Jess Riddell: A Journey of Learning and Leadership with Open Mindset

Jess Riddell, a proud alumnae of St Margaret's College, graduated in 2006, having embraced the enriching experience of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Coming from a small country school, Jess was excited to immerse herself in a vibrant academic community where curiosity and learning were the norms.

Arriving at SMC, Jess felt an immediate sense of belonging among her peers, who were equally eager to explore and grow. “It was a relief to be surrounded by girls passionate about learning and trying new things,” she recalls. This supportive environment was pivotal in her educational journey, allowing her to thrive and develop her interests.

Throughout her time at school, Jess took full advantage of the school's diverse opportunities. She discovered a passion for debating, where she honed her skills in critical thinking. This experience not only fueled her love for discussion and argumentation but also helped her build confidence, a trait she carries with her to this day.

Jess’s leadership abilities came to the forefront when she was appointed Head Girl. This role allowed her to represent her peers and lead initiatives that fostered a sense of community within the school. “Being Head Girl taught me the importance of collaboration and communication,” she reflects. “I learned how to listen to others and advocate for their ideas, which is a skill that has been invaluable in my career.”

What stands out most in Jess's story is her appreciation for the broad aspect of learning that St Margaret's offers. Jess was grateful for the freedom to explore a wide range of subjects. “I wanted to excel in multiple areas, not just one,” she explains. This philosophy enriched her academic experience and laid the foundation for her future endeavours.

After graduating, Jess continued her education at Victoria University, where she pursued a degree in Law and Arts. Following her studies, she began her career at Russell McVeagh in Auckland before moving to Christchurch to join Anderson Lloyd. Jess embraced an “open mind” mindset, recognising that her career path could take many turns. 

After a successful start, she chose to take a break to raise her family, welcoming three children: Rosa, 4, Austin, 7, and Oliver, 9. During this time, Jess remained active in her professional development by serving on various boards, which allowed her to expand her experience and knowledge base. During this period, she discovered a passion for sustainability and the environment and moved into a part-time role with Ngāi Tahu.

With her husband and another couple, Jess took a significant step in her entrepreneurial journey by investing in an established business called Offcut. This innovative venture focuses on transforming leftover material into stylish caps, embodying her commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. Offcut has recently been announced as a Mindful Fashion Circular Design Awards 2024 finalist. Being acknowledged this way will give the business a profile boost and support it in continuing to grow. They were humbled and thrilled to be announced as a finalist alongside Standard Issue brand and fellow Alumnae-owned business Untouched World. Plans for the business and Jess’s personal learning journey are to achieve a B Corp status for Offcut, bring the production closer to home, and establish a base in their hometown of New Brighton.

As an alumna, Jess Riddell continues to inspire current and future students at St Margaret's College. Her commitment to learning, leadership, and community exemplifies the values that the school instils in its students, encouraging them to embrace any opportunities and strive for excellence in all areas of life. Jess’s story reminds you that you can create a fulfilling and impactful life with an open mind and a willingness to explore diverse paths.

In her final Prefect note in the 2006 yearbook, Jess’s parting words for SMC girls were: “Make the most out of life, take up all opportunities, have fun, but most of all have Passion.”