Early Life and Career Foundations
Jessica May, a Canberra-based entrepreneur and disability employment advocate, is widely recognized for transforming workplace inclusion in Australia. Born with a thyroid condition and experiencing anxiety, Jessica faced firsthand the challenges of traditional employment systems. These experiences shaped her determination to change how businesses view talent, particularly among people living with disabilities.
Jessica began her professional journey in the Australian Public Service, gaining valuable experience in finance and project management. Despite her strong capabilities, she encountered discrimination related to her health condition, which became a turning point. Instead of letting it define her career, she turned the setback into an opportunity to build something impactful.
Founding Enabled Employment
In 2012, Jessica left her public sector role to create Enabled Employment, an online recruitment platform connecting people with disabilities to meaningful work. Unlike many programs that rely on charity models, Enabled Employment operates as a social enterprise, proving that inclusion can be both ethical and commercially sustainable.
The platform offers flexible, remote-friendly opportunities, addressing accessibility challenges while ensuring that candidates are never charged fees. By leveraging technology, Jessica ensured that employers—from small businesses to major organizations like PwC, Uber, and the Australian Defence Force—could tap into a skilled, underutilized workforce.
Growth, Recognition, and Impact
Enabled Employment quickly gained traction, helping thousands of Australians secure roles that match their skills. Within three years, it partnered with over 85 organizations nationwide, creating a measurable impact in reducing unemployment among people with disabilities.
Jessica’s leadership and innovative approach earned her multiple awards and recognition, including the Telstra Business Women’s Award for Start-up of the Year, positioning her as a voice for change in diversity and inclusion.
Advocacy and Thought Leadership
Beyond running her business, Jessica actively champions policy change and education around inclusive hiring. She regularly speaks at conferences, mentors entrepreneurs, and collaborates with corporate and government sectors to shift perceptions.
Her vision extends beyond disability inclusion to broader workforce equity, emphasizing that diversity drives innovation and profitability.
Legacy and Future Goals
Jessica May’s journey is a testament to resilience and innovation. By transforming personal challenges into an industry-leading platform, she has reshaped opportunities for thousands and set a new standard for socially responsible entrepreneurship.
Through Enabled Employment and ongoing advocacy, Jessica continues to influence corporate culture, proving that inclusive practices are not just moral obligations—they are smart business strategies.
