Spotlight: Carolyn Jones, Program Lead at Grid110
By: Lindsay Stuart
Tags: Diversity In Tech, Grid110, Startup, Spotlight

Carolyn Jones is the Program Lead at Grid110 in Los Angeles, where she oversees all of the organizations program operations. She is a community builder, nature enthusiast, and wellness advocate. Outside of Grid110, she works on diversity and inclusion initiatives that aim to increase diversity in the outdoors and wellness spaces. Carolyn is also a breathwork instructor and hosts outdoor book clubs, mindfulness hikes, and gatherings throughout the year.

We caught up with Carolyn to learn more about her work, what inspired her to join the team at Grid110, and what she sees as some of the greatest opportunities to creating a more equitable tech industry.

Hi Carolyn! Tell us about yourself, how did you get to where you are today and what inspired you to join the team at Grid110?

Carolyn Jones, Program Lead, Grid110

My journey has been anything, but linear. Prior to working in tech, I worked in various positions in politics and fundraising for higher education. However, I have always been interested in tech and connected to the startup world. One of my earliest memories was visiting my grandfather at the grocery store he owned and as I got older, being able to help him with different tasks around the store. Those experiences taught me a lot about the entrepreneurial spirit and journey.

I was inspired to join Grid110 because of the organization’s values, which are community, belonging, generosity and empathy. Personally, these values are incredibly important to me and what guides and drives me. I especially loved their mention of empathy as a value. There is so much power in learning how to listen to and understand each other, and in understanding how to be there and show up for each other. To have the opportunity to work for an organization that shares these values was something that spoke deeply to me.

Fast forward to today, I continue to find comfort and inspiration in knowing that these values are important to the organization and my teammates. It is what continues to drive all of us as we work to foster the most thriving, inviting, and inclusive community for entrepreneurs in Los Angeles.

The Grid110 Team (L to R): Community Manager Elisabeth Tuttass, Executive Director and Co-Founder Miki Reynolds, and Program Lead Carolyn Jones

Grid110 provides entrepreneurs with access to community, mentors and critical resources through no cost, no equity programs in Los Angeles. As Program Lead at Grid110, what are the programs and initiatives you oversee, and what does an average day look like for you?

As Program Lead, I plan, manage, and execute all program-related operations for Grid110. Specifically, I oversee the Residency and Idea to Product programs.

There is no average workday for me. Week to week can look different depending on whether I am actively managing a program or if we are in application season. We recently closed the applications for our Fall 2020 cohort, which I am so excited about!

Therefore, I am currently managing the application process. My schedule consists of reading through applications, conducting interviews, meeting with my team regarding Fall 2020 programming needs, and meeting with founders, mentors, and others, who are interested in learning more about Grid110’s programs.

How can aspiring entrepreneurs in LA get involved with Grid110 programs?

Great question! There are a few ways you can get involved with Grid110’s programs: