Jan Owen is CEO of the Foundation for Young Australians and a pioneer of the youth sector in Australia. She is a highly regarded social entrepreneur, innovator and child and youth advocate. From 2002 - 2010, Jan was Executive Director of Social Ventures Australia, which aims to increase the impact of the Australian social sector.

Prior to this Jan founded the CREATE Foundation and was its CEO for nine years. She is the only non US citizen to receive a fellowship for leadership and innovation to the Peter Drucker Foundation (USA) and has been awarded membership of the Order of Australia for services to children and young people.

In October 2012, Jan was named The Australian Financial Review & Westpac Group 'Woman of Influence 2012' and Social Enterprise category winner. The inaugural '100 Women of Influence' awards recognised the important contribution female leaders make to Australia's future.

Jan serves on the Boards of the School for Social Entrepreneurs; Inspire Foundation; The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI); RMIT College of Business, Industry Advisory Board and the International Women's Development Agency (IWDA).

Areas of Expertise