August 23, 2022
Keeping Kids Cyber Safe
Actua CEO discusses cyber safety and educating youth to become good digital citizens.
Jennifer Flanagan
Co-founder, President & CEO
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 Martin, RBC, Finning, GE, Government of Canada, Government of Nunavut, and many more.
Achievements
Jennifer has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women three times, 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.
Speaking Topics
Jennifer is frequently called upon to speak to Actua’s vast program experience and policy expertise through conference presentations, media interviews, community events and social media. Her speaking topics include:
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in STEM: How and why we must advance equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM education and careers.
- Engaging underrepresentedyouth in STEM: Best practices and evidence-based approaches to engaging underrepresented youth in STEM, including girls and young women, Indigenous youth and youth from northern and remote communities.
- Future Skills: The skills youth need to thrive tomorrow and approaches to equipping youth with these skills.
- Cyber Safety & Digital Citizenship: How and why we must empower youth with the skills and confidence needed to critically assess online interactions, avert online threats and use technology in innovative, healthy and safe ways.
- Digital Equity: What is Digital Equity, what do we need to achieve it, and why is it essential to social and economic prosperity?
- Tips for Parents & Educations: General tips for how parents and educators can help youth build STEM skills and confidence at home and in the classroom.