Employee Spotlight: Jariell Jones

Jariell Jones | Senior Event Coordinator | Joined Penumbra in 2022 & 2025 | Alameda, CA

Q. What is your current role at Penumbra?

I am a Senior Event Coordinator responsible for planning, managing, and executing tradeshows, conferences, and events for the Neuro and Hospital Engagement teams at both the national and regional levels.

Q. What aspects of your job do you enjoy most?

What I enjoy most about my job is being part of something bigger, even if I’m only one small piece of it. I’m also lucky to work with an amazing team that makes coming to work enjoyable every day. As an Event Coordinator, I get the opportunity to travel to different cities and connect with healthcare professionals and sales team members from around the world. I love learning from their experiences and gaining new perspectives along the way. One of my favorite things about this role is that no two days are the same. One minute I’m planning logistics at my desk, and the next I’m packing materials, collaborating with different teams, or traveling to support an on-site event. The variety keeps things interesting and constantly gives me new challenges, which is something I really appreciate.

Q. What drew you to Penumbra?

I’ve always had an interest in healthcare. My mom was a Wound and Ostomy Specialist, my dad was Chief of the Richmond Fire Department, and several other family members work in healthcare, so helping others was something I was exposed to from an early age. I also discovered a passion for event planning and coordination along the way. This role stood out to me because it combines both of those interests. My family has also experienced a few stroke scares over the years, which made Penumbra’s mission feel even more personal and meaningful. Being able to combine my love for events with work that helps improve and save lives just felt like the right fit for me!

I’m also a rehire, and what brought me back was the culture and my team. The culture is honestly unlike anywhere I’ve worked before. It’s inspiring to be around people doing amazing things, while still feeling heard, respected, and valued no matter your role or perspective. What I missed most was the people. Everyone is so willing to teach, share knowledge, lend a hand, and support each other. I’ve always felt encouraged to be myself while continuing to grow professionally, and that’s something I really appreciate. I’m grateful to have had the chance to come back and be part of it again!

Q. Describe a work travel adventure that you’ll never forget.

One of my favorite work travel memories was in Nashville last year after one of our biggest conferences. After a long day, a few of the ladies on the team and I decided to head to Broadway and explore the city. Of course, I had to wear cowboy boots to fully embrace Nashville! The only problem was that by the end of the night, my feet had swollen just enough that I couldn’t get the boots off. When we got back to the hotel, the lovely ladies on the marketing team helped me yank them off right there in the lobby. We were all laughing hysterically, and it turned into one of those funny, unexpected moments that I’ll never forget. It’s still one of my favorite memories from traveling with the amazing Neuro team.

Q. What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years?

Over the past five years, I’ve learned to trust the process. Things don’t always make sense while you’re going through them, but if you stay patient and keep pushing forward, you’ll learn and grow from every experience. I’ve also learned not to let failures define me. Mistakes are lessons that make us stronger and more knowledgeable, not setbacks. It’s okay to be uncomfortable because that’s usually where the most growth happens. Pressure makes diamonds!

Q. What is your personal philosophy?

Work hard, play harder!

Q. What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I’m actually extremely shy. Most people are surprised when I say that because I’m usually smiling, joking around, and talking to everyone. But in reality, I still get a little nervous walking into new social situations. Working as an Event Coordinator has really pushed me out of my comfort zone since the role is so client-facing and involves a lot of networking and relationship-building. Looking back, that’s been one of the biggest blessings of this job. It’s helped me come out of my shell and become more confident. Having such supportive coworkers and great teams to work with has made getting out of my shell a whole lot easier.