Rae Jones
Great Beginnings for Black Babies Executive Director Rae Jones has been selected one of the 2013 26th District SHeroes by Senator Curren D. Price, Jr. Serving at the helm of GBBB, Los Angeles’ premier nonprofit organization dedicated to the healthy development and growth of African American babies and their families since 2009 Jones is being honored as one of the “extraordinary women who are committed to their professions and communities,” according to Price.
Jones was nominated by Yvette Chappell-Ingram, former executive director of the California Legislative Black Caucus Foundation and will be feted, along with other SHeroes, during a Sunday, February 10, 2013 luncheon at the Midtown Radisson Hotel.
A veteran communications strategist, public relations practitioner and award-winning journalist, under the auspices of her own company, RAEDIANT Communications, Ms. Jones has served a variety of locally-based nonprofit organizations including Special Needs Network, Inc.; California Legislative Black Caucus Foundation; the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce; Jenesse Center, Inc., Excel Family Intervention Programs; Unity One Foundation, Inc.; the Leimert Park Village Book Fair; and, the African Marketplace and Cultural Faire, among others.
A Chicago native, Ms. Jones previously served as Director of Communications to (the late) Chicago Mayor Harold Washington; as an assistant press secretary in the Mayor’s office; and as public relations director for Malcolm X College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago.
She also previously worked for seven years in the corporate communications department of Allstate Insurance Company, as a news reporter, and also as managing editor of a Chicago-based newspaper.
In Los Angeles, Ms. Jones has served as Public Affairs Director of Children’s Bureau of Southern California and Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Pasadena-based Art Center College of Design, in addition to service she has provided many other locally based nonprofit organizations. Ms. Jones is the proud mother of two, Kwesi and Kai.
Founded in 1990 to promote the healthy development and growth of babies, children and families with a primary goal of reducing infant mortality by providing opportunities for African American women to seek early and continuous prenatal care, Great Beginnings for Black Babies has served thousands of mothers, babies, fathers and children since its inception.
Offering programs including Black Infant Health, Healthy Moms and Babies, the Fatherhood Initiative and after school programs through Los Angeles Unified School District, GBBB employs a comprehensive approach that integrates social, clinical and economic components toward eradicating the infant mortality problem plaguing Black communities.
For additional information on Great Beginnings for Black Babies call 310.677.7995 or visit the website at www.gbbb-la.org.
