Natalie Jones (B.A. ’13) is helping to shape the business landscape of Atlanta. She's the head of the Business Solutions Office for one of the largest urban redevelopment projects in the United States, the Atlanta BeltLine.
In her role, Jones is responsible for developing strategy and providing services for businesses along the BeltLine. A program for small business owners that Jones spearheaded even helped Amorous Tacos, a minority-owned food truck company owned by sisters Jewel and Nancy Anderson, prepare to open their first brick-and-mortar location this year.
Jones understands how significant her job is to the community she works with.
“I don’t take my role for granted. The work I get to do every day is very fulfilling. I get to help people,” Jones said. “We are creating programs that provide access to underserved populations. I know the work that I’m doing is going to leave a legacy for generations to come in Atlanta.”
While Jones has found success helping businesses along Atlanta’s BeltLine, the journey to get there wasn’t always easy.
At 18, she became a mother and got married. Jones chose not to go to college after graduating from Central Gwinnett High School in Lawrenceville and instead decided to stay at home with her son full-time.
After four years of marriage, Jones and her husband divorced, and she decided to go back to school to further her career.
While pursuing her English degree at Georgia State, Jones worked three part-time jobs to put herself through school and provide for her son, Preston.
“I didn’t sleep much during that time,” she said. “It was just pure grit, desire and hunger. I was a first-generation college student. My child got to witness how hard I worked and the sacrifices I made. It’s a miracle.”
Jones said she’s thrilled to be one of this year’s 40 Under 40 honorees and credits Georgia State with her professional development.
“If there wasn’t a school that catered to non-traditional students, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. Georgia State changed my life,” Jones said.
And her love for her alma mater has been passed down to her son, Preston, who is currently majoring in Business Administration at GSU. Jones also said one day she would like to create a scholarship program for single mothers who work while attending Georgia State.
This year’s class of 40 Under 40 alumni will be recognized at a ceremony and reception on March 22 at the Georgia State Convocation Center, 455 Capitol Ave. SW, Atlanta, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
-Photo by Raven Schley