Michelle Jones
Youth Programs Coordinator
Children's Defense Fund-CA
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Deciding to take a internship with my now current employer, which was 3,000 miles away from home.
I worked with the mentally ill and homeless population in Washington, DC; exposed me to real life. :)
Worked odd jobs during graduate school, saving all my pennies to take vacations with my besties.
Hearing encouraging words from my deceased grandparents. These words motivated me to keep dreaming.
Having support from family and friends is always important.
Deciding to put myself first! Self-care!
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Youth Programs Coordinator
I run a scholarship program for low-income youth in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Non-Profit Organizations
Education
Helping People
Day to Day
A great day at work looks like: emails, phones and text message conversations with my students. Research and tons of googling, finding career readiness programs and opportunities to engage my youth. On some days, you can find me acting in as a Production Assistant. The unique part of my job is that we capture beautiful documentaries about our students lives which are filmed by professional film makers in Los Angeles. As always an occasional long evening planning creative workshops as well.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
Ask yourself, what kind of people do you like working with? What do you love doing? It starts with having a plan; you cannot get lost with a plan for your life. I believe that knowing the people you enjoy surrounding yourself with, or the people you love to help will guide you to the work that you are most passionate about; or the change you want to make in your community and this world!
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
"You should stay closer to home." "Will that job provide financial stability?"
Challenges I Overcame
Confidence
