Meet Iris Jones

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Iris Jones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Iris below.

Iris, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from my journey as an immigrant. Survival mode began from the moment I arrived in the USA. At 29 years old, I had to learn a new language, adapt to a new culture, and carrying the responsibility of being the first person others will one day talk about. I know I am paving the road for my daughter, and for those who will come after her.

I left so much behind in Ecuador that success here is not optional- It is my only option. I understood early that to take advantage of all the great opportunities the USA offers, I must adapt to it, not the other way around.

I’ve also recognized when I needed guidance from those who know more than I do, and that has led me to have great mentors. When I face challenges, I often look back on those very hard first years and remind myself that it is up to me to shake it off and keep moving forward.

I also take breaks from the noise—whether it’s enjoying the quiet of a 5 AM walk in the desert or spending time at our family’s cabin. These moments help me reset, stay positive, and refocus.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I serve as the Director for the Governor’s Office for New Americans, where my focus is on creating opportunities for New Americans across Nevada—helping them access education, workforce development, and resources that allow them to thrive.

What excites me most is seeing the real impact our work has—whether it’s helping a highly skilled professional find a career in their field, connecting citizens to educational programs, or ensuring that new Americans know there is a government office that serves as a bridge to opportunity. Knowing that the work we do today can positively shape their lives makes every challenge worth it.

On a personal level, my experience as an immigrant fuels my passion for this work. I arrived in the United States at 29, learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, not knowing where to start from and carrying the responsibility of paving the way for others. Those early experiences taught me the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and focus—lessons I bring to every project and initiative in the Governor’s Office for New Americans.

At its core, my work is about giving back. This country and its people have been incredibly generous to me, and I want others to have the same opportunities to succeed, thrive, and build a better future for themselves and their families. After all, this is the greatest country on earth, this is the land of opportunities!

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?

1. Adaptability: Moving to a new country as an adult is hard. You’re going to feel uncomfortable, stretched, and challenged—but this country isn’t going to change for you, so you have to learn to adapt.

2. Language: Learning the language is huge. Once you get it, your opportunities really multiply. It’s not easy, and there will be times when you doubt yourself, but keep pushing. Every little improvement opens new doors.

3. Jumping at opportunities: Starting from zero can be scary, but you have to jump. Have faith and say yes to new opportunities, what else can you lose? Be grateful to those who help you along the way, and give your best in return. Those moments can really define your path.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

I would spend it creating a lasting legacy for my daughter. I would write a book for her, filled with the lessons I hope she learns from me, and answers to all the questions she might have as she grows.

I would also slow down and will move to a small town with my husband. I will go back to Ecuador for a while, will reconnect with that “ecuadorian version” of me and will travel the world with my husband.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: irisrjones
• Linkedin: Iris Ramos Jones

Image Credits

Iris Ramos Jones