Jessica Charles

Jessica Charles is a seasoned events professional whose career spans Pharma, Non-Profits, and Media. As Vice President of Programming & Events at Forbes, she leads the programming and logistics teams while driving the strategy and growth of Forbes' live business. She has been integral to the strategic expansion of tentpole events including the Forbes BLK, Forbes 30/50 Summit, Forbes Under 30 Africa Summit, and Forbes CMO Summit. Over her tenure, Jessica has built and mentored high-performing teams while overseeing the execution of roughly 100 events a year ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale summits of up to 10,000 attendees. With a journalism degree from Northeastern University, she brings a storyteller's sensibility to event experiences, shaping moments that foster meaningful connections between industry leaders. A collaborative leader, Jessica has guided her teams through the industry's shift to hybrid and digital formats while upholding Forbes' reputation for except