BIOGRAPHY

Jennifer is Head, Canada Programs at Mastercard Foundation. As the largest foundation in Canada and among the largest in the world, Mastercard Foundation envisions a world where all can learn and prosper.  Within Canada, the Foundation partners with Indigenous communities, youth, and post -secondary institutions. The Foundation is leading the Young Africa Works strategy with the bold ambition of supporting 30 million young people in Africa, predominantly women, to secure meaningful, dignified work.  

Jennifer has worked within and for Indigenous communities and organizations throughout Canada for over twenty years, bridging diverse sectors and advancing social justice.  She led negotiations on behalf of Indigenous Nations on several key matters including education and land title recognition. She served as Chief of Staff at the Assembly of First Nations and prior to that as Director of Strategic Policy at the Assembly of First Nations.

Throughout all aspects of her work, Jennifer brings a strong sense of the importance of community participation, consensus building and an overriding commitment to the affirmation and recognition of Indigenous rights and community led direction.  She serves as Board Chair with Gathering Voices Society, Director on The Circle on Philanthropy’s Governing Circle and was appointed a member of the Global Access and Inclusion Network on Higher Education, coordinated by the American Council on Education. 

Jennifer lives in Ottawa with her husband Patrick and family. Providing endless wonder, grounding and adventure, Jennifer is the proud mother to three sons.