Jennifer Flanagan is a go-to thought leader and advocate for high-impact STEM education and skill development in Canada. Her deep understanding of emerging and in-demand technology and innovation skills and her unyielding commitment to diversity and inclusion has led the development of equitable skill-building programs that prepare youth for the new economy. As the Co-founder, President and CEO of Actua, Jennifer leads a national network engaging 350,000 youth each year. Known for its impact with underserved audiences, Actua works extensively with girls and young women, Indigenous youth, rural and Arctic communities and youth facing socio-economic challenges.
Jennifer’s track record for cultivating strategic partnerships has attracted multinational private and public-sector partners. These include Google, Microsoft, Lockheed Mar n, RBC, Finning, GE, Government of Canada, Government of Nunavut, and many more.
Jennifer has twice been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, is the recipient of a Y Women of Distinction Award (Education and Training), was named a Top Forty Under 40 and the RBC Women Entrepreneur of the Year in the social change category.
Jennifer holds a BSc from the University of New Brunswick, an MBA from McGill and was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Science and Engineering from Concordia University. She is active on several boards, including the Canadian Women’s Foundation and the Canadian Institute for Women in Engineering and Science.
