5 Questions with Heather Jones-Brown

Assistant Chief Diversity Officer for Staff Equity Heather Jones-Brown brings a community-centered approach and a wide range of professional experiences to her work at Grinnell College. Her career has spanned education, nonprofit leadership, political organizing, and international work, all of which inform her efforts to build equitable systems and a strong sense of belonging for staff across campus. She kindly took a few minute to share her thoughts on her work, interests, and a secret skill that allowed her to travel the country as a student.

Q: Where did you grow up, and how has that shaped you?

A: I grew up near the Iowa State Fairgrounds until I was about 10, then moved to Pleasant Hill. I graduated from Des Moines’ East High School in 2002 — go Scarlets! I’ve lived in a lot of different places since then, including the Kansas City area for college and more than four years in Tokyo. Each of those places shaped me in different ways and really helped make me who I am today.

Q: What does your role at Grinnell entail?

A: The Staff Equity team is a mighty team of three, and we focus on embedding equitable hiring practices across the institution. We work closely with hiring managers and think a lot about how we attract, recruit, and retain talented employees from all communities. My role includes overseeing staff recruitment strategy, supporting employee resource groups (ERGs), and strengthening our Equity Advocate Program. A big part of what we do is building pathways of belonging and making sure our teams reflect the diversity of our student body. We currently support three ERGs with more in development. These groups create spaces for connection and cultural expression while also engaging the broader campus in learning and relationship-building.

Q: What path brought you to Grinnell?

A: My career path has been anything but linear. I’ve taught English in both Kansas City and Tokyo, worked in community organizing across the Des Moines metro, and been involved in both nonpartisan and partisan political work. I’ve also overseen financial education programs, led citizen diplomacy efforts with international partners, and even started a business from the ground up. All of those experiences — especially the relationship-building and problem-solving — really prepared me for the work I do now with the Staff Equity team.

Q: What has your experience been like working with Grinnellians?

A: It’s been great! Grinnellians are incredibly curious and always willing to ask tough questions to move things forward. That kind of environment pushes you to grow, and it’s helped me expand my own skills in ways I didn’t expect.

Q: What do you enjoy outside of work — and what’s something people might not know about you?

A: I am a big fan of film and television. I worked for a video distributor early in my career which expanded the scope of my viewing to include a lot of independent projects. I am deeply invested in the NAACP (both locally and nationally) and the YMCA of Greater Des Moines, serving as a board member with both organizations. I am also a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and serve as the advisor for our Drake University chapter.

When I have the opportunity, I love to travel. Most recently, my husband and I joined a group for a history of European brew halls in Germany, Czech Republic, and Austria. It was really fun!

Something people might not know: I played trombone from fifth grade through college. It is some of the most fun I had! I was in marching band, pep band, jazz band, and symphonic band, which gave me opportunities to travel the state in high school and other places around the country in college.