Building Bridges That Advance People Centered SOLUTIONS
Through Community Engagement, Data Driven Solutions, Carceral Systems Experts
“People are the Solution”
Welcome to Building Bridges Solutions
At Building Bridges Solutions Management Consultancy, we believe systemic change begins with human connection. Whether we’re guiding justice reform, amplifying marginalized voices, or crafting culturally accurate branding, our work centers people—because people are the bridge to transformation.
Building Bridges Foundation
Mission
Bridge Builders
Bridge Builders
At Building Bridges Solutions, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of business and management consulting services. We strive to help you achieve your goals and reach your full potential.
Bridge Builders
Bridge Builders
Bridge Builders
We have a team of experienced and highly skilled consultants who are committed to delivering exceptional results for you. Our team members bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project we undertake. Dont' take our word for it...
Approach
Bridge Builders
Approach
We take a collaborative approach to consulting, working closely with you to understand your unique needs and develop customized solutions. We believe that effective communication and partnership are key to achieving success.
Building Bridges Core Values
People Centered Approach... Centering humanity, relationships, and lived expertise. We believe change starts with people — their stories, their strengths, and their vision for the future.
- Human‑Centered Justice – Placing people, not systems, at the heart of every decision.
- Elevating People with Firsthand Knowledge of System Challenges – Honoring and amplifying lived experience as essential expertise.
Purpose- Driven Solutions...Grounding our work in values, vision, and integrity. Our purpose is to lead with love, transparency, and a commitment to equity — ensuring every action reflects our deepest values.
- Integrity in Action – Leading with love, transparency, and purpose in every engagement.
- Equity and Empowerment – Centering inclusive, rehabilitative policies to rebuild vibrant, healthy communities.
- Cultural Responsiveness – Valuing identity, history, and community as assets in reform.
PROGRESS: Measurable Impact...Driving systemic change through collaboration and impact. Progress means building bridges that last — engaging diverse voices to create solutions that stand the test of time.
- Strategic Collaboration – Engaging diverse stakeholders for long‑term, systemic impact.
- Authentic Connection – Building genuine, trust‑based relationships across communities, sectors, and perspectives.
Bridges Built Testimonials
National Association for Public Defense
Center for Effective Public Policy/Advancing Pretrial Policy and Research/Justice Policy Consultants
PJP – Prison Journalism Project/Unbound Authors
Working with Gem Jones has been a transformative experience for NAPD. Through her consulting and training, Gem helped us create intentional spaces where public defenders could reflect, connect, and grow. What stood out most was her ability to weave cultural accuracy with practical strategies that truly resonated with our community. Her work pushed us to pause production for proximity—deepening relationships, sharpening our vision, and reminding us of the power of authentic connection. NAPD looks forward to the launch of Building Bridges Solutions Management Consultancy LLC™ (BBSMC) and the expanded vision Gem will bring through this new initiative.
Lori James, MSW, LCSW-C
Executive Director, NAPD
Direct Line: 667-298-0305
TRANSFORM ADVOCACY/RECLAIM JUSTICE
PJP – Prison Journalism Project/Unbound Authors
Center for Effective Public Policy/Advancing Pretrial Policy and Research/Justice Policy Consultants
PJP – Prison Journalism Project/Unbound Authors
Working with Gem has always been a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership. From Columbia Business School: Justice through Code and now in Prison Journalism Project, she leads with heart, deep systems thinking, and a powerful sense of justice. Whether navigating complex work challenges or translating bold visions into action, her approach is grounded, culturally fluent, and fiercely compassionate. Our collaborations have not only produced meaningful outcomes—they've reshaped how I think about equity and sustainable impact. BBSMC is a natural evolution of her mission, and I have no doubt it will be a transformative force in the spaces it touches.
— Erica Graham
Gem brings a rare combination of vision, empathy, and precision to her work. She leads with cultural accuracy and transformative care, creating spaces where people feel both seen and empowered. In every collaboration, Gem has an extraordinary ability to connect people, ideas, and institutions in ways that produce lasting impact. Her leadership is both strategic and deeply human—turning systemic challenges into opportunities for authentic connection and growth.
~JoyBelle Phelan
Phoenix Rising | TEDx San Quentin
Partnerships Make Second Chances Possible
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Unbound Authors
Co-President, Unchained Voices
Center for Effective Public Policy/Advancing Pretrial Policy and Research/Justice Policy Consultants
Center for Effective Public Policy/Advancing Pretrial Policy and Research/Justice Policy Consultants
Center for Effective Public Policy/Advancing Pretrial Policy and Research/Justice Policy Consultants
“Gem” has been a pleasure to partner with on the Advancing Pretrial Policy & Research National Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence Planning and Training Workgroup and the Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Self-Assessment Checklist. She created the Response for the Proposal that framed the deliverables in a meaningful way for the checklist. She has consistently exhibited solution-focused and results-driven behavior. Gem’s commitment to excellence laid a solid foundation for a critical resource for the field. Lastly, Gem is naturally gifted and vocationally trained to build bridges for success for many needed communities.
Dr. Kelvin L. Banks – CEPP
Associate Director, Center for Effective Public Policy
What stood out to me with Gem is how she started out her introduction. My name is Gem, I'm just a little country girl from Arkansas. No matter what project she is working on, she gives it her all. She never takes the credit alone, she acknowledges everyone who was involved. She is an asset, keep reaching for the stars.
Peace and Blessings,
Pam Neeley
Working alongside Gem Jones during the APPR Domestic Violence initiative with the Center for Effective Public Policy was a powerful experience. Gem brought more than expertise—she brought soul. Her leadership was grounded, strategic, and deeply empathetic. She had a way of cutting through complexity and speaking directly to the heart of the matter, always centering the voices of those most impacted.
What stood out most was her ability to lead with both precision and passion. Gem’s “simple country girl” spirit made her relatable and trustworthy, while her commitment to equity and rehabilitation made her indispensable. She created space for truth-telling, healing, and transformation—not just in theory, but in practice.
Her impact on our work and community was profound. She helped us move from policy to purpose, from data to dignity. Collaborating with Gem reminded me that leadership rooted in love and cultural accuracy can truly shift systems.
Marisol Garcia, B.A., M.P.P. Juris Doctorate 2026 Vermont Law School
Executive Director Prison2PublicPolicy
Adjunct Professor, Eastern Connecticut State University
Working with Gem Jones is a breath of fresh air. Her solution-focused approach, paired with her excellent relationship skills, makes her a powerful consultant on any team. I have been grateful to work with Gem as she developed a checklist to assist jurisdictions in assessing and strengthening their policy effectiveness in responding to and reducing interpersonal violence. She is able to work across diverse groups and connect to our shared humanity. –Erica King, Senior Manager, CEPP
CFSY – Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth / ICAN – Incarcerated Children’s Advocacy Network
Center for Effective Public Policy/Advancing Pretrial Policy and Research/Justice Policy Consultants
My name is Eddie Ellis, author of Change Is Possible—I Never Gave Up. I had the privilege of partnering with "BBSMC" to support individuals across several states who were returning home from prison. What stood out to me most about Gem is her deep compassion and unwavering commitment to people. She is person-centered, thoughtful, and dedicated to uplifting those impacted by the criminal legal system. Gem is always looking for ways to connect individuals to resources which is an essential part of successful reentry.
But more than anything, Gem offers something truly transformative: HOPE. That hope gives people the strength to move forward, speak up for themselves, and believe in their own potential. It’s a gift that changes lives.
As Gem knows, we are living proof that change is possible. We are using our lived expertise to create meaningful change in the world—and we’re doing it together.
https://www.amazon.com/Change-Possible-Never-Gave-Up/dp/1639888756
Eddie Ellis (he/him) |Co-Director of Outreach and Member Services
Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth (CFSY)
Gem is a one-of-a-kind leader and collaborator. She instantly transforms the energy of any space she is in, and always for the better. She is honest, accountable, and unafraid to share the authentic, creative perspectives she holds. If you are looking for unique new ideas, the joy of true partnership and collaboration, and the fearless warmth of a natural leader, then Gem and BBSMC will be the perfect fit for you.
Warmly,
Christina Oliver <coliver@cfsy.org>
HEART-2-HEART/ Verizon
"Gem Jones is a compassionate and sensitive coach. She is also a funny and wise woman and nurturing of the population she works for and with,
Elizabeth Cook. Supporter of CFSY Heart to Heart group, and Adopted Grand-Ma Millie
I've known Gem for over three years, and I can say without hesitation that she has helped me grow into a more confident, grounded, and authentic person. She is truly a force to be reckoned with, and coaching feels like the natural evolution of who she is at her core. Gem is fiercely in people's corners, always championing their success and reminding them of their inherent worth. She will move mountains for those she loves. I'll never forget the day I texted her about having a rough time—within seconds, she was calling to coach me through my struggles. I had been feeling incredibly lonely, but having her support turned everything around completely. That's the magic of Gem. She is inspirational, confident, and deeply authentic. Anyone fortunate enough to experience her presence is truly in for something special."
Charlotte Platt, Friend and Heart-to-Heart Sister, Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth
"What truly stood out in my experience with (BBSMC) was Gem's authentic passion for driving positive change by building meaningful relationships. What makes Gem a top-tier leader is her welcoming and collaborative spirit. She takes the time to truly listen, making you feel heard and valued in every conversation. Her ability to solve problems quickly, and in a way that’s unique to each situation, is remarkable. She is simply one of the best leaders I've ever had the pleasure of working with."
"Working with Gem gave me a unique opportunity to share best practices with a community I would never have encountered on my own. This is the kind of work that genuinely changes the world."
Warm regards,
Dana L. Randolph, MBA Sr. Mgr.
Risk and Compliance
Verizon Consumer Group
Global Volunteer Lead NAV Native Americans of Verizon
"Gem consistently shows up with compassion, professionalism, and empathy. As a true servant-leader with an unmatched work ethic, she delivers high-quality results with passion, making her an outstanding partner."
Catherine Jones, Founder of Breaking Free MVMT
DREAM.ORG
Gem is an innovator striving for change that has real impact to those she works with. She is organized, a great listener and focuses on the hearts of those she supports. She is committed to people's dignity and development. Gem uses her words and skills to heal and bring positive, transformative influence that will leave a legacy of leaders that are not copycats but the best version of themselves.
Brittany Lee, Dream.Org
The intuition and wisdom of Gem stand out most to me when I reflect back to our summer long collaboration that focused on strategic planning related to organizing and advocacy for systems impacted individuals and families.
Gems approach to problem-solving is person-centered and solution based, which doesn’t ignore the problem, but addresses the string of problems that led to the current problem that needs to be addressed.
My testimonial takeaway from my experience with Gem is that I walked away feeling empowered. There was a layer to me that had not yet fully accepted the parts of me that were holding me back from true authenticity. The poise and nature of Gem knocked down the barriers of distrust that I hold from my own personal experiences and I felt safe enough to allow vulnerability to lead me through many moments in life post my interactions and collaborations with Gem.
Gem is the truth. To see a person like Gem who is walking in their purpose is inspiring and contagious. A person like Gem doesn’t happen all at once, it must have been put together piece by piece… because everything about her is real.
Moncies Franco
I have had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with Gem on multiple occasions through our shared involvement with Dream.Org, one of the nation's leading criminal justice reform organizations. Together, we mentored a youth cohort, providing inner-city kids from Sacramento with a hands-on advocacy experience. Gem's dynamism was evident as she led nearly 40 young people with a blend of effective leadership and genuine empathy. Her keen attention to detail and unwavering support were invaluable throughout the cohort. Gem is not only an exceptional colleague but also an irreplaceable ally. Her intelligence, occasional humor, and natural ability to connect with people make her a remarkable individual. I’m confident that in any capacity you have the opportunity to work with her, she will both amaze and impress you.
Sincerely,
Robert L. Wood, MBA
Founder & Life Coach – Genesis Life Strategies
Board Member – Prison Scholar Fund
Federal Advisory Committee Member – Dream.Org
Public Safety & Violence Intervention Advocate – Shaphat Outreach
www.genesislifestrategies.com
Ready to Build...
We would love to connect with you!
We believe in proximity on purpose without production so we will see you soon!
Building Bridges Solutions Management Consultancy
34 West Main Street, PO Box 773, Ash Flat, AR, 72513-8807 USA
Hours
Today | Closed |
Closed Major Holidays
Founder/Principal Consultant
Just Gem
Hi, I’m Gem Jones, Founder & Principal Consultant of Building Bridges Solutions Management Consultancy LLC.
My journey — from a childhood shaped by trauma and the carceral system, to leading systemic reforms internationally— fuels my mission to connect communities, leaders, and policymakers in the work of equity, rehabilitation, and collective healing.
“There are no uncommon allies here at BBSMC…it’s going to take us all and you’re welcome to join us!” I believe... “People are the Solution” I partner with leaders and communities ready to co‑create change that lasts.
"However, at the end of the day, I am just ME"… Gem “Just a little country girl traveling to a location near you, building bridges with Love in ACTION!
I’ll see YOU on the other side of that Bridge!