For our latest Meet the Team interview, we are proud to introduce Jen Kanters. Jen joined Deetken in August 2022 as a Senior Consultant.
Jen charted an unusual path to Deetken, bringing with her nearly 15 years of valuable experience in the non-profit sector. Prior to joining Deetken, she held a variety of roles, including front-line social services, management, and senior leadership positions. She also spent almost two years working alongside several Canadian municipalities to solve challenging social issues.
Jen’s interests include systems planning, policy/planning, and community development, particularly in the social and housing sectors. She is passionate about building cross-sector partnerships and collaborating with stakeholders and community partners.
Jen holds a BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Carleton University in Ottawa. She also studied Interprofessional Mental Health and Addiction at Camosun College in Victoria. Jen resides in West Kelowna with her husband and two sons.
Check out our latest Meet the Team interview with Jen:
Tell us about your background.
I started my journey in London, Ontario, and later pursued higher education at Carleton University in Ottawa. The allure of the western mountains beckoned, leading me to explore Victoria, Vancouver, and eventually settle in stunning West Kelowna.
My career path has been equally diverse. I began in the non-profit sector, where I learned the power of innovation in overcoming challenges. Government followed, giving me insights into the intricacies of policy-making. Ultimately, I found my niche in consulting, where I now help others navigate their unique journeys.
What brought you to Deetken Insight?
My journey to Deetken Insight was serendipitous. I was engaged in a casual conversation with one of the Deetken partners, someone I had known personally for some time but whose professional life remained a mystery to me.
To my surprise, we found ourselves sharing common ground and a mutual outlook on a wide range of topics. It was during this conversation that they proposed I join Deetken on a small project. As I delved deeper into the work, I quickly realised the significance and impact of Deetken’s work. Each endeavour carried a profound sense of purpose, touching on issues of vital importance that are near and dear to my heart.
It was this sense of purpose, combined with the collaborative and forward-thinking atmosphere, that ultimately made my decision to stay with Deetken Insight an easy one. My journey here has been an inspiring and enriching experience, filled with meaningful work and the opportunity to contribute to projects that truly make a difference.
What do you most enjoy about your work?
What I find most fulfilling about my work, given my background in social services and non-profit work, is the opportunity to contribute to projects that have a tangible and positive impact on society.
I thrive when I am helping to solve complex issues, and when I am directly focused on improving public services and addressing pressing social concerns. The diversity of projects at Deetken keeps me engaged and constantly learning, and I appreciate the collaborative nature of the work, where I can build relationships and work collectively with government agencies and my colleagues. Influencing policy decisions that benefit vulnerable populations is incredibly rewarding, and the ever-evolving nature of the public sector ensures that I’m always growing professionally. It’s a field that aligns with my values, offers flexibility, and allows me to make a meaningful difference.
What do you enjoy doing the most in your free time?
I am a hardcore soccer mom to my two boys and love to watch them on the field, which takes up most of my husband’s and my downtime. On top of that, I like to spend time with friends, do some trail running, dig in my garden, and drink famous Okanagan wine.
Connect with Jen directly on LinkedIn.
Interested in joining the Deetken team? Contact us now!
