Alumni News | Vol. 30 No. 1 | Fall 2021
ALUMNI NEWS MAGAZINE | 100th Anniversary Edition
Even as an undergraduate at UNB in the 1990s, Jennifer Flanagan (BSc'96) was driven by a goal to make science education more accessible for children, no matter where they lived in New Brunswick, no matter their gender, and no matter what their family circumstances. Now, two decades later, she is the head of a large, national organization with a vision to transform Canada into a global leader in STEM education - the teaching of science, technology, engineering and math - and to make sure no child is left behind. Flanagan is the CEO of Actua, a charitable organization based in Ottawa that supports the delivery of STEM programs to 300,000 students across the country each year.
As Canada moves forward with the digital transformation of its economy, the work of Actua has never been more relevant and important than it is today. "There's a recognition that engaging students in STEM early and often is absolutely critical to our economy;' Flanagan says. "Our economy is based on science, innovation and technology, and it's also critically important to social prosperity in this country.
“My focus from the beginning has been to support this network of programs across the country, and also bring a very significant social justice priority to the work we do to make sure we are actively removing barriers to participation in this field.”
