Biography
Dr Jennifer de Vries is an organisational consultant, public speaker, facilitator and independent researcher.
Biography
Dr Jennifer de Vries is a gender strategy and organisational development consultant and researcher (www.jendevries.com).
As a ‘pracademic’ engaged in both research and practice Jen brings a unique skill set to her work and clients, with a strong focus on the strategic design and implementation of gender equity and staff development programs and interventions. Her expertise in the area of gender equality and transformative organisational change is internationally acknowledged and she works with clients in Australia, New Zealand, UK and Europe.
“Jen’s passion is assisting organisation to build more gender equitable, diverse and inclusive organisations, where all staff can thrive and make their best contribution.
She partners with organisations, assisting them to customise strategic, research informed, data driven approaches to building these more equitable and inclusive workplaces. ”
Jen completed her PhD at the University of Western Australia, followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the GEXcel (Centre of Gender Excellence) University of Orebro, Sweden. Her particular specialisation is organisational culture change, and how this can be pursued through linking individual development to organisational change. Jen calls this a ‘bifocal approach’, where a clear focus on changing organisations is underpinned by a capacity building approach. Jen has successfully applied the ‘bifocal approach’ to leadership and mentoring programs for a variety of groups including women, early career academics, and emerging indigenous leaders.
Jen is extensively engaged in capacity building work with executives, leaders, mid-level managers, HR and staff development practitioners, and men and women at all levels of organisations, using a combination of keynote lectures, workshops, strategic conversations, masterclasses and individual consultations.
Jen is the author of various research based publications including Mentoring for Change, a report commissioned by the LH Martin Institute, and Sponsorship: Creating Career Opportunities for Women in Higher Education, published in conjunction with Universities Australia Executive Women.
Jen has also partnered with Tim Muirhead in developing a gender equality program called Partners for Change. This cutting edge program brings men and women together as partners in transformative organisational change.
Jen has worked extensively in Australian universities, scientific and medical research institutes, public sector departments and health not for profits. She has worked overseas in New Zealand, UK and European universities, delivering keynotes, masterclasses and programs, and gender strategy consulting. For a full client listing download Jen’s CV.
Related Article
Jen's PhD thesis examines the effectiveness of the bifocal approach.
Testimonial
"Jen's facilitative style, based on sound academic research, helped us to open up the discussions around gender based leadership issues within the institution in a constructive and engaging manner… I would highly recommend her to other institutions."
Joanne Race, HR Director Durham University
Contact Jen
jen.devries@me.com
+61 (0) 412 806 377