Jackie Coates

Jackie Coates is the CEO of the Telstra Foundation and a Board Trustee of the Telstra Foundation Philippines.1 As the head of the Telstra Foundation, she manages a multi-million dollar community partner portfolio focused on improving social inclusion outcomes for young people.2

Professional Background

Jackie has an extensive career in corporate social impact and communications:

• She has been leading the Telstra Foundation since October 2012, a role she has held for over 11 years.1
• Prior to her current position, she worked in various senior communications and community roles at companies like Australia Post, Medibank, NAB, and Fosters Group.1

Education and Expertise

Jackie holds a BA in English Literature from the University of Melbourne.1 Her expertise lies in:

• Social innovation leadership
• Corporate philanthropy
• Youth empowerment through technology
• Digital inclusion initiatives

Telstra Foundation Focus

Under Jackie's leadership, the Telstra Foundation focuses on two key community goals:

1. Building digital skills for young people (digital inclusion)
2. Supporting community-led climate action enabled by technology2

The foundation partners with various Australian charities and social enterprises to achieve these goals, including Code Club Australia, Alannah & Madeline Foundation, and Orygen Digital, among others.2

Personal Approach

Jackie describes herself as a "feminist, mother, tech optimist, and grant-maker".1 She is passionate about:

• Supporting children and young people to be more included, empowered, and connected
• Advocating for young people to have a say in shaping their digital world
• Encouraging young people to create with, not just consume, technology1

Through her role at the Telstra Foundation, Jackie Coates continues to drive impactful, tech-enabled projects that benefit underserved communities and promote social change through technology.2