Connecting and Informing the Jamaican Diaspora

Dr. Nicole Bent Jones work spans education, art, and service. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, she holds a Doctor of Business Administration in Financial Management, an MFA in Design and Technology from Parsons School of Design, and a BFA in Studio Art from The University of Texas at Austin. She studied painting in Paris under Bulgarian artist Dimitar Yukanov and has worked as a multimedia illustrator with institutions including The University of Texas Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, and the Texas Natural Resource Commission. Her artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally across the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe.

As a fine artist and founder of Nicole’s Art, she creates work that pays homage to her Caribbean heritage, bridging cultural traditions with contemporary expression. She also serves as President of the Jamaica Foundation of Houston, where she leads initiatives supporting scholarships and education, celebrating Jamaican culture, strengthening community partnerships, and fostering meaningful connections between Jamaica and the greater Houston community.

Dr. Jones further extends her Diaspora engagement as Co-Host of Consul General Oliver Mair’s Link Up Live, a weekly platform connecting Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica across the global Diaspora. Dr. Jones has also served on the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council Electoral Committee. Through discussions such as Jamaican Diaspora Elections 2026 | How to Register, Nominate & Vote, she helps community members understand how to participate in diaspora representation. Her work helps Jamaicans stay connected, informed, and engaged. Through conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, and community advocates, she helps amplify people, ideas, and opportunities making an impact across Diaspora communities.

Her background in higher education and leadership informs her approach to strategy, collaboration, mentorship, and service, while her creative practice brings cultural storytelling and innovation to her work. At the heart of her multifaceted career is a commitment to creating opportunities, building connections, and using her experience and networks to make a meaningful impact in society.