Meet Rashidah Jones of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rashidah Jones.

Hi Rashidah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Thank you so much, VoyageATL, for the opportunity to share my story, my vision, and the work that continues to drive me! If you want to understand who I am and what I do, you have to start with my foundation. Shout out to my momma, Phyllis! She raised me as a single parent, navigating life’s challenges with strength, selflessness, and grace. Even when she didn’t have much, she always made sure I had what I needed—and often so much more. Through her, I learned the power of generosity, service, and creating space for others to thrive. One of her favorite sayings is, “To get something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.” That mindset shaped how I moved through life.

I started undergrad at Clark Atlanta University, majoring in Mass Communications with a concentration in Radio/Television/Film because I loved storytelling, music, and connecting with people through media. Working in radio was my dream. Growing up on Long Island, I was obsessed with tuning in to Angie Martinez and Wendy Williams—I genuinely thought my future would be behind the mic. But I soon discovered a passion for project management, promotions, and strategy—the work that happens behind the scenes to bring powerful stories and messages to life.

My very first street team experience came during my freshman year at CAU, when I joined the team led by Moetown Lee and Keinon Johnson. Big shout out to them! I joined their street team in 2000, and it was an amazing opportunity that taught me so much about hustle and execution. The projects I worked on were absolutely epic and unforgettable. I built so much muscle working with them. Later in my career, our paths crossed again professionally at various radio events and projects, which reminded me just how much those early lessons had shaped my journey and professional path.

I was on the hunt for other opportunities, and this is when I found Queens on Da Scene—an all-women street team created and led by SharNessa “Fresh-Ness” McQueen. Nessa was the first person to truly mentor me in the media space and help me build deeper skills beyond the street team hustle. More than just an internship, she offered care, guidance, and mentorship—picking me up from campus, dropping me home, feeding me, and even letting me sleep at her apartment when I needed a place to land. Some days it was a struggle, and Nessa held me down. I am forever grateful to her, and she holds a very special place in my heart.

The foundational guerrilla marketing skills I gained with her have been solid, transferable, and truly top-tier. I’ve carried those skills into every space I’ve entered, and they have consistently helped me stand out. Nessa didn’t just teach me the business side of media—she modeled what it meant to hustle, grind, and get it in. I learned early that the work you put in is the value you get out of it. We’d be out at 2 AM sniping—strategically hanging promotional posters and materials in unexpected locations to generate buzz—or promoting artists at clubs, and then right back up at 10 AM. Those grassroots, strategic skill sets are things I still lean on every single day.

After two years at CAU, I had to return home to New York due to financial aid challenges. That season was humbling. I started working at an adult group home supporting clients with mental health and substance use disorders. I desperately wanted to return to Georgia, so on my days off, I would spend hours at the library researching colleges to transfer to and internships in Atlanta. My mom’s voice stayed in my head: “Find a way to get your foot in the door.” So I did something bold—I mailed actual shoes to media companies with a note that said, “Now that I’ve got my foot in the door, please consider me for this opportunity.”

That summer, I was accepted into Georgia State University and landed internships at BET and WOR Radio in NYC. Then I returned to Atlanta to finish school at Georgia State—still unclear about how to tap back into Atlanta’s media industry. My time at BET and WOR Radio had sparked a new curiosity about corporate media, and I wanted to explore more of that world.

While working in the registration department at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a parent listed her workplace as Radio One. I’d been trying to reach their internship coordinator for months! That moment felt divinely timed. I followed up, mentioned my earlier mailed shoe, and got connected to Lori (Hall) Flowers.

Lori eventually confirmed she’d received the shoe—and after some persistence and a memorable group interview—I became an intern. She didn’t just give me a task list; she trusted me to lead major radio initiatives and create from scratch. Watching Lori work amazed me. Her mentorship sparked something in me, and I became her personal intern. I know she’s had many interns over the years, but she knows—and I know—I’m her favorite. Wink.

One of my proudest moments was creating and leading the Bullying Is Not Hot Georgia school tour. I was honored with an official proclamation from the City of Atlanta. At the time, I didn’t realize I was already doing social work—I simply didn’t have the language yet. That experience set something on fire in me. I realized how much I loved the intersection of social impact, media, and community work—and I knew I wanted to do more.

That’s why, shortly after, I created iNetwork Inc., an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization founded in 2009. iNetwork Inc. specialized in producing signature events and programs that catered to the artistic community. Its trendy networking events and insightful educational programs showcased professionals from various creative careers to members of the creative community. The organization provided people with a passion for creativity, and opportunities to learn and network outside of traditional classroom or corporate settings.

We did some amazing events — our art shows were unmatched. To this day, I haven’t experienced anything quite like the ones I curated through iNetwork Inc.! Due to barriers and other constraints that made it difficult to sustain the model and the organization itself, I eventually stopped curating events and have since retired the organization. But the ripple from the splash iNetwork made is still very real. Not just for me — but for so many artists (of all types) who participated.

I’ve seen people who came through our events now on major networks, performing on major stages, and doing incredible things in the arts and entertainment world. I am blown away! The funny thing is, I’m often curious if they remember me — lol — maybe this article will help with that!

I can truly say that the iNetwork experience laid the foundation for my lifelong commitment to creating spaces where creativity, community, and impact intersect — work that continues to shape how I lead and build today. And beyond the big stages and networks, what matters most to me is hearing from those who say iNetwork gave them their first chance to show their work, their first stage, their first real audience who celebrated them. That matters!

I believe that once you create a space where people feel seen and valued — especially creatives — that ripple never truly stops. It carries forward in ways you can’t always predict. That’s the real legacy of iNetwork to me. You can visit www.inetworkinc.org to learn more about its mission and foundation.

Since then, I’ve earned my Master’s in Social Work, become a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), a Scrum Master, and a nonprofit leader specializing in youth development, program design, and organizational strategy. I’ve had the honor of working with incredible organizations like Year Up United, where I worked to close the Opportunity Divide by supporting Opportunity Youth through leadership development, career readiness programming, and DEI-centered initiatives. I also served as a Research Fellow with their Anti-Racism Activist Group (Change Team), contributing to national strategies for advancing equity across the organization.

Wheeww… when I look back, I’ve been moving and shaking a lot. I’m grateful.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest obstacles I continue to face are having access to the full spectrum of resources—financial, human, and structural—that I need to fully bring my vision to life. The programs, tools, and platforms I’m building are the result of years of hard work and intentionality. They aren’t quick wins—they’ve been nurtured over time with great care. But building with limited capacity and without the full team or financial backing needed to scale can be overwhelming.

Still—I keep going.

I’ve learned how to ask for help. How to take breaks. How to celebrate the wins—even the small ones. (I am a firm believer that small steps are big wins!)

My husband and our two girls keep me grounded and remind me of what really matters.

A special shoutout to my husband—your unwavering support holds me up more than you know. I know I can be a handful (and then some), I love you so much!!

And to my two girls—y’all really think your mama is a superwoman. Some days I’m flying high, some days I’m just trying to find my cape. But know this: everything I’m building, every door I’m trying to open—it’s bigger than me. It’s for you. I love you both with my whole heart.

My clients and mentees remind me why this matters and keep me present.

So even in the difficult moments, I stand ten toes down and remain committed to the work.

If you’re reading this and are interested in supporting any of my projects, I would love to hear from you.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Let’s be clear—I still work a 9-to-5 every day. I always say, I clock out… and then I clock in. The hustle is real. I’m building these brands with late nights and long weekends, fire and faith, and I know it will pay off in full. This isn’t easy work, but it’s deeply meaningful work.

By day, I serve as Senior Program Manager at the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, where I lead Young CEOs—a youth entrepreneurship program designed to empower young people to build businesses, develop critical skills, and cultivate pathways to economic mobility. I’ve had the opportunity to revamp and relaunch the program, redesigning the curriculum to center entrepreneurial thinking, leadership development, and coaching practices. Through this work, I’ve expanded its reach, built new community partnerships, and deepened its impact—helping young people not just dream, but build actionable plans for success.

I’m a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), and Focused Goals LLC is my coaching practice—so in the evenings and on weekends, I am providing affordable coaching services to individuals who are often underserved and under-resourced. Some of my clients are single dads navigating parenthood, college students trying to figure out their next move, unemployed moms transitioning careers, and Black women entering the coaching space for the first time. My clients vary—but they all have a few things in common: they’re brave, they’re ready, and they’ve got something powerful inside of them. Coaching gives them the space to uncover it.

My coaching approach is grounded, strategic, and deeply human. It’s not about giving advice—it’s about helping people tap into their own clarity and action. Many of my clients have never worked with a coach before. But once we start working together, they see the value. And I’m grateful for every person who trusts me to walk alongside them.

Through Focused Goals LLC, I also created the Focused Goals™ Whiteboard—a goal-setting tool that helps people set, track, and visually engage with their goals while staying motivated and aligned with their progress. I use this tool with my coaching clients and also offer it as a standalone product. It’s a great non-techie goal-setting tool for anyone who prefers visual goal tracking and reflection without the distraction of digital platforms.

I understand that even with my affordable, pick-your-pay payment model for Focused Goals LLC, some individuals still are not able to cover the cost of coaching services. That’s where Black Girls Coaching Inc. comes in—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit I co-founded alongside my amazing business partner Latisha Gaither. We are working to close what we call the coaching accessibility gap—ensuring that individuals across BIPOC communities can access high-quality, credentialed coaching.

We intentionally center BIPOC youth and girls/women in our work because these groups face some of the steepest and most persistent barriers to coaching access.

According to Black Enterprise (2023) and McKinsey & Co. research, Black professionals—men and women combined—remain the most under-coached demographic in corporate spaces, with only about 40% of Black women reporting they have ever had access to professional coaching—compared to 72% of white women and 78% of white men who have benefited from coaching opportunities. The stark racial gap in who receives coaching is undeniable.

Similarly, the nonprofit coaching program Messy Roots (2025) reports that 75% of BIPOC social impact leaders—across all genders—had never worked with a leadership coach before entering their program.

Globally, the International Coaching Federation’s 2022 Global Consumer Awareness Study found that about two-thirds of women worldwide report never having engaged in professional coaching.

Among youth, the disparities are even more pronounced: one in three young people in the U.S. grows up without a mentor of any kind, with BIPOC youth—including both girls and boys—facing even greater gaps in access to culturally relevant mentoring and coaching (MENTOR National, 2022).

Meanwhile, reports from Education Trust and American Student Assistance reveal that fewer than 50% of low-income BIPOC youth report receiving adequate career coaching or guidance through school.

And while the coaching industry continues to expand, the ICF itself acknowledges that youth-focused coaching remains an emerging, underdeveloped market segment—one where too many young people of color are still left behind.

As two Black women who know first-hand both the life-changing benefits of having a coach—and the very real impact of not having one—we are deeply committed to changing this reality.

Too often, people who look like us—people from BIPOC communities that are historically overlooked, under-resourced, and too often served the bare minimum—are excluded from the kinds of coaching and mentorship that drive leadership, career growth, and personal development.

We are working to build the coaching field we wish existed—one where every young person and every woman and man of color sees coaching not as a privilege, but as a right.

We aim to provide coaching that is accessible, affirming, and rooted in real-world impact for those historically left out of this space.

We are also building bridges internationally through my membership in the GUBA Diaspora Network (GDN)—a membership-based community for African diasporans and returnees who want to connect, plan relocation, or do business and invest in Ghana—and through my association with Welcome to the Motherland (welcometothemotherland.com) as their Volunteer Marketing Director, an initiative led by Coriya Burns and Lady Dentaa Amoateng, MBE, that curates transformative travel experiences designed to reconnect the African diaspora with Ghana’s rich culture and vibrant communities. Both networks foster cultural exchange, business development, and deeper relationships between the diaspora and the continent. Through these connections, I’ve been able to expand awareness of Black Girls Coaching Inc. and explore opportunities for partnership and program growth across the African diaspora.

Right now, we are operating in the Atlanta market and expanding to the Tri-State area market.

If anyone is interested in learning more about upcoming hybrid cohorts in both markets—or exploring ways to support our work through donations, grants, or in-kind support—we would love to connect. Please reach out to us at info@blackgirlscoaching.org.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Absolutely. Mentorship and sponsorship have both played a huge role in my journey—and I always tell people: a mentor can transform into a sponsor. But it starts with relationship, trust, and real engagement.

One of the best pieces of advice I can give is this: having a mentor who is in proximity to you—who sees your work ethic and growth in real time—is powerful. Your network within reach is a great place to start as you grow in your career and as your interests expand.

Also, pay attention to those who give you feedback rather than criticism. There’s a difference. Criticism often tears down—it points out what’s wrong without offering a path forward. Feedback, on the other hand, is rooted in growth. It reflects care, insight, and a desire to help you sharpen your skills, perspective, or approach. Good mentors offer feedback that helps you grow, not shrink. Being able to receive, reflect on, and apply feedback is one of the most important keys to long-term development.

You don’t have to force it. Start by showing up as your full self, asking thoughtful questions, and being open to learning. Mentorship doesn’t always come with a title; it often begins with genuine connection. Pay attention to who’s pouring into you and who’s rooting for you when you’re not in the room.

In my own journey, one of the most rewarding experiences was serving as Internship Coordinator at Radio One Atlanta. I took a lot of pride in building a program that wasn’t about “who you know,” but about who had the hunger, the drive, and the willingness to grow. I saw firsthand how creating access and opportunity can change lives. To this day, many of my former interns have become my mentees.

I want to give a big shout out to all of my former interns from Radio One Atlanta—you all are doing incredible things, and I see you!! It brings me so much joy to know I played a part in helping launch so many careers. You all remind me why mentorship matters. It’s about creating space and opportunity and then watching others rise.

And I’ll be honest—this is one of those areas where I have to pause and give myself a little credit. It’s not about bragging, but I know for a fact I’ve had a hand in shaping and supporting the careers of some really amazing, impactful people—and I am proud of that. For me, it always starts with mentorship, and I’m grateful that so many trusted me to be part of their journey.

Pricing:

• Coaching should be accessible, and I believe in meeting you where you are—financially and personally. With Pick Your Price, you choose the session fee that fits your budget. Our session fees range from $75 to $350.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rashidahjones.com
• Instagram: blackgirlscoaching
• Facebook: blackgirlscoaching
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashidahjones
• Other: https://blackgirlscoaching.org

Image Credits
Lance Long – Long Shots Photography