowling Green State University, and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Jones is a native of Tampa, FL, and is a proud second mommy to her great niece, and a dedicated Auntie to her many other nieces and nephews. 

 

Dr. Jones' faith-based commitments were nurtured by her parents, Archbishop David A. Jones and Lady Bevelyn A. Jones. Her commitments to community engagement were nurtured by her East Tampa neighbors and community agencies that included Tampa Parks and Recreation and TOBA (Tampa Organization of Black Affairs). Her academic commitments were nurtured by several mentors that include Dr. Rebecca Walker Steele, Dr. Claudette McFadden, Professor Lula Goolsby Day, Dr. Sheila Flemming, Dr. Tina M. Harris, Dr. Angela Nelson, and Dr. Lillian Ascraft Eason. 

 

GRATITUDE

The legacy of Brue and Peggy Thompson shall always follow Dr. Davina as we reframe for more in 2024. 

Bruce & Peggy Thompson

Bruce Gene Thompson (1929-2005)
Mr. Thompson was a graduate of the University of Virginia Law School, as well as, Yale University, where he received a B.A. in Economics. His extensive business career began with Shearman and Sterling, a law firm in New York City. He later accepted a position with the US State Department as an Investment Advisor to the Government of Pakistan. After retiring stateside, Mr. Thompson founded Health Care REIT, Inc., along with Frederic D. Wolfe. Their business has since become a billion-dollar company on the New York Stock Exchange (HCN). Mr. Thompson served as an advisor, board member and president of several community and corporate entities. He was an active member of Cornerstone Church in Maumee, Ohio. He, along with his wife, Peggy, mentored and inspired a generation of young entrepreneurs with true wisdom and kindness. His generosity had few boundaries as he financed the dreams and visions of many of those he mentored. Mr. Thompson has left a well-respected legacy with his four children by his former wife, who preceded him in death, and his step-daughter, Corrie Jones.

Peggy Ellen Thompson (1947-2006)
Mrs. Thompson was a native of Swanton, Ohio, and enjoyed a successful career in advertising for 20 years. She married Bruce Thompson in 1995 and retired in 1996 to commit her time and talents to community outreach. Mrs. Thompson had a strong heart for women and children's issues. She and Bruce funded a 24-hour women's shelter that saved the lives of many families. Peggy often volunteered at the shelter as well. She cleaned floors, planted flowers, and helped whenever there was a need. Bruce and Peggy strived to make a difference in the lives of those around them. They adopted families and moved them into their home for seasons of restoration, supporting them financially during difficult times. In addition, abstinence education was especially dear to Peggy's heart. It became a primary focus in her latter years. Peggy participated in several research and outreach initiatives regarding the alarming rate of sexual promiscuity among teenagers and young adults. She often saw first hand the destructive patterns of promiscuity and became a passionate advocate and underwriter for programs committed to teaching the scientific and spiritual truths about our sexual choices.

Nia Inspirations, Inc., received its first seed of financial sponsorship from Peggy Thompson in March of 2006, in support of the college campus  presentation of CHOICES. The presentation facilitates a much needed campus discussion about the cultural and sexual relationship choices we make, and those we should avoid. CHOICES is a challenge to choose health, to choose life, and to choose value. In honor of Bruce and Peggy Thompson and their commitment to community outreach, Nia Inspirations, Inc. seeks to establish ongoing internship opportunities and scholarships for students who are interested in the research and project development of value driven programs.

Nia Inspirations, Inc. would like to extend a special thank you to Peggy's daughter, Corrie Jones, for her support of Nia's outreach goals.