Upwards CEO Jessica Chang Makes Inc. Magazine’s 2023 Female Founders List

The sixth annual Female Founders list highlights entrepreneurs with world-changing companies

Los Angeles, CA, April 4, 2023 – National business magazine Inc. today announced its sixth annual Female Founders list, honoring a group of 200 women whose extraordinary impact through their companies is shaping our future for the better. Jessica Chang, CEO and Co-Founder of Upwards, has made the list for raising a $12 million Series A fund as the largest childcare network in the U.S., launching an employee childcare benefits program that helps working families in all 50 states get childcare support, and partnering with government entities to improve access to care — all through Upwards.

The founders on the list represent a diverse range of industries and have unique success stories throughout their entrepreneurial journeys. This includes starting up their own companies, going public, being acquired by large corporations, or leading organizations for decades. These individuals are revolutionizing industries ranging from footwear to food, and are tackling important issues like financial literacy and reproductive health.

“I am extremely honored to be recognized as one of the most inspiring and trailblazing women of 2023 by Inc. Magazine,” said Chang. “I share this incredible journey of growing Upwards alongside co-founders Jesse Forrest and Matthew Reilly, as well as our dedicated and talented Upwards team. Our innovative use of technology has allowed us to bring together all stakeholders — including parents, employers, childcare providers, and governments — to address the childcare crisis. In 2022 alone, we provided childcare benefits to nearly 300,000 U.S. employees, and we are proud to have rolled out our first government-sponsored childcare subsidy programs. Upwards remains committed to our mission of providing affordable, high-quality childcare to all families, and we are excited to continue making strides towards achieving this goal.”

Every year, Inc. Magazine editors review thousands of applications to identify female founders who are disrupting the status quo and making significant strides towards solving some of the world’s most pressing issues. The list showcases women who have overcome obstacles and have uplifted others while leading impactful organizations across the nation. These women join the ranks of previous honorees such as Jessica Alba, Tracee Ellis Ross, Rihanna, and Shonda Rhimes.

“These 200 female founders have identified solutions to difficult problems and created valuable, industry-changing companies out of them. We congratulate this year’s list on their achievements and look forward to their continued success,” says Inc. Editor-in-Chief Scott Omelianuk.

To see Jessica’s Chang Inc. profile, go to https://www.inc.com/profile/jessica-chang

To see the complete list, go to: https://www.inc.com/female-founders

After launching in 2018, the Female Founders list is one of Inc.’s most esteemed franchises. Inc. magazine’s Female Founders issue (April 2023) will be available online on April 4 at https://www.inc.com/magazine and on newsstands on April 11.

Join the Female Founders conversation using #FemaleFounders.

About Inc.

The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning, multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels, including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion among the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

About Upwards

Upwards is the largest childcare network in the United States, providing access to quality, affordable childcare to families nationwide. We support childcare providers in operating sustainable businesses through a technology-based marketplace and partner with government entities to improve access to care. Upwards also helps employers of all sizes offer their employees childcare benefits. Our mission is to help all families care for their children — not just those who can afford it. To learn more, visit Upwards.com.