She first worked for Te Puni Kōkiri twenty years ago in a range of roles, a highlight being Private Secretary to the late Hon Parekura Horomia.

Since then, Jessica has had a varied career across Māori Development and, held various governance roles that have included being a board member for Māori Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated and, a Trustee for Agri-Women’s Development Trust. 

Jessica is passionate about Māori enterprise development and growing Māori food and fibre opportunities from the ground up.  She credits her rural upbringing on a hill country farming station in Taihape for developing her knowledge and passion in this area.

She has an MBA (Victoria) and has attended Harvard Business School. Jessica has whakapapa connections to Te Atihaunui ā Pāpārangi, Ngāti Tamakōpiri, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Rārua, Rangitāne ki Wairau and Ngāti Kahungunu.