"Exhibiting You" - Story
Jessica Jackley
Jessica's Selections
![]() Spirited TenacityThough I am not a Muslim, I am married to one; this piece shows what I believe are amazing role models for all of us, but especially the women and girls in my extended family who share in their faith. |
![]() Pro Mujer: A Holistic ApproachThe message we get from this piece: women are capable of changing not just their own lives but the lives of their families and communities. Given the right resources we are incredibly powerful change agents. |
![]() 20 YearsWe never know what kind of journey another person has been through. This is a great reminder that many people in our lives and communities may think about their place, their role, and their sense of home differently than we might expect. |
![]() Making ProgressInterfaith dialogue leads to interfaith action; when people of diverse belief systems come together, relationships form that can truly transform the world. |
![]() Small Farmers, Big SolutionsWe may all know that women do the majority of the world’s work but this shows what some of that work looks like: the unsung, overlooked, underappreciated labor that is so important to our survival. |
![]() Girls Helping GirlsI love stories about young people deciding to make the world better – to just step up and change things, and not wait around to get “more experience” before doing so. Sejal inspires me. |
![]() Making Mothers Visible Buenos AiresAs a mother of twin toddlers, I am still a relatively new mother. More than any other experience I’ve gone through, having children has made me feel connected to other women. Sharing our stories of motherhood is a hugely important way to build empathy and respect in the world. Go to the selection>> |
![]() Mainstream MuslimaMusic changes culture. Music changes us. This piece inspires us to find our own unique voice and to speak – or sing – out what we want to see change in the world. Go to the selection >> |
![]() Women of ClayMy favorite words from this piece: "Our land is inside our fingernails.” This is a powerful reminder that we are connected to the earth and to each other. Go to the selection >> |
![]() Mama Zahra, BusinesswomanMama Zahra is one of my heroes. Her story will convince you that it women like her – entrepreneurs – who are the most powerful economic change agents on earth. Go to the selection >> |
Curator's Statement: Jessica Jackley on New Narratives
About Jessica Jackley
Jessica is a social entrepreneur focused on empowering others through entrepreneurship and access to capital. She currently serves as an advisor with the Collaborative Fund, investing in entrepreneurs championing the sharing economy. She is also a Visiting Practitioner at Stanford’s Center for Philanthropy and Civil Society and an IMOW board member.
Before this, Jessica was a co-founder and CEO of ProFounder, a pioneering crowdfunding platform US entrepreneurs. In February 2012, ProFounder joined forces with GOOD to create new tools and experiences for their community of creators and Jessica became GOOD's first Entrepreneur in Residence.
Earlier in her career, Jessica was a cofounder and Chief Marketing Officer of Kiva, the world's first p2p microlending website. Kiva lets internet users lend as little as $25 to individual entrepreneurs, providing affordable capital to help them start or expand a small business. Since its founding in 2005 Kiva has facilitated over half a billion in loans among individuals across 216 countries.
Jessica holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, a BA in Philosophy and Political Science from Bucknell University, and honorary PhDs from Centenary College and Quinnipiac University. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, author Reza Aslan, and their twin sons.
Get to Know Jessica
Learn more about Jessica and why she's involved in IMOW's Curating Change.
- IMOW matters to me because... IMOW believes that art is a universal language that can break through the boundaries that separate us. I believe in the power of the content IMOW curates, champions, and celebrates—and in the IMOW community—to make the world better for women.
- My favorite book is... currently, my husband Reza Aslan's most recent, Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth.
- People don't know that I can... surf.
Take Action
Learn which causes and organizations matter most to Jessica Jackley and how you can connect with them.
Kiva
I co-founded Kiva, the world's first p2p microlending website, and am so supportive of its work. Since its founding in 2005 Kiva has facilitated over half a billion in loans among individuals across 216 countries.
Kangu
I am so inspired by this organization. I love the founder (Casey, former Kiva team member!) and believe in her vision to allow people to fund safe births around the world.
The Collaborative Fund
The fund champions pioneers of the sharing economy, and the shift away from ownership, toward access. This is good for the world!
Jessica Jackley
Jessica's Selections
![]() Spirited TenacityThough I am not a Muslim, I am married to one; this piece shows what I believe are amazing role models for all of us, but especially the women and girls in my extended family who share in their faith. |
![]() Pro Mujer: A Holistic ApproachThe message we get from this piece: women are capable of changing not just their own lives but the lives of their families and communities. Given the right resources we are incredibly powerful change agents. |
![]() 20 YearsWe never know what kind of journey another person has been through. This is a great reminder that many people in our lives and communities may think about their place, their role, and their sense of home differently than we might expect. |
![]() Making ProgressInterfaith dialogue leads to interfaith action; when people of diverse belief systems come together, relationships form that can truly transform the world. |
![]() Small Farmers, Big SolutionsWe may all know that women do the majority of the world’s work but this shows what some of that work looks like: the unsung, overlooked, underappreciated labor that is so important to our survival. |
![]() Girls Helping GirlsI love stories about young people deciding to make the world better – to just step up and change things, and not wait around to get “more experience” before doing so. Sejal inspires me. |
![]() Making Mothers Visible Buenos AiresAs a mother of twin toddlers, I am still a relatively new mother. More than any other experience I’ve gone through, having children has made me feel connected to other women. Sharing our stories of motherhood is a hugely important way to build empathy and respect in the world. Go to the selection>> |
![]() Mainstream MuslimaMusic changes culture. Music changes us. This piece inspires us to find our own unique voice and to speak – or sing – out what we want to see change in the world. Go to the selection >> |
![]() Women of ClayMy favorite words from this piece: "Our land is inside our fingernails.” This is a powerful reminder that we are connected to the earth and to each other. Go to the selection >> |
![]() Mama Zahra, BusinesswomanMama Zahra is one of my heroes. Her story will convince you that it women like her – entrepreneurs – who are the most powerful economic change agents on earth. Go to the selection >> |
Curator's Statement: Jessica Jackley on New Narratives
About Jessica Jackley
Jessica is a social entrepreneur focused on empowering others through entrepreneurship and access to capital. She currently serves as an advisor with the Collaborative Fund, investing in entrepreneurs championing the sharing economy. She is also a Visiting Practitioner at Stanford’s Center for Philanthropy and Civil Society and an IMOW board member.
Before this, Jessica was a co-founder and CEO of ProFounder, a pioneering crowdfunding platform US entrepreneurs. In February 2012, ProFounder joined forces with GOOD to create new tools and experiences for their community of creators and Jessica became GOOD's first Entrepreneur in Residence.
Earlier in her career, Jessica was a cofounder and Chief Marketing Officer of Kiva, the world's first p2p microlending website. Kiva lets internet users lend as little as $25 to individual entrepreneurs, providing affordable capital to help them start or expand a small business. Since its founding in 2005 Kiva has facilitated over half a billion in loans among individuals across 216 countries.
Jessica holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, a BA in Philosophy and Political Science from Bucknell University, and honorary PhDs from Centenary College and Quinnipiac University. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, author Reza Aslan, and their twin sons.
Get to Know Jessica
Learn more about Jessica and why she's involved in IMOW's Curating Change.
- IMOW matters to me because... IMOW believes that art is a universal language that can break through the boundaries that separate us. I believe in the power of the content IMOW curates, champions, and celebrates—and in the IMOW community—to make the world better for women.
- My favorite book is... currently, my husband Reza Aslan's most recent, Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth.
- People don't know that I can... surf.
Take Action
Learn which causes and organizations matter most to Jessica Jackley and how you can connect with them.
Kiva
I co-founded Kiva, the world's first p2p microlending website, and am so supportive of its work. Since its founding in 2005 Kiva has facilitated over half a billion in loans among individuals across 216 countries.
Kangu
I am so inspired by this organization. I love the founder (Casey, former Kiva team member!) and believe in her vision to allow people to fund safe births around the world.
The Collaborative Fund
The fund champions pioneers of the sharing economy, and the shift away from ownership, toward access. This is good for the world!