We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Sharon Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Dr. Sharon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I launched the Dottie Rose Foundation in February of 2018. As a high school computer science teacher, I began to see a decline in female representation in my computing classes and in the enrollment of the schools Information Technology academy. As I began to research, it was clear there was a disconnect between elementary and middle school and girls were losing interest in topics related to technology, science and math. Therefore I saw a need that needed to be addressed. Dottie Rose Foundation was created with a simple but powerful idea: to bridge the gap between young girls and the world of technology. I knew if we could show young ladies the connection between real life and things they loved to technology, we could create change. The organization is named in honor of my grandmother, Dorothy Rose Moore, who believed in the power of education. She always told me that women can do anything and I know that with connection, exposure, and support girls can find their voice in the field or technology.
I filed the paperwork in January 2018 and we officially launched in 2018. The first two things I did was hire an executive director, Jillian, to work part time and asked for support from our board to get our accounting in line. Then we looked for support of our friends, family and colleagues. We asked a family member to help create a logo, launched our website, and social account. Each day we worked on one item to support the business. An the most important piece we did was look to our nonprofit community and found a network of other nonprofits through an organization called Share Charlotte. Through this network, we were able to begin to share our mission and vision. I leaned into my teaching skills and we launched our first workshops and then summer camps in the spring and summer of 2018. We learned so much during that year and each year since. It is one step at a time, the small wins lead to the bigger victory. And today, 8 years later, I have 5 employees and have served over 3500 girls, 100 summer camps, we are in 3 counties, and have 11 young people in post secondary education majoring in computer science or technology.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Dr. Sharon Torrence Jones is a trailblazer in education and technology, dedicated to empowering the next generation through innovative programs and initiatives. With over 17 years of experience as an educator and leader in computer science, Dr. Jones is passionate about bridging the gap between students and the ever-evolving world of tech. She is the founder of the Dottie Rose Foundation, an organization committed to sparking curiosity and confidence in young women by introducing them to the transformative power of technology.
Dr. Jones’s journey into the tech world began with her love of problem-solving and a desire to see more diversity in STEM fields. She recognized early in her career that while technology was reshaping the world, young girls were often excluded from the conversation. To address this, she created engaging, accessible programs that teach coding, computational thinking, and digital creativity, empowering girls to see themselves as capable leaders in tech.
Through the Dottie Rose Foundation, Dr. Jones provides a variety of services, including coding camps, mentorship programs, and curriculum development, all designed to inspire and equip young women with the skills they need to succeed in tech. What sets her work apart is its unique blend of creativity and computational thinking—she doesn’t just teach students to code; she helps them build confidence, collaborate effectively, and connect technology to their passions. From crafting digital art to designing games, her programs encourage students to use technology as a tool for self-expression and problem-solving.
Dr. Jones is most proud of the lives her work has touched and the stories of transformation she hears from her students. Whether it’s a young girl launching her first app or discovering a love for data science, these moments fuel her mission. What she wants people to know about her brand is that it’s not just about coding—it’s about creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and inspiring the belief that anyone can thrive in technology. With a focus on inclusivity and innovation, Dr. Sharon Torrence Jones is reshaping the future of tech education one student at a time.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building the brand of Dottie Rose Foundation has been a core part of our growth. We learned early that commitment and consistency are the keys to a successful brand. We created a schedule for posts that shared about our vision and mission, inspiring women, connections from real life to academics, articles and blogs, and some personal insights. As we continued to do workshops, camps, and other events we shared via social and email. And I accepted as many opportunities as I could to share about our work. For me again, it was one day at a time and one opportunity at a time. Consistent and committed.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
I have always lived by the concept of quality over quantity. In order to create change, we have to invest and invest with time, connection, and persistence. Dottie Rose Foundation is built on the foundation of creating roots with wings. We want kids to come to our workshops, camps, programs and other events and find connection, learn, fail, and know they are truly accepted for who they are and can do anything. Our brand loyalty is centered around quality, consistency and knowing our strength as an organization.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dottierosefoundation.org/
- Instagram: @dottierosefoundation
- Facebook: @dottierosefoundation
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sharon-torrence-jones-a9b264a6/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sharonjonesDRF
Image Credits
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