This is the fourth in the new series of the Leading in a Mosaic World Podcast titled “The Journey to Inclusion and Intersectionality in which I interview Jessica Willis
.The "Leading in a Mosaic World" podcast, hosted by Susan Popoola, explores the complexities of our modern, interconnected world with a rich diversity of guests. Today’s guest is Jessica Willis.
Jess Willis is the Executive Director of Create Communities, where she leads the Data Science Festival, Data Idols, Two Beer Ideas and Founders500. With over a decade of experience in event and community building, she has helped start-ups grow, provided creative direction, and built global communities through events. Organising over 100 events annually for a diverse community of 50,000 members, Jess is committed to increasing the representation of girls and women in STEM and fostering London's most diverse tech community.
In this episode, Jessica shares her journey from growing up in Hong Kong and Canada to her current role in building diverse communities through events like the Data Science Festival in the UK. She discusses her experiences and perspectives on identity, belonging, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for underrepresented groups in tech. J
Jess emphasises the significance of consistency in community building and also the importance of community and opportunities, particularly for women and underrepresented groups. Jess also introduces Founders 500, a new initiative aimed at supporting aspiring founders with practical tools and networking opportunities. The discussion also touches on the ongoing relevance of diversity and inclusion efforts, and the challenges posed by recent rollbacks in EDI initiatives. The impact of parenthood on professional life is explored, highlighting the need for flexibility in the workplace.
You can connect with Jessica Willis via her LinkedIn, and check out what Create Communities are about via their website
Listen in, comment and subscribe if you enjoy the conversation.
Susan Popoola, Human Value Optimisation Specialist
Creating Harmony, Impact and Legacy for a Mosaic World
Share this post