Feature Friday: Interview with Karen Jones
Karen, can you start by telling us about yourself and company? I'm so excited to launch IGNITE Her P.A.T.H, LLC, as it allows me to continue doing what I love to do, which is inspiring and empowering women. As a motivational speaker, coach and entrepreneur, this new business is dedicated to young and mature women who desire to find and share their PURPOSE, ASPIRE to greatness, seek TRANSFORMATIVE change in the world and inspire HOPE in others.
What motivated and inspired you to start your business? As the current CEO and Executive Director of a nonprofit S.T. E².A.M.™ organization, (where we expose, inspire and empower young leaders in grades 2nd to 12th with a goal of increasing the number of females interested in STEAM related careers,) I wanted to continue igniting women in their PATH development. We have inspired over 1,000 young leaders in the last 16 years with our nonprofit. Seeing the impact, we know there is more work to be done and we can not stop at 12th grade. Our new business, which includes a podcast titled "Her P.A.T.H. Radio," will empower women and provide additional tools and resources for transformative change.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors? Our experiences make us different and sharing the stories of other women will inspire and teach. As a retired biochemist and program manager (after 33 years in the Pharmaceutical industry), a community volunteer, and a life long learner, we will share the challenges as well as the wins to help women understand the process in developing their P.A.T.H.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs? You must first understand how to find your passion and your purpose. Knowing how to ignite your own P.A.T.H. has to be done before you can ignite others.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times? My faith and my family keeps me motivated. I truly believe your present circumstance don't determine where you can go, they merely determine where you start. You can live your dreams!
What are you most proud of as a company? As a new company, I truly enjoy the opportunity of mentoring new entrepreneurs. Sharing challenges and solutions for business growth is exciting as well as seeing the early impact. I am also very proud of the Chocolate Chips Association, because we continue to reach more young leaders with early exposure to Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Art and Math and now having alumni working in the science and engineering career fields, including one in Medical School, who reach back to our current school students.
Where do you see your company in the next three years? I see IGNITE Her P.A.T.H., LLC reaching and inspiring women across the globe with our Podcast as well as the release of our first book. We will also conduct workshops for young professions to continue to inspire, empower and teach.
What is your favorite professional (business) book and why? Two books, Cubeonomics by Karyn Quick and The Memo by Minda Harts as they both give great information for empowering women to change their PATH.
What is your favorite quote and why?
I can do ALL things through CHRIST who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 With the challenges of life, personal and professional, God has never left my side and He continues to give me the strength I need to do His work.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Live! Love traveling, reading and dancing with family and friends, and especially hanging with granddaughter Amira.
What fun unknown factoid could you share that most people may not know? This could be professional or personal. I take time for me!
Wanna get to know Karen, follow her here:
Website: http://www.ccassoc.org
Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/karenjjones.lcfc/
Facebook (Business): https://www.facebook.com/CCASTEM