Cristina Jones Takes the Helm as New CEO of Black Girls Code, Pledging to Expand the Organization's Mission of Launching Black Girls in STEAM

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Oct 24, 2023, 08:44 ET

NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Girls Code is thrilled to introduce Cristina Jones as their new CEO. Jones brings decades of executive and leadership experience at the intersection of technology, marketing, and media. She is passionate about creating pathways for women of color to be in the rooms where tech is being innovated, and approaches this work with urgency.

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 and grow into leaders whose imagination, verve, and creativity will materialize the regenerative future we need.

"We met with tens of stellar, extraordinary candidates for this position," said former Board Chair Heather Hiles. "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."

"I'm elated to join this global community at this pivotal moment," said Cristina Jones. "An entire demographic has been missing from tech, and it's time to advantage and embolden these future leaders to enter and thrive wherever this innovation is happening. We're accelerating our mission to place one million girls of color in tech by 2040."

Most recently, Cristina served as Chief Engagement Officer and Chief Marketing Officer for Salesforce.org, where she worked to humanize tech and elevate the mission and impact through authentic storytelling.

About Black Girls Code

Since 2011, Black Girls Code has been dedicated to placing one million girls of color in tech by 2040. The organization ignites interest, activates potential, and nurtures careers in tech for girls and women of color ages 7-25. They partner with schools, local organizations, and dedicated volunteers to get participants the resources they need to thrive. For more than a decade, Black Girls Code has provided Black girls, girls of color, and gender nonconforming youth with computer programming education to nurture their careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics fields.

Please contact Debbie Veney, [email protected], 202.491.8833 for interview requests, additional information, or media inquiries related to Black Girls Code and Cristina Jones.

SOURCE Black Girls Code