Meet Shevrin Jones, Circles USA Development Strategist
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
For 25+ years, Circles USA’s mission has been building community to end poverty through intentional friendships, personal transformation, and systemic change led by the people closest to the challenge. Circles participants at every level—from Board to full-time staff, volunteers, and partners—bring critical lived experiences of poverty and championing the people seeking to leave it behind for good.
Circles USA’s national team is a unique hybrid of full-time staff and contractors who produce mighty work—often within limited means, and wearing a variety of hats as needed. We are grateful to collaborate with, learn from, and celebrate the many independent specialists who stick around long term and become part of our Circles family.
For this Q&A, we sat down with Shevrin Jones, a Florida-based Development Strategist and Circles USA’s newest all-star contractor!
Please share who you are, where you’re based, and what you do with Circles USA!
I’m a development strategist with Circles USA. I was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and I have spent the past 15 years working in the development space. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on building meaningful relationships, developing sustainable fundraising strategies, and connecting people with opportunities to support work that makes a lasting difference.
I currently serve as the Florida State Senator for District 34, representing communities in Miami-Dade County, in addition to my role with Circles USA. My public service experience informs my work to address poverty, remove systemic barriers, and expand economic opportunity. (My participation in Circles USA is in a purely personal capacity, and does not represent an endorsement by the Florida Senate.)
At Circles USA, I help strengthen the organization’s development efforts by identifying new opportunities, cultivating relationships with supporters and partners, and creating strategies that will help expand our reach and impact. I’m excited to use my experience to help ensure that Circles USA has the resources and relationships needed to continue building strong communities across the country.
When did you begin working with Circles, and what brought you here?
I joined Circles USA two months ago. Although I’m still relatively new to the organization, I was immediately drawn to its mission and its belief that meaningful change begins with community. I truly believe in this work and in the importance of addressing poverty through relationships, shared learning, and long-term support.
What brought me here was the opportunity to combine my professional experience with a mission that aligns with my personal values. Circles USA recognizes that poverty is complex and that lasting change cannot happen through a one-size-fits-all approach. I was inspired by the organization’s commitment to bringing people together, learning from their experiences, and helping communities create solutions that lead to lasting change.
What do you appreciate most about working with the CUSA team and contributing to our mission of Building Community to End Poverty?
What I appreciate most about the CUSA team is the genuine passion, care, and commitment that everyone brings to the work. There is a strong sense of community within the organization, and that same spirit is reflected in the way the team works with local Circles chapters, partners, supporters, and one another. Even in my short time here, I have felt welcomed, valued, and encouraged to bring my ideas and experience to the table.
I also appreciate that the team understands ending poverty is not simply about addressing an immediate need. It is about listening to people with lived experience, creating authentic relationships across economic lines, and working together to remove the barriers that keep individuals and families from thriving. That approach makes the mission feel both deeply personal and genuinely hopeful.
It is rewarding to know that my work in development helps make this mission possible. Every relationship we build and every resource we secure creates another opportunity to strengthen communities and expand the reach of Circles USA. I’m grateful to work alongside people who share the belief that when communities come together with compassion, purpose, and a willingness to learn from one another, lasting change is possible.
Building Community to End Poverty for 25+ Years
