President and CEO, Innovative Solutions Technology
by Mallory Carpenter
SINCE THE AGE of 8, Jamila Jones-Fleet has been interested in giving back. Her favorite childhood memorystems from volunteering at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio as a candy striper. “It instilled in me the importance of compassion and giving time back to my community,” she says. As an adult, she is able to continue in the spirit of giving through her career. Jamila, who originally wanted to be a pediatrician, is president and CEO of Innovative Solutions Technology, a company that provides IT services and consulting. Not only is Innovative Solutions Technology a woman-owned business, but it is also a certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business, as Jamila once served as a Spanish linguist and interrogator for the U.S. Army.
Jamila and Innovative Solutions Technology’s success is largely due to her dedication to the state and to local small businesses. When asked what keeps her going, she says, “The plight of small businesses, minorityowned businesses and small women-owned businesses keeps me motivated. Obviously staying competitive within our field is challenging enough, but networking with other small businesses is essential…we have to fight to be seen and heard. That really lights a fire for me to succeed and help others succeed.”
Success isn’t just defined by her work, though. Jamila believes that her greatest success lies in her home life. “My family life, comprised of my husband and children, is really my greatest success,” she says. “My husband is very supportive and actively engaged in the business with me.”
Despite her humble beginnings, Jamila always knew that she could achieve her dreams. “My mentor was Dr. Barbara Cromer,” she recalls. “She always inspired me in that although I grew up in a bit of a poor neighborhood, I could aspire to do anything I wanted by applying myself academically.” Today, Jamila’s company works to inspire local children in the same way. Last year, Innovative Solutions Technology sponsored a Black History Month contest in collaboration with the Berkeley County Diversity Council. “The most rewarding part was awarding the science and technology prizes,” she says. “The number of participants and kind words the winners conveyed let me know that the community really appreciated that opportunity for the kids. I am looking forward to doing more things like this to inspire children in my community.”
Aside from her work with the diversity council, Jamila is also involved with the Jefferson County and Berkeley County NAACP and is chairperson of the local economic development committee. She is also the founder of the Eastern Panhandle Enterprise Consortium, a forum to help build the Eastern Panhandle through collaboration and innovation.
Jamila tries to instill persistence and determination in everyone she meets in her community because she believes that these traits, along with helping others, are traits that are crucial to success. She also works to impart these values to her children. “My children are very understanding of the hours of work required,” she says, “and I am hopeful that it helps them to build a framework of understanding for what a strong work ethic looks like and the importance of having one.”
Through her time with the military and her company’s success, Jamila has come to appreciate the benefits of living and working here. “The mountain views calm my soul,” she says. “I am always reminded as I travel to and fro that I am a part of a much larger plan that is not by any man’s design.”
Photography by Tracy Toler on location at Stonewall Resort
