Jessica Lax is an urbanist and activist driving social equity and inclusion through design, economic development, and community engagement. At Van Alen Institute, she acts as their Director of Competitions developing and overseeing projects around the country on climate change, equity and wellbeing. Prior to joining Van Alen Institute, Jessica worked at the New York City Economic Development Corporation, where she launched NYC’s first vacant lot activation projects and low-income entrepreneurship incubator. She also worked for the NYC Department of Transportation's Bicycle Team, where she drove for the expansion of bicycle infrastructure into the outer boroughs - internally initiating the Queens Blvd redesign, and implementing Queens' first community bicycle network.