#SheCanSTEM: Meet Cynthia Jones

MLGW has 2770 employees; 752 (27%) are women. Of the 752 women, 143 (19%) hold STEM positions. On the second Tuesday of every month, we will introduce you to a different woman working in STEM at MLGW.

Cynthia Jones is MLGW’s Manager of Client Services. Her STEM journey began after winning a mathematics competition from a national mathematics journal.  Although she majored in math and science in high school, she became hooked on technology after taking a programming class in college and continued on that path to become a technology project manager.

We asked Cynthia a few questions to get to know her better.

What do you do in your current position?

As the Manager of Client Services, I manage a team of Business Account Executives who serve as the liaison between the Information Technology Division and the MLGW Senior Leadership team.  Client Services is the advocacy arm with the primary goal of expediting resolutions to business needs.

Have you held other STEM positions within the company?

Previously, as Supervisor of Data Analytics and Software Integration, I was responsible for managing a team of web and mobile software developers, a team responsible for business intelligence, and a team of software specialist who purchased third party software for various departments at MLGW. 

What's interesting or cool about what you do?

I am exposed to many emerging technologies so I get to sample a vast array of technologies and how they would benefit our customers.

Why would you encourage girls to pursue STEM careers?

When I first started in this field, there were very few women in the industry so opportunities for upward mobility were a major challenge.  However, once the glass ceiling was broken, I began to see several women excel and more importantly, have input into the direction of technology.  Although statistically the numbers still indicate a gap, we can continue to make gains in the STEM field and be an influential force.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would advise my younger self to remain true to my passion.  I originally started my college career in technology but felt out-of-place since there were few females in my major.  I changed my major and pursued what I thought was a more "acceptable" profession.  However, I quickly became bored with the lack of challenge and returned to my first love, technology.