This morning’s Women Angel Investor Breakfast at Bayview Yards ended on a surprising note — for at least one deserving but unsuspecting member of the audience — when high-tech mentor, adviser and investor Jennifer Francis was honoured with a Community Builder Award by United Way East Ontario.
“I just try to do my bit, you know,” Francis told Ottawa Business Journal immediately after the presentation made by Jennifer Madigan, chief operating officer at media relations and strategic communications firm Syntax and a board member with United Way East Ontario.
The award recognizes the volunteer work Francis does in the community to tackle gender disparities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)-related fields.
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Francis, who is a former executive in the information technology and services industry, is a founding member of United Way’s Spark (now called Women United) initiative that brings women together to connect and collaborate, creating a lasting impact in their communities.
She’s also a co-founder of SheBoot, a non-profit organization that provides resources and support for women tech founders.
As well, Francis’s advocacy for women and girls in STEM extends further, to her involvement in Technovation. It’s a technology entrepreneurship competition for female high school students. They’re mentored by top women in tech, with Francis being one of them.
“Thank you, Jennifer, for truly contributing your time, talent and treasure to ensure women in our community feel empowered and valued in their respective spaces,” Madigan said on stage during the presentation.
United Way East Ontario aims to break down barriers, improve lives and create opportunities for people living across Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County and Renfrew County. Its Community Builder program celebrates people across the region “who consistently go the extra mile”, said Madigan.
While Francis didn’t know she was being recognized, her family was tipped off. Husband Steve Adams and their son, Sean, made an appearance for the presentation, which took place at the conclusion of the breakfast featuring Dragons’ Den star and entrepreneur Manjit Minhas.
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