Jessica
From Tech to Transformative Impact: Jessica Zapata’s Journey in Social Change
At Ripple Room, we celebrate changemakers who inspire action, spark curiosity, and leave a lasting impact. One such leader is Jessica Zapata, a social communicator, journalist, and founder of The Winged Foundation. Her work spans Colombia, Africa, and Canada, touching lives through education, mental health initiatives, and women’s empowerment programs.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Jessica recently, and her story is a testament to what happens when curiosity meets courage and purpose drives action.
The Early Journey: From Journalism to Tech
Jessica’s professional journey began in journalism and social communication, a foundation that would shape how she tells stories and engages communities. Yet, like many professionals, she first found herself in a traditional corporate path.
She spent 5 years at Skip the Dishes, rising to Product Manager for the Canadian market. There, she oversaw projects across multiple international markets, blending her communication skills with operational leadership.
“I was in a super corporate, tech-heavy environment,” Jessica said. “I loved the challenge, but deep down, I always felt drawn to social impact. Even while leading product teams, I volunteered with nonprofits and joined boards of organizations that worked with youth and communities in need.”
Jessica recalls one early volunteer experience in Winnipeg that became a turning point: working with a nonprofit that partnered with Project Inc. in Kenya, she saw firsthand how strategic programs could uplift communities. “That moment crystallized my purpose,” she reflected. “I wanted my work to create ripple effects beyond the office walls.”
Founding The Winged Foundation
Two years after settling in Canada, Jessica took a leap that would define the next phase of her career. She founded The Winged Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to Colombian children and youth. The organization initially focused on English scholarships and educational programs, but quickly expanded into mental health support, leadership development, and community projects.
“What inspired me was seeing potential unlocked,” she said. “A student gaining confidence or accessing new opportunities, it felt like magic. That’s why I kept going, even when resources were limited.”
One of the unique aspects of The Winged Foundation is its fully remote team across Latin America. Jessica shared how she navigates the challenges of time zones and cultural differences.
“Communication is everything,” she explained. “Slack, WhatsApp, emails, we use all the tools we can. Sometimes I have meetings at 1 or 2 AM, but it’s worth it to see our team collaborate and make a real impact.”
A Leap into International Development
While running her nonprofit, Jessica realized she wanted an immersive, field-based experience. She took a sabbatical from tech and travelled to Zanzibar, Tanzania, joining Youth Challenge International as a project management advisor for women entrepreneurs.
“I wanted to be present, to understand challenges from the ground,” she said. “Working with these women showed me the power of resilience and ingenuity. It was humbling and inspiring.”
This experience marked the beginning of a deep connection with East Africa. Jessica spent six months in Tanzania, then returned to Canada to work with the Aga Khan Foundation, before moving back to Kenya to support programs in Kakuma refugee camp.
“These experiences shaped my approach to leadership,” she shared. “You can plan as much as you want, but empathy, patience, and listening are what drive meaningful results.”
Transitioning to Consultancy and Social Impact Communications
Over time, Jessica’s work caught the attention of other organizations seeking guidance. This led her to launch a consultancy focused on nonprofits and social impact leaders, offering marketing, communications, and digital strategy services.
“I help changemakers tell their story effectively,” she explained. “If we can amplify their work, more people can benefit, more funding can reach communities, and the ripple effect multiplies.”
Jessica’s consultancy mirrors her nonprofit philosophy: purpose-driven action, operational clarity, and storytelling with heart. She combines lessons from tech, nonprofit management, and fieldwork to support organizations that often operate with limited resources but immense potential.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
When asked about her biggest challenges, Jessica emphasized the balance of logistics, leadership, and empathy. Managing a remote team across continents requires discipline, patience, and a deep understanding of cultural nuances.
“Sometimes, progress is slow, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed,” she said. “I remind myself that even small wins, one scholarship, one business launched, one youth empowered, are victories that ripple outward.”
Her advice for aspiring changemakers is practical and encouraging:
Start small, start now: You don’t need perfect conditions to make a difference. Begin with what you have.
Listen first: Understanding the needs of communities you serve is more important than having all the answers.
Celebrate incremental wins: Every life touched matters.
Build meaningful networks: Collaboration and mentorship amplify impact.
Jessica also highlighted the importance of personal courage. “Leaving a stable career, travelling abroad, launching an organization, it’s scary. But these decisions often define your path and the change you can create.”
Reflections on Impact and Personal Fulfillment
When I asked Jessica how she balances personal fulfillment with professional impact, she paused thoughtfully.
“Impact and fulfillment are deeply intertwined,” she said. “When you do work aligned with your values, you feel energized rather than drained. Of course, it’s not always easy, and you have to take care of yourself, but the sense of contributing to something bigger is worth it.”
She recalled moments in Africa and Latin America where small gestures, such as mentoring a youth, enabling a woman to start her own business, created profound change. “Those are the moments I carry with me,” she said.
Creating Ripple Effects
Before we wrapped up, I asked Jessica what advice she would give the Ripple Room community about creating ripple effects in their own spheres.
“Every action matters. Mentoring one person, sharing knowledge, supporting a cause, you never know how far your influence will reach. Focus on creating a positive impact where you are. It starts small, but it grows.”
Jessica’s story is a powerful reminder that career, purpose, and impact can align when we follow our values, take calculated risks, and commit to action. From tech to international development, from corporate meetings to grassroots projects, her journey illustrates that meaningful change starts with curiosity, empathy, and courage.
Looking Ahead
Jessica is currently focused on expanding her consultancy, supporting nonprofits and social impact leaders to maximize their reach and impact through storytelling and strategic communications. She continues to work with international teams and remains connected to communities in Colombia and Africa, proving that distance is no barrier when purpose drives your actions.
Her journey encourages us to ask ourselves: How can we use our skills, networks, and resources to create ripple effects that matter? Jessica’s answer: start now, lead with empathy, and never underestimate the power of small actions.