A strong community can promote new ideas and ensure accountability. It can also act as motivation, support, and even provide a little friendly competition. The power of community is undeniable and the Okanagan tech community is no exception.

Our community is strong and growing with record speed and maintaining connection through a period of growth like this can be a challenge. Nobody panic, we’ve got a plan.  

Introducing, The Faces of #OKGNtech. A showcase of Okanagan tech entrepreneurs, partners, supporters, and cheerleaders designed to fuel more connection, more growth, and more excitement. Follow along (on the blog and on Instagram @OKGNtech) to learn more about our growing community and what makes them awesome.

Meet Jenna. Jenna Stasuk is our early-stage program lead. When she’s not supporting our startup community, she is most often found at home Netflixing and knitting with her cat. We recently caught up with Jenna to learn more about her role here at Accelerate Okanagan and what she loves most about our #OKGNtech community. 

What’s it like working at Accelerate Okanagan? [Editors note: No pressure…]

”My role at Accelerate Okanagan gives me the chance to meet with entrepreneurs, community members, and supporters who are doing amazing things for #OKGNtech. It makes my job really awesome.”

What do you love about the #OKGNtech community? 

“I love that I can go to a Startup Drinks event and actually connect with the CEO’s of some of Canada’s fastest growing companies.”

What’s something that people may not know about you?

“I was probably that kid that everyone called the teacher’s pet. I had so many amazing teachers in my life. I feel really lucky that way.”

What’s the best piece of advice you can share with us?

“Social media can be such a great connection tool but it can also make create a lot of pressure to be or act a certain way. The thing is, that being yourself, you know, being really authentic, is really what the world needs. Sometimes, it can be easy to forget that.”

Who inspires you? 

“I’m constantly inspired by the entrepreneurs I get to meet every day. To see people giving something everything they’ve got, risking it all and working through unimaginable challenges – It’s unbelievable the amount of passion they have.”

Who are your biggest cheerleaders? 

“I am so grateful for the support from my team at Accelerate Okanagan. This was my first job out of school and a great way to transition out of UBCO life. Every day I come to work and there are these people here that lift me up. It’s really the best thing to walk into every day.”

What’s one word that describes you? 

 “One word to describe me? Can I use two? Lifelong Learner. When people ask to do something I’ve never done before, I take it as a challenge and an opportunity to learn.”

Connect with Jenna. Learn more about Accelerate Okanagan. Hungry for more? Meet Leslie. 

Are you following our new #OKGNtech faces Instagram?