I am an Australian-born Punjabi and mother of three, based in Melbourne, Australia.

My journey began in the financial services industry, where I spent over a decade leading technology adoption initiatives, including navigating the Y2K bug and launching New Zealand’s first online origination, credit risk assessment, and risk pricing platform for vehicle finance, which promoted responsible lending practices.

After moving into tertiary education, I spent over ten years at Wintec designing, developing, and teaching courses across business and IT, including pioneering micro-credentials in collaboration with industry. I was involved in research supervision, project coordination, and forming strategic relationships within the not-for-profit sector. Additionally, in 2010, I was seconded to the Community Living Trust through the DIA Community Internship Programme to help establish a Project Management Office and continued as a pro-bono Programme Management Consultant.

I am passionate about diversity, inclusion, and equity in tech, actively promoting inclusive innovation so technology can be accessible and beneficial to all. I founded IoT Waikato in 2017, led Techweek Waikato 2018 and 2019, developed a regional digital strategy, hosted TechFest with over 1,350 attendees, contributed to Hamilton City Council’s Top 50 ranking in the 2021 Smart City Governments list, and supported the founding of the AI Institute and AI Researchers Association.

My governance roles have included the IoT Alliance Australia, Women in BIM Australia, DTHub UK Community Council, NZ Tech Board (2020–2022), HTK Group, and Waikato Well-being Project advisory boards, among others. I also served on the executive teams for the NZ IoT Alliance (2019–2023) and TechWomen (2019–2023), and held trustee roles with the Web Access Waikato Trust and Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust, as well as chairing the Waikato Intercultural Fund from 2020 to 2022.

Additionally, I have contributed to various initiatives through advisory roles, including Hamilton City Council’s Welcoming Communities Advisory Panel, the Waikato Technology & Innovation Working Group, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment Digital Tech ITP Reference Group. I’ve provided informal advice through MoE’s stakeholder workshops and youth panels, ensuring that tech and data are accessible and equitable for all.

I love life, family, and the beach, and aspire to make a lasting, positive impact. I look forward to continuing to promote tech-driven, sustainable change that uplifts communities and supports a brighter future for everyone.

Jannat’s recent kōrero