Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Crystal Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Crystal, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.

**Why underserved communities matter**
The Greater Los Angeles area is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and dreams. In many of it’s underserved neighborhoods, the residents are hardworking individuals who face daily challenges—limited access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The local schools struggle with overcrowded classrooms, outdated textbooks, and insufficient resources. Families lack affordable healthcare options, and community needs are often unmet. These communities deserve better, and it was our mission to make a difference.

**Ignite Arts & STEM: Bridging the Gap**
In 2008, the spark that ignited Ignite Arts & STEM first lit in Harlem. Samuel J. Ashe II, a college student, recognized a deficit in his community’s educational resources, particularly in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEM). Inspired by this gap, he started a club aimed at boosting minority representation in STEM-related careers. Fast forward to today, Ignite Arts & STEM (formerly Ashe Arts & STEM Academy) continues to champion diversity and inclusion in these fields.

**Our Mission:**
Ignite Arts & STEM works tirelessly to bridge the gap between representation and access to education for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students pursuing arts and STEM fields. Our mission is clear: ignite the pathways to success by providing scholarships and mentorship, facilitating the transition from student to professional—one student, one dream, one spark at a time.

**Why We Do It:**
Studies have shown that BIPOC students are less likely to have access to quality education that prepares them for STEM fields. Furthermore, leadership positions in science, technology, engineering, math, and arts professions remain disproportionately occupied by non-BIPOC individuals. Ignite Arts & STEM exists to change this narrative, empowering underserved communities through education and opportunity.

**Our Partners and Sponsors:**
We thrive on the synergy of working together towards a common goal. Organizations that share our passion for diversity and inclusion partner with us. Together, we unlock the potential of BIPOC students, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to succeed.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a passionate advocate for education and social impact. I have dedicated my career to empowering underserved communities. With a strong background in project management and a deep commitment to giving back, I aspire to emerge as a strong voice in the fight for equity in education.

My journey to Ignite Arts & STEM was driven by a personal desire to create opportunities for young people who face systemic barriers. Recognizing the power of arts and STEM education to transform lives, I joined Ignite Arts & STEM to help provide a platform for BIPOC students to explore their passions, develop critical skills, and achieve their full potential.

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 achieve this by offering immersive arts and STEM programs that foster creativity, innovation, and leadership. Our programs include:
– Mentorship: Pairing students with industry professionals to provide guidance and support.
– Scholarships: Financial assistance to help students pursue higher education.
– Workshops and Enrichment Programs: Hands-on learning experiences to develop essential skills.

By providing a holistic approach to education, Ignite Arts & STEM empowers students to become confident, capable, and engaged citizens.

What sets Ignite Arts & STEM apart is our unwavering commitment to creating equitable opportunities for all students. We believe that every young person deserves access to quality education and the chance to pursue their dreams. By combining the power of arts and STEM, we are creating a new generation of leaders, innovators, and artists who will shape the future.

I am most proud of the impact Ignite Arts & STEM has had on the lives of countless students. Seeing young people overcome challenges, discover their passions, and achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding. I am also proud of the strong partnerships the organization has built with schools, businesses, and community organizations.

I invite potential partners, donors, and supporters of Ignite Arts & STEM to join us in our mission to create a more equitable and inclusive future. By working together, we can provide even more opportunities for BIPOC students to thrive and succeed.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’ve had the opportunity to pivot and adapt several times throughout my career, and these experiences have been instrumental in my growth. My natural curiosity and problem-solving abilities have been key drivers in navigating these transitions.

For example, I began my career in accounting but quickly realized my passion lay in technology. This led me to transition into business analysis and subsequently project management. Along the way, I taught myself web development, which further ignited my interest in the tech industry.

Another significant pivot occurred when I took on the role of board president for the Ignite Arts & STEM organization. This demanded a completely different skill set and required me to adapt quickly. Through continuous learning and a growth mindset, I was able to successfully lead the organization.

However, the most challenging and rewarding pivot came during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the board president of Ignite Arts & STEM, we had to rapidly adapt to a completely virtual environment. Our in-person events, including the successful Black Entrepreneur Expo & Marketplace, were abruptly halted. Instead of letting this setback derail us, we channeled our energy into creating engaging virtual experiences.

We successfully transitioned our signature event, Mentors & Mimosas, into a virtual format, complete with performances and networking opportunities. This pivot not only helped us survive the pandemic but also allowed us to reach a wider audience and expand our impact.

These experiences have taught me the importance of adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. I believe this ability to pivot is essential for success in today’s rapidly changing world.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My professional journey has been marked by periods of significant change, including downsizing, mergers, and corporate restructuring. Yet, I’ve consistently found ways to adapt and thrive. These experiences have honed my resilience, a quality deeply rooted in my upbringing.

Growing up, I was taught the value of hard work and the importance of giving back to my community. These principles have been my guiding stars throughout my career. I’ve applied them in various industries, from entertainment to healthcare, always seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth.

One particularly challenging period involved leading a team through a company-wide restructuring. Faced with uncertainty and potential job cuts, morale was low. To navigate these turbulent waters, I focused on open communication, fostering a supportive team environment, and emphasizing our shared goals. By prioritizing the team’s well-being and maintaining a positive outlook, we not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger than before.

This experience reinforced the belief that resilience is built on a foundation of hard work, adaptability, and a commitment to supporting others. It’s a journey of continuous learning and growth, and I’m excited to see what challenges and opportunities the future holds.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://igniteartsandstem.org
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/igniteartsandstem
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/igniteartsandstem
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystaljones-pmp-csm-psm-ssm/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/igniteartsstem
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@igniteartsandstem/

Image Credits

Photo credit: Crystal Jones