Jannat is a CPA and former CIO with a Masters in Digital Business from the University of Waikato and actively engaged in the New Zealand technology ecosystem. With a focus on leveraging technology in innovative ways to benefit individuals, organisations and communities, Jannat has recently taken up the role of Associate Director at the Artificial Intelligence Institute.
Jannat's initial career was in the financial services industry leading mid to large-scale technology adoption initiatives, following which she spent more than a decade in the vocational education sector teaching, and coordinating several collaborative projects and applied research initiatives involving students, staff and the wider community. More recently Jannat has been involved with supporting digital inclusion and enablement initiatives in the Waikato region, including as Smart Cities Advisor at Hamilton City Council, and Tech Sector Lead at Te Waka: Waikato Regional Economic Development Agency, coordinating the development of the Digital Waikato 2025 strategy and delivering several large events and initiatives bringing together small businesses, schools, tertiary providers, the technology sector and general public.
Jannat is also a Trustee at Web Access Waikato Trust, on the Executive Council at NZ IoT Alliance and TechWomen NZ, a board member at NZ Tech, and Director - NZ at Smart Cities Council ANZ.