Jess believes that everyone holds a unique perspective. Solutions can be found through understanding the diversity of experiences among different people, and listening to all voices. She is passionate about working alongside people with varying viewpoints, skills and approaches to create positive change.
Jess brings an innovative, empathetic hand to modelling human experiences. She has an extraordinary ability to distil meaning and bring the challenges of social systems to life. Her expertise includes interpreting and visually articulating complex narratives, ideas and strategies. She is passionate about uplifting the voice of the lived-experience in a way that communicates, drives and compels innovative solutions.
Jess’ work enabled a major transport provider to communicate an organization-wide shift of focus from transportation-based to customer-based services. She is most proud of co-developing an empathy tool that demonstrates the complexities of being poor, so that people could understand its challenges from the individual’s perspective. This project shed new light on poverty in New Zealand and has been used in universities, among policymakers and within government.
Jess holds a Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication (First Class Honours) from Massey University. Her work has been recognised at the Designer’s Institute Best Awards for excellence in design. She has won one gold award, two silver awards, a bronze award, and she was a finalist in the Public Good category.