ABOUT JESSICA
Jessica Smith OAM PLY is a globally recognised thought leader, strategic advisor, and keynote speaker, shaping the future of accessibility, inclusion, and leadership across government, business, and sport.
A former Australian Paralympian and internationally respected accessibility expert, Jessica works at the intersection of policy, practice, and lived experience. She advises senior leaders, institutions, and organisations on how to embed inclusion into strategy, operations, and culture, delivering measurable social and commercial impact.
In 2026, Jessica addressed the World Government Summit on the future of sport, focusing on access, participation, and the economic and social value of inclusive sporting ecosystems. Her work continues to influence global conversations on how accessibility drives innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.
As Head of Strategic Partnerships for Purple in the Middle East and Strategic Accessibility Advisor to Dubai Airports, Jessica leads large-scale initiatives that strengthen customer experience, workforce inclusion, and organisational capability. Her consultancy spans Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States, supporting governments, multinational corporations, and NGOs to move beyond compliance and towards systemic change.
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and has completed executive studies in Gender Equality at INSEAD. She brings academic rigour together with real-world insight to develop practical, future-focused frameworks that enable organisations to deliver inclusive outcomes at scale. Her work also explores the role of emerging technologies, AI, and assistive innovation in advancing accessibility.
Born without her left arm and having survived severe childhood burns, Jessica transformed early adversity into elite performance, representing Australia internationally for seven years and competing at the 2004 Paralympic Games. Today, she continues to draw on high-performance sport to inform her approach to leadership, resilience, and organisational excellence.
A trusted voice in international forums, Jessica has spoken at the United Nations and served as a judge for the UN SDG and SDG Action Awards. She is also a critically acclaimed children’s author, using storytelling to promote understanding and inclusion from an early age.
Renowned for her credibility, integrity, and strategic clarity, Jessica is sought after for her ability to translate complex social issues into actionable leadership priorities. She partners with organisations to build cultures where people can thrive, talent is retained, and inclusion becomes a competitive advantage.
Her contributions have been recognised with numerous honours, including the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), the Pride of Australia Medal, and the Australian Government Emerging Leader Award.
Jessica remains deeply connected to sport, now as a marathon runner and global ambassador, using every platform available to advance access, opportunity, and belonging.
