Jess Teutonico is dedicated to building communities and creating legacies. As the Executive Director of We Are Family Foundation (WAFF), co-founded by legendary music producer Nile Rodgers, she leads a global network of youth social entrepreneurs, activists, innovators, and creatives from over 100 countries. WAFF’s initiatives, including Youth To The Table, Youth To The Front, Three Dot Dash, and TEDxTeen, empower young leaders to solve some of the world’s biggest issues through intergenerational leadership and social justice frameworks.

Jess’s journey began at Vogue Magazine, but her passion for sustainability led her to Kenya in 2005, where she focused on transforming sustainability models. Joining Three Dot Dash as a mentor in 2008, she quickly became a sought-after producer and social content expert, collaborating with TED Conferences, the Global Creative Leadership Summit, and the UN. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, The Guardian, and CBS Radio, and Paper Magazine named her “Do-Gooder of the Year” in 2008.

In addition to her role at WAFF, Jess serves as an advisor for various organizations, including the Possibilists and Unlock Her Potential. Her dedication to youth empowerment and social innovation continues to inspire and drive meaningful change worldwide.