Black Girls Code Welcomes New CEO Cristina Jones
Black Girls Code (BGC) has announced international storyteller Cristina Jones as their new CEO.
Black Girls Code
BGC is a nonprofit organization that focuses on engaging African American girls and other youth of color with computer programming education to nurture their careers in tech.
The organization offers computer programming, coding, website, robot, and mobile application building, intending to place one million girls in tech by 2040.
Founded in 2011, the organization ignites interest, activates potential, and nurtures careers in tech for girls and women of color ages 7 to 25.
They partner with schools, local organizations, and dedicated volunteers to get participants the resources they need to thrive.
They have now announced their new CEO, Cristina Jones.
Meet Cristina Jones
Jones is an intentional storyteller focusing on action, impact, and culture.
Jones has used new media and tech to unlock and elevate C-Suite and brand voices throughout her career.
She works at the intersection of marketing, technology, and media, most recently as chief engagement officer and chief marketing officer at Salesforce.org.
Before this role, Jones was Senior Vice President of Salesforce Studios, leading a team that included customer marketing, brand, media, and C-Suite partnerships.
Before Salesforce, Jones was at 20th Century Fox, holding senior roles in marketing, technology, and franchise distribution.
Expanding Black Girls Code’s Vision
In a press release, Black Girls Code said Jones will ignite and expand Black Girls Code’s vision, broadening the curriculum and increasing the age limit to reflect a renewed emphasis on workforce development.
She will also focus on cultivating partnerships across industries that create the conditions for girls of color to access career opportunities.
They will also have the chance to grow into leaders whose imagination, stamina, and creativity will materialize the regenerative future needed.
“Cristina is the perfect blend of an accomplished executive in tech with a creative, visionary, entrepreneurial spirit. She is the perfect fit for the new CEO of Black Girls Code,” said former Board Chair Heather Hiles.
“I’ve long been inspired by Black Girls Code’s daring ambition to place one million girls in tech by 2040,” said Jones.
“An entire demographic is missing in the rooms where tech innovations happen. We’ve all seen it and talked about it, but now’s the time to make the change.”
Jones’ appointment follows the departure of BGC founder Kimberly Bryant. In 2021, Bryant faced several problems when tensions started boiling between her, her employees, and her board.
Allegations of poor management followed and eventually led to her indefinite suspension from the company, and a few months later, she was let go.
The situation is still developing.
