6/50 Personalities: Jessica Chang – CEO & Co-Founder of Upwards, Advocate for Accessible Childcare

 

Introduction

In the seventh post of our 50-part series, we highlight Jessica Chang, a visionary entrepreneur who is tackling one of the most pressing issues facing American families today: access to affordable childcare. As the CEO and co-founder of Upwards (formerly known as WeeCare), Chang has made it her mission to expand access to quality childcare through innovative partnerships with employers, government entities, and childcare providers. Her work is not only changing the childcare landscape but also providing families with the support they need to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

Background & Bio

Jessica Chang’s journey into the world of childcare advocacy began with her own experiences as a mother of two in Los Angeles, California. Prior to founding Upwards, Chang was a preschool owner who became acutely aware of the challenges parents face when trying to find affordable, quality childcare. As she witnessed firsthand the struggles of other parents and the systemic issues within the childcare market, she decided to create a solution that would address these problems on a larger scale.

In 2017, Chang founded Upwards with the goal of providing a technology-driven marketplace that connects families, childcare providers, and employers to make childcare more accessible and affordable for all. Over the years, Upwards has grown into the largest childcare network in the U.S., partnering with major employers, government agencies, and thousands of childcare providers nationwide.

Jessica’s commitment to improving access to care has earned her recognition as one of the most influential female founders of 2023. She was named to Inc.'s annual Female Founders list and has raised a $12 million Series A round to further expand Upwards' impact.

Expertise & Specialization

Jessica Chang is an expert in early childhood education and the childcare industry, with a particular focus on the business of childcare. Her experience as a preschool owner provided her with the knowledge of both the challenges faced by providers and the inefficiencies in the childcare market. With Upwards, she has created a digital platform that bridges the gap between families, childcare providers, and employers, allowing families to find affordable and quality childcare options.

Through Upwards, Jessica has pioneered the integration of employer-sponsored childcare benefits, offering a solution that makes childcare more accessible to working parents across the United States. By partnering with organizations like Amazon and the U.S. Army, she has expanded the reach of these benefits, helping thousands of families access the care they need to stay in the workforce.

Her expertise lies in understanding the nuances of the childcare market, including the challenges faced by providers and families. She has created a business model that supports providers in operating sustainable businesses while also giving families access to the care they need to balance work and family life.

Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

The childcare crisis in the U.S. has been a long-standing issue, made even more acute by the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, families were already struggling with high childcare costs and limited availability, and the closure of childcare facilities during the pandemic only exacerbated these problems. For many families, finding affordable and quality childcare was a significant barrier to career advancement and financial stability.

Jessica Chang recognized that the traditional childcare model was inefficient and outdated. Many families lacked access to reliable, affordable care, and the market was fragmented, with few options for providers to operate sustainable businesses. By founding Upwards, Jessica tackled these challenges head-on, creating a platform that connects families with providers and offers a comprehensive solution to the childcare crisis.

One of the biggest challenges Upwards has faced is convincing employers to invest in childcare benefits. Historically, these benefits have been available to only a small percentage of employees, and many employers were hesitant to expand these offerings. However, Jessica’s persistence and the growing recognition of the importance of childcare for working families have led to partnerships with major companies like Amazon and the U.S. Army. This has allowed Upwards to scale rapidly and provide childcare benefits to families in all 50 states.

Values and Philosophy

At the heart of Jessica Chang’s work is a commitment to equity and access. She believes that all families should have access to high-quality, affordable childcare, regardless of their income or location. This belief is the driving force behind Upwards, which aims to level the playing field for working parents who often face insurmountable challenges when it comes to balancing work and family life.

Chang also emphasizes the importance of supporting childcare providers, many of whom operate small businesses and struggle to stay afloat due to low reimbursement rates and rising operational costs. By providing these providers with tools, resources, and support, Upwards is helping to create a more sustainable childcare ecosystem that benefits both families and providers.

Her dedication to solving the childcare crisis is deeply personal. As a mother, she understands the emotional and logistical challenges that come with raising children while trying to maintain a career. Her goal is to ensure that no parent has to choose between their job and their child’s well-being.

Impact and Influence

Jessica Chang’s work with Upwards has had a profound impact on the U.S. childcare landscape. By creating the largest childcare network in the country, she has helped thousands of families gain access to the care they need, while also empowering childcare providers to run successful businesses.

Her partnerships with major employers and government entities have extended the reach of Upwards, enabling more working parents to access childcare benefits through their employers. This has been particularly impactful for low- and middle-income families who often lack the resources to afford quality childcare on their own.

Jessica’s leadership and innovative approach to solving the childcare crisis have earned her recognition as one of the top female founders in the U.S. She was named to Inc.’s Female Founders list in 2023, a testament to the significant impact she’s had in reshaping the childcare industry.

Future Goals & Aspirations

Looking forward, Jessica Chang is focused on expanding the reach of Upwards to help even more families access quality, affordable childcare. She aims to continue forging partnerships with employers and government entities to further expand the availability of childcare benefits across the country.

As Upwards continues to grow, Jessica also plans to enhance the platform’s technology, making it even easier for families to find childcare providers and for providers to run sustainable businesses. She is committed to ensuring that every family, regardless of their background or income level, has access to the childcare support they need to succeed.

Jessica Chang is an inspiring entrepreneur whose work is transforming the childcare industry. Through Upwards, she has created a platform that not only addresses the critical need for affordable and accessible childcare but also supports the sustainability of childcare providers. Her commitment to equity, innovation, and making a difference in the lives of working families is paving the way for a brighter future for parents, children, and communities nationwide.

By partnering with major employers and government entities, Jessica is helping to ensure that childcare benefits are available to all families, regardless of their financial situation. Her leadership and vision continue to make a significant impact, and Upwards is well on its way to becoming a leading force in solving the childcare crisis in the United States.