ECOSYSTEM BUILDER
Implementing innovative concepts in emerging entrepreneurial ecosystems with significant results.
Jess Edwards is a systems leader that can quickly identify talent and resources from various industries and mobilize them. She has an exceptional ability to maintain a bigger picture mission while developing a comprehensive implementation plan. Jess has a vast ability to help people, organizations and communities reach their greatest potential.
TOP SKILLS:
Strategic Implementation | Project Management | Strategic Partnerships | Marketing & PR | Product Launch | Building and Leveraging Networks | Community Development | Social Innovation Programming
DRR Ecosystem Development
Dan River Region, Southern Virginia, USA
Rural Matters
Jessica is currently the Dan River Region Entrepreneur Ecosystem Principal. A three year, rural entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem development project primarily focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work with a hyper-local lens.
Alaska Ocean Cluster
Anchorage, Alaska, USA
New Economy
Jessica was the Director of Outreach & Engagement for the launch of Alaska Ocean Cluster. The Blue Economy is emerging as the last economic frontier. With a projected 3 trillion dollars in the "Ocean Economy" by 2030, there are more than 50 blue growth initiatives underway around the world and clusters are the engines behind these economic development strategies.
Learn more about AOC →
NEST Dubai Coworking Space
Dubai, UAE
Going Global
In 2017, with the success of her first coworking space, Ms. Edwards was internationally recruited to build and launch a new coworking and hospitality concept in Dubai. NEST Coworking Space at TRYP by Wyndham Dubai is one of the world’s first fully integrated coworking spaces within a major internationally branded hotel.
Learn more about NEST →
dig Buffalo Coworking space
Buffalo, New York, USA
Hometown
Beginnings
Jessica moved back to her hometown of Buffalo, New York in 2010 to contribute to the redevelopment of the city. She was hired to build and run one of the first coworking spaces. She rapidly took dig (design innovation garage) from concept to entrepreneurial epicenter in Buffalo. dig is inside the 4-story business incubator (The Innovation Center), on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.
Learn more about dig Buffalo →
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
— Nelson Mandela
400+
programs and events
150+
strategic partnerships
4
countries
To date, Jessica has created or facilitated over 400 programs and events, secured 150+ strategic partnerships, and streamlined resources to advance innovation and collaboration throughout each community.
Programming details →