Political Leaders 2007 Profile: Val Jones

Name:  Valarie A. Jones, Esq.
Age:  58
Born: I grew up in Petersburg
Current Digs: I live and work in Richmond
Occupation:  Deputy Secretary, State Board of Elections
Favorite part about the job:  Being a part of the team responsible for managing elections in the Commonwealth; listening to and interacting with others who have a passion for being a part of the electoral process in VA;
First job ever?  Working in a cafeteria at VA State University while in high school;  washing dishes and making cheeseburgers and milkshakes for the college students;
Favorite book?  The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Favorite movie?  The Way We Were
Must-see TV?  Sunday Morning
Comfort food?  Popcorn and Barbecue Potato Chips
What's in your car CD player right now?  Luther Vandross
Next journey?  Road trip to California
Last gift you received?  A friend came to see me from Arizona and spent the day with me and some of my high school friends
Whom do you admire and why?  Marian Wright Edeleman, civil rights lawyer and founder of Children’s Defense Fund; she truly epitomizes the essence of leadership: to serve the needs of the powerless and voiceless in this society.
Best advice you ever got?  Live a balanced life. Work hard and play equally as hard.   It passes much too quickly.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why?  Oprah Winfrey.  She is such a motivation and inspiration to others.  I would love to talk with her about what motivates her to be such a giving and caring person.
Describe a perfect day.  Spending the day with some of my good friends on the beach, including dinner and dancing;
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you?  I have a tattoo (Asian symbol of a tortoise).
Ambition, political or otherwise?  I am interested in serving as an advisor to a political candidate, assisting others with political aspirations.