
Jessica Wilson
Co-founder and CEO
Women Making Waves and Waves Tech Ventures, Global Grand Finalist of TV series 'The Next Unicorn', Leader within the Tech Industry
Jess is an award-winning tech entrepreneur who launched her first business at 16 and her second at 22, scaling it to 130 countries. She was later a grand finalist on China’s hit entrepreneurship show The Next Unicorn (a cross between Shark Tank and The Apprentice). Her work sits at the intersection of technology, systems and leadership, helping organisations navigate what’s next.
She is the co-founder of Women Making Waves, a technology company advancing awareness around women’s rights law reform. Jess has been recognised by Forbes as one of 1,000 entrepreneurs under 30 to change the world in the next 50 years and is a three-time member of SmartCompany’s 30 Under 30.
A sought-after keynote speaker and MC, Jess has opened national tours for Tony Robbins and Tom Bilyeu, and has interviewed global icons on stage including Sir Richard Branson, Deepak Chopra, Robert Kiyosaki and All Blacks legend Dan Carter. She has delivered keynote presentations for Fortune 500 companies, high-growth startups, and organisations including Lenovo, KPMG, Airbnb, TikTok and Google to name a few.
SESSIONS
Day 2
9:00
Chairperson’s Opening Address
Jessica Wilson, Co-founder and CEO, Women Making Waves and Waves Tech Ventures, Global Grand Finalist of TV series 'The Next Unicorn', Leader within the Tech Industry
Day 2
3:40
Expert Q&A panel: “What next?”
Sharing strategies to advance diversity, visibility, and leadership pathways for women in STEMM
Exploring mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship as tools for systemic change
Highlighting how technology and AI can support inclusive talent development
Discussing practical next steps and lessons from successful programs across sectors
Moderator: Jessica Wilson, Co-founder and CEO, Women Making Waves and Waves Tech Ventures, Global Grand Finalist of TV series 'The Next Unicorn', Leader within the Tech Industry
Jasmine Reay, Group Executive, Infrastructure and Engineering Services, ANSTO
Stela Solar, Managing Director, Data & AI, Accenture
Michelle Petersen, Chief Aerodromes Officer, Airservices Australia