Jennifer Wilson

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT JENNIFER WILSON

I’m an enthusiastic and dynamic leader with 15 years experience in the social profit sector that leverages a strategic mindset with strong sectoral competency to drive organizational change and growth. I am deeply passionate about recreation and active living. As someone who has been immersed in competitive, sport, outdoor education, and nature for all my life, I am thrilled to be the CEO of Parks and Recreation Ontario. I have a university education in Outdoor Recreation, in addition to a degree in Disability Studies with a Minor in Organizational Leadership and all of these spaces beautifully align in their collective ability to create positive change towards more inclusive, diverse, and equitable recreation. From my early days in recreation as a mountain snowshoe guide to my time at Amici leading the organization as it addressed opportunity gaps for children from low-income families, to the years I spent managing the Physical Activity Resource Centre at Ophea, I am passionate about everything this sector has to offer our cities, provinces, and our country. I wake up every day energized and excited to do what I do and empower teams to feel the same way. My personal mission.to contribute to positive social change in a high impact and sustainable way. My passion points in the sector are outdoor recreation and sport, youth leadership and development, developmental services, and inclusion and supports for marginalized communities. I have focused specifically on service provision and allyship with individuals and communities facing a variety of barriers associated with ability, race, socio-economics, and heritage. IG:@thereclife Passions: all things outdoor recreation (mountains, oceans, lakes, boating, paddling, adventures), sports (cycling, running, swimming, whatever gets you moving), working with my hands (building decks, kitchens, tiling, flooring), music (piano, jazz, boogie and blues). When I was 19, someone told me I had too many hobbies so I’d never master anything. I think the last shower that I tiled would beg to differ. Live a full life, challenge yourself and the status quo, don’t let anyone tell you you’re not capable, we’re all capable, you got this, so let’s build happiness, positive impact, and success, together.