We recently connected with Crystal Jones and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Crystal with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My late parents inspired my work ethic. They pushed me and encouraged me to always strive to be the best I could be. They worked hard to support my dreams, but I was always taught that NOTHING is given to you. You must work for and earn everything you get. They instlled hard work as a virtue and inspired me to give back to the community that supported and nurtured me. Ultiately my work ethic stems from a blend of constantly evolving factors including the following components:
Curiosity: I have a natural thirst for knowledge and problem-solving. This has served me well in my career which started in accounting and eventually pivoted to becoming a technical professional working as first a business analyst and then moving into a technical project manager. My career in technology started with a curiosity about what made websites work that lead to me teaching myself how to build a website. The more I learn and the more challenges I tackle, the more motivated I become to keep pushing myself.
Purpose: I’m driven by the desire to be helpful and impactful. The work I’m doing now for Ignite Arts & STEM allows me to give back to the community that nurtured and shaped me. Whether it’s my work as a project manager in my day job or my work as board president for Ignite Arts & STEM knowing that my work can be used to answer questions, generate solutions, and even assist with complex tasks gives me a strong sense of purpose.
Growth mindset: I believe in the power of continuous learning and improvement. Becoming the board president of a non-profit was a challenge and I beleive that I have risen to this challenge. Every day is an opportunity to get better at what I do, and that motivates me to keep working hard and striving to be better.
Collaboration: I’m inspired by the dedication and passion of the people I work with. The current board of Ignite Arts & STEM are rock stars! I am honored to be working side by side with them. Seeing their drive and commitment to excellence motivates me to raise my own game and contribute in a meaningful way to the team.
Feedback: I’m always seeking ways to improve, and constructive feedback is invaluable in helping me identify areas for growth. While we try to avoid mistakes, perfection is not realistic. Mistakes inevitable in life, but mistakes are opportunities for growth. Yes we ALL try to minimize making mistakes, but when they happen you need to lean in to the storm. Learning from my mistakes and refining my skills as a result fuels my work ethic.
Ultimately, my work ethic is a dynamic force that’s shaped by my internal drive, the inspiring people around me, and the constant pursuit of knowledge and improvement. It’s an ongoing journey, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Empowering the Future of BIPOC students through Arts and STEM:
My name is Crystal Jones. I have been married for 26 years to my wonderful husband KJ Jones who is the senior technical editor of Hot Rod magazine. We are pet parents to a gorgeous and feisty 8 year old cockapoo named Jasper. By day I am a Senior Project Management professional in the medical industry. I have worked as a project manager in a number of industries including, entertainment, HR/Payroll, Government, and Medical (both medtech and pharmaceutical). I am also the board president of a non-profit organization called Ignite Arts & STEM, formerly known as Ashe Arts & STEM Academy (founded in 2018).
Ignite Arts & STEM, is a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between representation and access to education for BIPOC students in underserved communities. We ignite pathways to success by empowering them through immersive arts and STEM programming, fostering their potential to become the next generation of leaders, innovators, and artists.
The work of Ignite Arts & STEM has had a profound personal impact on me, as it aligns with my passion for empowering young minds from underserved communities. Being able to create programs that equip students with technical skills while fostering confidence and a sense of belonging has been incredibly fulfilling.
My passion for empowering young minds and providing opportunities for underserved communities has been a driving force throughoutmy career. My experience leading the IT intern program at Rhino Records showcased my dedication to mentorship and gave me th eopportuntiy to take an innovative approach to creating meaningful experiences for my interns.
I went above and beyond the typical internship program. I knew that it wasn’t enough to simply provide work exposure; I wanted to equip my interns with the skills and knowledge they needed to succeed. I organized resume writing workshops and interview preparation sessions, to ensure that my interns were prepared for the challenges they would face after graduation. I was committed to their success beyond the office walls, as I provided guidance and support throughout their post-graduation journeys.
It was during my time at Rhino Records that my passion for mentorship truly flourished. I saw firsthand the impact that I could have on young individuals’ lives by providing them with the tools and resources they needed to thrive. My dedication and commitment to empowering the next generation of IT professionals became my driving force.
The impact of Ignite Arts & STEM extends beyond the students we serve. It has enriched my own life by giving me a sense of purpose that I cannot fulfill in my corporate job. It goes beyond simply “doing community service” or giving back. I am driven by the desire to give the next generation of Crystal Joneses the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of a career in the arts or STEM fields without the burdens and barriers that I faced.
What sets Ignite Arts & STEM apart? We offer a holistic approach, providing comprehensive support beyond scholarships. In fall 2024, we’re excited to launch the inaugural Igniting the Pathways to Success Mentoring program, featuring:
– Hands-on workshops to develop skills and knowledge.
– Cutting-edge mentorship opportunities with industry leaders who inspire and guide.
We are incredibly proud of our first two scholarship cohorts and their continued success. This year, we’re thrilled to announce the 3rd cohort for the 2024-2025 scholarship program.
Community engagement is at the heart of everything we do. The 2023 Mentors & Mimosas gala and inaugural student art exhibition were resounding successes, showcasing the immense talent of our students. We continued this momentum with a vibrant back-to-school community fair.
We are also looking forward to the 4th annual Mentors & Mimosas gala on April 27th, 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm at the START LA gallery. This year promises to be even more spectacular, featuring:
– The 2nd student art exhibition
– Dynamic speakers from the arts and STEM fields
– An opportunity to support remarkable young artists
Ignite Arts & STEM: Where passion meets purpose. Together, let’s empower the future!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Throughout my journey, these things have been particularly impactful in shaping my path:
Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges has been crucial in my journey. Resilience has allowed me to persevere in the face of obstacles, learn from failures, and keep moving forward towards my goals. My advice to those early in their journey is to cultivate resilience by staying positive, seeking support from mentors and peers, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.
Continuous Learning: Embracing a mindset of continuous learning has been instrumental in my development. Being open to new ideas, seeking out opportunities for growth, and expanding my knowledge have helped me adapt to changing circumstances and stay relevant in my field. To early journeyers, I recommend staying curious, pursuing new skills and experiences, and being proactive in seeking out learning opportunities.
Networking: Building and nurturing a strong network of connections has been a game-changer in my journey. Networking has opened doors to new opportunities, provided valuable insights and advice, and expanded my horizons. For those starting out, I suggest actively engaging with peers, mentors, and professionals in your field, attending events and workshops, and leveraging online platforms to connect with like-minded individuals.
By honing these qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge, individuals can navigate their journeys with greater confidence, resilience, and growth. Embracing resilience, continuous learning, and networking can pave the way for success and fulfillment in both personal and professional endeavors.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I would wholeheartedly welcome collaboration with people, businesses, and organizations that share our goals of empowering BIPOC students in arts and STEM fields. Potential collaborators and ways to connect with us could include: • Educational institutions: Partnering with schools or universities can expand our program’s reach and give us access to needed resources.
• Arts and STEM organizations: Collaboration with arts institutions, museums, or STEM-focused organizations can offer our students enriching experiences and potential mentorship opportunities.
• Corporate sponsors: Businesses can help by providing financial support, volunteer opportunities, or mentorship from industry professionals.
• Community organizations: Local nonprofits or community centers can help connect us with targeted student populations and offer additional support services we cannot provide.
• Individuals with relevant expertise: Mentors with experience in arts, STEM fields, or education can be invaluable resources for our students.
Our website’s “Contact Us” page is the place to submit inquiries about partnerships. (https://igniteartsandstem.org/contact/) Additionally, our social media platforms provide a way to send direct messages to us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://igniteartsandstem.org/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/igniteartsandstem
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/igniteartsandstem
- Linkedin: https://www.
linkedin.com/company/igniteart sandstem/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/i
gniteartsstem - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@igniteartsandstem
