Jj Townsend

About Jj Townsend

JJ Townsend leads community engagement initiatives in Mississippi as part of Microsoft TechSpark, a civic program by Microsoft Philanthropies aimed at fostering economic opportunities.Prior to joining Microsoft, Townsend built a crowdfunding platform that made it easy for local changemakers to improve their neighborhoods. In just a few years, The platform helped over 200 ideas and raised over to support local projects through micro-grants. Townsend is an advocate for digital equity and computer science education in communities affected by systemic racism and poverty. He is committed to developing technology that unites people, businesses, and governments in funding projects that communities desire. A Teach For America alum, he taught brilliant 5th graders in Jackson Public Schools how to code, critical thinking and self-advocacy.He has built a real estate investment portfolio through Townsend & Co, after developing a passion for transforming affordable houses into beautiful and safe homes for families to live. BA in Business Administration from the University of Mississippi and a master\'s degree in Educational Leadership.

Experience

1. Community Engagement Lead, Microsoft Techspark

   Microsoft

   Dec 2021 — Present

   Collaborating with government, business and nonprofits to ensure Mississippians have access to the technology, skills and opportunity needed to thrive in a digital economy. With local and state partners, I help develop programs and resources to support communities in creating inclusive economic growth centered around digital access, digital skills, computer science education, and digital transformation.

Education

• Delta State University

  Master of Education - MEd, Urban Education and Leadership

  2017 — 2019

• University of Mississippi

  Bachelor’s Degree, Business Marketing & Corporate Relations

  2011 — 2015

Skills

• Educational Technology
• Political Consulting
• Wed Development
• Organization
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Leadership
• Project Management
• Event Planning
• Collaboration
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Community Engagement
• Marketing Strategy
• Community Service
• Google Docs
• Time Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Social Media
• Advertising
• Microsoft Word
• Strategic Public Relations Planning
• Business Networking
• Public Speaking
• Classroom Management
• Social Media Management
• Marketing
• Political Campaigns