Encore Fellow Profiles

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Marsha Jones

Excessive Wealth Disorder Institute

“I get to apply what I’ve done for years to this work that is shifting how we think about our society.” – Marsha Jones
Marsha’s journey began with a solid foundation in Financial and Technology Management from the US Department of Defense (DOD), where she earned a Master's degree in data analysis, program management, and leadership training. Her expertise deepened through the DOD's DA Internship program, which afforded her rotational assignments across prestigious institutions like NATO,Special Forces, and the Army Corps of Engineers. In one notable assignment in Germany, she played a pivotal role in establishing a new agency dedicated to countering terrorism in Africa. This experience was a precursor to her subsequent role at the United Nations, where she immersed herself in diverse cultures, legal systems, and societal norms across Europe, Africa, and the US.
Despite these accomplishments, Marsha encountered barriers due to age biases in the professional world. As thoughts of "retirement" began to surface, she sought meaningful avenues to leverage her experience for social good. This search led me to the Encore Fellowships, a perfect gateway into the nonprofit sector where she could significantly impact social and economic well-being.
Now, as the Researcher in Residence at Excessive Wealth Disorder institute, Marsha is part of a mission to "research, educate, and advocate for dismantling the social, economic, and environmental perils wrought by excessive wealth." They are in the early stages of crafting a narrative that champions economic justice and calls for a more equitable wealth distribution through tax reform in the US. At EWDi, she applies her seasoned skills in data analysis, project management, and strategic planning to advocate for policies that promote thriving communities and disrupts the corrosive effects of excessive wealth on our democracy, specifically and in all aspects of our society, generally.
Working in a startup environment offers unique challenges and rewards. Marsha is often the only Baby Boomer among Millennials, providing a rich ground for mutual learning and mentoring. The team's dynamic fosters an environment where they need to focus on strategic thinking as well as attention to detail, so that they can effectively shape initiatives and public messaging.
Marsha’s role involves turning complex data into compelling arguments that support advocacy for reform. It's fulfilling to witness the tangible progress they can make toward enhancing social programs and promoting economic equity. Engaging in this work, she has found a profound sense of purpose that surpasses the traditional concept of retirement—proving far more rewarding than any leisure activity could offer. Through her efforts at EWDi, she is not just passing time, but actively contributing to a better world.