Lana Jones

Raised in New Bedford, Lana has been deeply connected to the city’s vibrant and diverse communities from a young age. Her journey with the Women’s Fund SouthCoast began as a member of our inaugural Young Women’s Advisory Council (YWAC) cohort. In 2025, she returned as a Peer Mentor, helping guide the next generation of young women leaders. Today, she serves as the Youth Leadership & Community Research Assistant, supporting the Young Women’s Initiative and SouthCoast Empowered by Equity Data (SEED) Project.

Beyond her work with the Women’s Fund, Lana serves as Co-Chair of the New Bedford Mayor’s Youth Council, where she helps lead community initiatives including coat drives, food drives, and vendor markets. She is also a Class Officer for the New Bedford High School Class of 2026.

Lana has been part of the Women’s Fund community in many ways over the years—from volunteering at community events and supporting the Mother’s Day 5K to helping shape the first YWAC cohort. As both a participant and now a staff member, she is passionate about creating opportunities for young women to find their voice, build confidence, and make a difference in their communities.

This fall, Lana will attend Columbia University, where she plans to continue her commitment to leadership, service, and community impact. She is excited to spend the summer giving back to the organization that helped shape her own leadership journey.