Selena Jones, Settle Founder, Champions Online Safety and Inclusivity

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, March 18th 2026 at 15:38 GMT by PBS
      Locales: ITALY, UNITED STATES

Washington D.C. - March 18th, 2026 - Selena 'Selliti' Jones, the visionary founder of tech startup Settle, is rapidly becoming a prominent voice in the ongoing conversation surrounding online safety and inclusivity. A recent PBS interview offered a deeply personal look into Jones' journey - from her initial spark of interest in coding to her current position as a leader in a field desperately needing innovation and diverse perspectives. But Jones' story isn't just about personal success; it's about recognizing a critical need and building a solution to protect vulnerable young people in an increasingly digital world.

Jones' path began with a simple curiosity. She described the early days of learning to code as initially daunting, but quickly becoming a source of immense satisfaction. Crucially, she attributes much of her early success to the supportive online coding communities she found. These spaces weren't just places to learn syntax and algorithms; they offered mentorship, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. "Those early communities were invaluable," Jones explained in the interview. "They normalized asking questions, and celebrated learning, even when it involved making mistakes. That foundation was essential."

The transition from a skilled coder to an entrepreneur wasn't seamless. While technically proficient, Jones faced the daunting prospect of building a company from the ground up. But the genesis of Settle was born from a deeply felt concern: the rising tide of online bullying and harassment, particularly impacting young people. Jones noticed a disturbing trend - existing platforms often prioritized engagement metrics over user safety, creating environments where negative behaviors could thrive unchecked. She envisioned a space where technology actively fostered positive interactions, rather than passively allowing harm to occur.

Settle, as a result, isn't just another social media platform. It's built on a foundation of proactive safety features, utilizing AI-powered moderation tools combined with human oversight to identify and address harmful content and behavior before it escalates. The platform incorporates features designed to empower users - allowing them to curate their online experience, easily report harassment, and access resources for support. Crucially, Settle also emphasizes digital literacy education, equipping young users with the tools to navigate online spaces responsibly and critically.

However, Jones is candid about the challenges she has faced as a Black woman in the tech industry. Despite recent efforts towards greater diversity, the sector remains overwhelmingly male and lacks sufficient representation of people of color. "The hurdles are real," she acknowledged. "There's the constant pressure to prove yourself, the microaggressions, the lack of access to funding and networks. It's exhausting." She highlights the importance of mentorship and allyship in overcoming these barriers, stressing that systemic change requires active support from those already established in the industry.

The interview delved into the specifics of these challenges. Jones recounted instances where her ideas were dismissed or overlooked, only to be later praised when presented by male colleagues. She also described the difficulties in securing venture capital funding, often facing skepticism about the viability of her vision. "It's not enough to just say you're committed to diversity," she emphasized. "You have to actively invest in underrepresented founders and create a truly inclusive environment."

Looking ahead, Jones hopes to see a future where inclusivity isn't just a buzzword in the tech industry, but a deeply ingrained value. She believes that a more diverse workforce will lead to more innovative and equitable products and services. And for aspiring young individuals, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, Jones offers a powerful message of encouragement: "Don't be afraid to take up space. Your voice matters. Your perspective is valuable. And don't let anyone tell you that you don't belong in tech."

Settle is currently piloting its platform in select school districts and plans a wider rollout later this year. Its potential impact extends beyond simply creating a safer online environment; it represents a shift towards a more responsible and human-centered approach to technology - one where the well-being of users is prioritized above all else. Jones' journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to social good, one person can indeed make a difference in the digital age.