LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky College of Social Work’s (CoSW) Dr. Aubrey Jones has been nominated for the Community Action Council’s 2025 Unapologetically Woman Series. The Unapologetically Woman series profiles the lives of women from around the Commonwealth who have made it their mission to serve their communities.
Since its inception, the Unapologetically Woman series has highlighted and lifted the voices of 50 women each year. The cohort of women featured in the 2025 season will then vote to select the person they feel is most deserving of the title Unapologetic Woman of the Year. The Unapologetic Woman of the Year is announced at the Unapologetically Woman Fall Sneaker Ball held in the fall.
Jones, an assistant professor with the CoSW, co-facilitates a fourth-trimester support group for new moms in partnership with UK Healthcare. This research, titled “Creating, Connecting, and Communicating: A look at social support for postpartum women,” offers an in-depth look at the formation, activities, and evaluation of an online support group for mothers within three months postpartum.
“Postpartum depression is actually the most common complication associated with childbirth,” Jones said. “Having a new baby is supposed to be a joyous and exciting time, but for many moms, it’s not. My research focuses on postpartum depression and social support, because support is critical for new moms and can help alleviate postpartum depression.”
Jones’ extensive research portfolio emphasizes health equity for women and families, particularly in rural settings. She co-authored Exploring predictors of help-seeking behaviors among women with postpartum depression published in Public Health Nursing.
Jones was also recently a member of the 4th cohort of the Research Scholars Program (RSP), which focuses on transforming healthcare perspectives based on the University of Kentucky’s health-related transdisciplinary Research Priority Areas (cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes & obesity, equity, neuroscience, and substance use).
“The journey into motherhood is a profound transition marked by joy, uncertainty, and significant changes in identity” Jones said. “I’m hopeful that this research can provide a framework for advancing postpartum healthcare perspectives. Through reflective evaluation and continuous refinement, online support groups can adapt to meet the evolving needs of participants.”
Joining this prestigious cohort of 50 women in the Unapologetically Woman series, Jones reflects on the supportive women in her life.
“Surround yourself with a supportive group of women. Whether it’s your mom, your sister, or even strangers who become friends, having that village is so important,” Jones said. “And be that support for others, too. With that kind of community, you can accomplish anything.”
