Rachel Jones

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?

Leadership can come in many forms. This may seem counterintuitive, but I have found that leading from behind is the most valuable. This is done by starting at a grassroots level, and guiding thoughts without distraction. This fosters the feeling of equal footing in determining future goals.

What do you consider to be your most important career achievement or milestone?

Not being afraid to go backwards in pay and title; choosing a short term loss to achieve long term gains in my career.

What do you aspire to accomplish in your career and why? What obstacles will you overcome?

i hope to have a highly positive impact to society.

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

Completing my master’s degree in computer science from Johns Hopkins opened new doors for me. I took a job working with the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), working with five national labs to make new cybersecurity frameworks for industry control systems.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

AWIS provides a platform of inspiration and learning opportunities to understand how those before you have had success in their professional careers.

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Adaptability

How do you define it?

The ability to change, be flexible, and open to all opportunities and experiences that life presents you.

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

I never laid out a concrete path for myself. I’ve worked in four different industries over the course of ten years. I have gained a lot of insight and each experience taught me valuable lessons that I wouldn’t have learned had I stayed in a single industry.

How does AWIS impact your career journey?

Being able to read about others and their past helps guide my decisions when considering various career objectives. It gives me insight into what worked or didn’t, and allows me to have a more efficient career trajectory.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

Currently, I am reading business statistics text books. For pleasure I absolutely love Flipboard. It gives me insight to the latest scientific breakthroughs anything from quantum entanglement to molecular physics and biomedical breakthroughs.

What do you consider the best professional or personal advice you’ve ever received?

It’s important not to move up too fast. Ensure that you know the basics before you lead others.

Born in northern Virginia, Rachel Jones started her career as a professional artist. She found STEM tremendously rewarding and pivoted to computer science after being an art teacher for four years in the District of Columbia Public Schools. Rachel began her STEM career in California, as a programming and cyber security contractor to the Navy. She now works as a AVP/Information Security Administrator for Community West Bank. She serves on the board of directors for the  Oxnard College Foundation, the Santa Paula Museum of Art, and the Friends of the Camarillo Library.  She is also the board of director for the United Water Conservation Special District in Ventura County, the second woman ever elected to the board, and the first one in her district.