Valeisha Butterfield Jones sits at the intersections of technology, politics, and entertainment. And she is a leading lady across industries as a businesswoman. As a woman of power, she has led global diversity and inclusion efforts as the former head of Women and Black Community Engagement at Google. Now, Butterfield Jones is taking her talents and wealth of knowledge to the Recording Academy as its first-ever chief diversity and inclusion officer.
Today the Recording Academy announced that Butterfield Jones will be joining the organization per the recommendation of the Academy’s Diversity & Inclusion Taskforce. As Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Butterfield Jones will design, build, and implement world-class programs and industry standards focused on inclusion, belonging, and representation for underrepresented communities and creators. She will also implement her inclusion practices across all areas of the Recording Academy, including internal and external programs, organizational and staff culture, membership, awards, and related initiatives.In her role, Butterfield Jones will report directly to Academy Chair and Interim President/CEO Harvey Mason Jr. effective May 11.
In a statement released by the Recording Academy, Mason Jr. said, “We are thrilled to welcome Valeisha Butterfield Jones into the Recording Academy family. Valeisha has been a force in driving systemic change and enhancing equal opportunities for underrepresented groups across entertainment, technology and politics.
I’m excited to work with her to continue evolving the Recording Academy as an organization that represents our music community and a place where all voices are welcomed, supported and nurtured. We are so fortunate to have Valeisha’s leadership in this crucial area.”Butterfield Jones also shared her excitement about joining the team, “The Recording Academy has an opportunity and responsibility to ensure that diversity and inclusion is embedded in its core values. I’m deeply honored to join the Academy as we enter a new chapter of transformational growth, leadership and change.”
She added, “During this unprecedented time in world history, together we will double-down on our focus to drive systemic change and equitable outcomes for underrepresented communities and creators.”
Butterfield Jones is a champion for access and inclusion and our hat is off to her for blazing pathways for others.