Meet Jessica Christiansen-Franks – Wade Institute’s New Director

Jess is a founder, strategist and educator with a deep passion for helping bold ideas grow. She co-founded Neighbourlytics, a pioneering Australian urban tech company that uses big data and social analytics to help cities and developers better understand the lived experience of neighbourhoods. Since launching in 2017, the platform has grown to cover more than 20,000 neighbourhoods across 12 countries and is now used by many of Australia’s leading property developers, asset managers and planners.

But Jess brings more than just startup smarts. With a background in urban design, she’s worked across four continents on complex city-making projects, and has spent two decades helping organisations understand social impact, innovation and human-centred design. She’s also no stranger to entrepreneurial education having designed peer-based programs, run masterclasses, and supported founders, intrapreneurs and changemakers across sectors.

Jess shares our belief in entrepreneurship as a force for good. She’s energised by Wade Institute’s mission and is looking forward to meeting the people who make this community what it is.

Jess shared:

“As a startup founder I’ve been inspired by Wade’s mission and impact from afar for years, and it’s a privilege to be joining the team. I’m particularly passionate about how we can take the incredible momentum that Wade has already built, and look for new ways to stimulate entrepreneurial thinking across the Australian economy.”

Master of Ormond College Dr Areti (Ari) Metuamate said:

“We are delighted to be welcoming Jess to the Ormond and Wade Institute communities. Her unique blend of entrepreneurial experience, systems thinking and commitment to social impact makes her an ideal leader for this next chapter.”

We can’t wait to introduce you in person. For now, please join us in welcoming Jess to Wade Institute. We know she’s going to bring energy, insight and ambition to this next chapter.