Angela Jones

Director, Washington State Initiative

Angela Jones is the director of the Washington State Initiative (WSI) for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She is an experienced leader in systemic change that leads to sustainable and positive impact for students, families, and communities. With a strong belief in community sustainability and generational growth through access to education, Angela possesses more than 25 years of passion, service, and leadership in Washington’s public education systems.

Before joining the foundation in 2021, Angela served as the CEO of Washington STEM and previously held roles at Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, Spokane Public Schools, and the Wapato School District that included vice president of student affairs, vice president of university advancement, chief of staff, and director of employment and conciliation services.

Angela received her Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law. She also holds a master’s degree in Communications from Eastern Washington University and her bachelor’s degree in English/Language Arts with an initial teaching certificate from Washington State University.

Angela currently serves on the Teachers of Color Foundation, the Washington State MESA Board, the Washington State University Student Affairs Advisory Committee, and as a co-founder and managing partner of the Black Future Co-op Fund.

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