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Jess Nair
Innovation & Social Impact - Social Enterprise - CoFounder One Big Love & Karma Camper
Professional Background
Jess Boyden is a dynamic and accomplished professional with over 15 years of experience in defining the strategic direction and social impact for both not-for-profit and for-purpose organizations across Australia and internationally. As the current Director of Social Enterprise, Innovation and Impact at YMCA Victoria, Jess has played a pivotal role in shaping initiatives that generate social value, delivering innovative solutions that are responsive to community needs.
Throughout her impressive career, Jess has developed high-performing teams, driving organizational innovation through her visionary leadership and strategic insights. She has represented various organizations, successfully securing funding, influencing policy changes, and establishing impactful partnerships with philanthropists, corporations, non-government organizations (NGOs), educational institutions, and universities. This level of collaboration has significantly enhanced the capacity of the organizations she has worked with to fulfill their missions.
In addition to her role at YMCA Victoria, Jess is a co-founder and former director of One Big Love, a social business designed to create lasting positive change in communities. Her passion for social impact and her extensive experience in program monitoring and evaluation have equipped her with the skills needed to report effectively on social impact initiatives, ensuring transparency and accountability in the work she supports.
Education and Achievements
Jess's educational background lays a solid foundation for her expertise in social enterprise and community engagement. She studied BA Communications and BA International Studies at the prestigious University of Technology, Sydney. Her academic journey also included international exchange studies at the Universidad de Veracruz in Mexico, expanding her global perspective and understanding of diverse cultures.
To further enhance her leadership skills and holistic understanding of health and well-being, Jess has engaged in multiple training programs. She has completed Essential Coach Training, Transformational Leadership, and Health & Wellbeing programs at the International Coach Academy. Jess is a certified Primordial Sound Meditation Teacher from The Chopra Centre, and she has studied Heart Knowing at The HeartMath Institute, emphasizing her commitment to personal growth and emotional intelligence.
Additionally, she has undergone Peace Ambassador Training under James O'Dea with The Shift Network, equipping her with the tools to foster peace and understanding within communities.
Notable Career Milestones
Throughout her career, Jess has held several key positions that highlight her leadership and impact in the sector. As the Director of Social Enterprise and Social Impact at YMCA Victoria, Jess was instrumental in advancing youth engagement initiatives, fostering a culture of social entrepreneurship and innovation.
Before this role, she served as the Youth Engagement Program Manager at Oxfam Australia, where she led programs aimed at empowering young people and bolstering their voices in social justice issues. Her responsibilities included overseeing events, outreach activities, and managing the Oxfam International Youth Partnerships, focusing on learning and development for youth leaders around the globe.
Jess's global expertise is further complemented by her previous role as Project Manager for an English Language Program at SEDECOP in Mexico, where she facilitated language training and cultural exchange, thereby fostering stronger international ties. Her volunteer experience with MATRACA also underscored her commitment to social causes, enriching her understanding of grassroots initiatives.
Achievements
Jess’s leadership and dedication to social causes have not gone unnoticed. She has successfully developed programs that not only achieve their intended goals but also promote sustainability and community engagement. Through her work, she has cultivated a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and drives transformative change.
Her ability to influence policy and secure funding demonstrates her effectiveness in advocating for meaningful projects that address pressing societal issues. Additionally, her commitment to continuous learning and professional development positions Jess as a thought leader in the realm of social enterprise, capable of navigating the complexities of the not-for-profit sector with ease.
In summary, Jess Boyden's career reflects her unwavering commitment to social impact, inspiring leadership, and innovative solutions in the not-for-profit landscape. As she continues to create projects that resonate with communities locally and globally, her influence and contributions will undoubtedly shape the future of social enterprise in impactful ways.