Jane JoseChief Executive
Sydney Community Foundation & Sydney Women’s Fund
Author, Urbanist & Mentor, FAICD
Jane Jose has brought her passion and drive for building stronger communities to her work as CEO of Sydney Community Foundation (SCF). She is passionate about the role of Sydney Women’s Fund as a catalyst for change in women’s lives.
The foundation connects philanthropic giving to those people most in need in Australia’s wealthiest city. SCF works closely with grassroots partners, to create change in people’s lives and through that change to build stronger communities. Sydney Women’s Fund advocates for a more equal life for women and girls and grants to enable women and girls, grow in confidence, build independence and a sense of belonging.
Jane and her SCF team have built Sydney Community Foundation’s place based programs responsive to community need with community partners in Western Sydney and are now expanding the program through strategic partnerships. Much of the work funded is supported learning.
As an urbanist Jane has written, shaped and informed place making policy for two decades in cities across Australia. She now brings that experience in working with communities, the design professions, government leaders and corporate Australia to her philanthropy work, transforming communities through grassroots programs.
Jane’s book Places Women Make published by Wakefield Press is the winner of the Australian Institute of Architects 2016 Bates Smart Award for Architecture in the Media. It tells stories about the contribution of women to making great places in Australian cities and how communities will be stronger in future when women are more involved in designing public places where we live.
As City Strategist for the City of Sydney from 2006 – 2009 Jane wrote the Village plans for Sydney and played a key role in the team that delivered the 2030 Vision for a more liveable inner city.
A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Jane received a Centenary Medal in 2002 for Service to Australian society.
She is currently a director of Legs on The Wall and chairs one of Australia’s newest chamber groups the Australia Piano Quartet, UTS ensemble in residence.
