Jenna Robar

Testimonials

Speaker Testimonials

"Jenna provided the keynote address at our 2022 Let’s Keep Talking event, and the response from our attendees was overwhelming positive. Jenna’s delivery was warm and comfortable, despite tackling some tough subject matter – eating disorders, food insecurity and indigenous issues. Jenna was engaging and professional, and the audience hung on her every word."

Kate Udle - Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia

"We approached Ms. Robar in 2019 to co-host the first virtual edition of Daughters of the Vote in March 2021. Due to the on-going pandemic, the program pivoted to an online platform. Ms. Robar was not only a valuable contributor, but also a key player in the success of the program. As a speaker, she was engaging, knowledgeable, thoughtful, clear, and personable – everything needed to create a welcoming virtual space. We were blown away by her stage presence and ability to confidently lead the delegates through this new experience."

Maggie Patterson, Director of Programs - Equal Voice: Daughters of the Vote

Jenna comes to each presentation with a calm and caring approach that everyone has different stages of learning, and especially with Newcomer Youth as their learning on Indigenous Peoples hasn't happened yet. The youth within all of our programs quickly identify with her as she has a way of presenting that is simplified in a way for new english speaking youth and deep enough to elicit an emotional response from them as well. She is a fantastic facilitator and we will always be welcome at YMCA GTA events.

Matthew Boumeester

Newcomer Youth Advisor, Newcomer Youth Leadership Development program, YMCA, Toronto

Jenna and I have led one of our biggest and successful events to this day. We co-organized Toronto’s first ever Youth Mental Health Conference that focused on creating space for newcomer, immigrant and indigenous youth. She is an excellent presenter and knowledgeable about the wants and needs of her audience. She uses a lot of personal and professional experiences to connect with the audience. Mental health is a highly stigmatized conversation in marginalized communities. Jenna’s delivery has made people feel welcomed and included which allowed them to engage in tough conversations around mental health. I could not be more grateful to have worked with such an incredible, fearless, powerful young woman. The audience always feels inspired, fulfilled and motivated to take the next step in their personal and professional journey.

Sal Sabila
Founder of Youth Gravity


Jenna is a wonderful presenter and human, among many other things! She jumped at the opportunity to present virtual programming to the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Newcomer Youth and Youth Leadership Development programs during National Indigenous History Month in June 2020. Despite the challenges that can come with presenting over a virtual platform to a large group of youth, Jenna was well-prepared and able to adapt her presentation to meet the youth where they were at. Her presentation style is relaxed and relatable, while still covering crucial and important information. Jenna’s approachable nature allowed participants to feel more comfortable asking what can often be difficult and uncomfortable questions. After only a few minutes of conversation, you will feel like you’ve known Jenna for years. She is a good friend of the YMCA of Greater Toronto and we look forward to continuing to build on our friendship.

Lauren Weinberg
Outdoor Education Coordinator
YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre


Jenna is an incredibly versatile speaker that intuitively connects with diverse audiences from our Youth Leadership Group participants to our staff and volunteers. Through stories about her own connection of her Indigenous ancestry and her path into deep learning of traditional knowledge, Jenna introduces key cultural awareness elements that also encourage us all to continue in our own personal learning journey. Jenna is also a strong advocate for Indigenous peoples in Canada and she asks deep questions about Reconciliation and what it really means for each of us, sending a strong message that inspires us to move into real action. More than a one-off invitation, there has been no doubt in the beginning of a long standing relationship and we are very grateful to Jenna for accompanying us as we move on our own journey towards Reconciliation.

Esperanza Monsalve


Jenna Robar

Roster-Video Gallery

Jenna Robar is a passionate advocate and speaker, dedicated to promoting equity and inclusion within our communities. With a wealth of experience working alongside government bodies, including the Prime Minister and his cabinet, and equity-deserving groups, Jenna offers engaging speaking sessions that shed light on crucial issues. Her talks span a wide range of topics, including her personal journey to mental wellness, empowering youth, and guiding organizations in fostering strong and inclusive communities. Jenna, recognized as the 'Mental Health Activist of the Year' by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, brings a deep commitment to mental health advocacy into her speaking engagements. Her diverse experiences, from managing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the YMCA to directing Ontario's first youth-led collective, equip her to inspire action and meaningful progress. Whether addressing corporate audiences, community organizations, or educational institutions, Jenna's speaking sessions encourage a profound transformation toward equity, inclusion, and resilient communities.

SPEAKING TOPICS

The Journey to Mental Wellness

In today's fast-paced and demanding world, personal stories of resilience and mental wellness resonate with individuals from all walks of life. Jenna Robar's insightful session on "The Journey to Mental Wellness" offers a unique, relatable perspective for a diverse audience. Jenna, recognized as the 'Mental Health Activist of the Year' by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, shares her personal journey, including experiences with ADHD and an eating disorder, and how she transformed her challenges into a source of personal and professional strength. This session is not about offering solutions; it's an open and honest conversation about navigating life's challenges, managing mental health, and thriving in the face of adversity. Jenna's insights, drawn from her work as a speaker with Jack.org, We Matter (as a National Ambassador of Hope), and her collaborations with the Canadian Mental Health Association, encourage an open and inclusive dialogue about mental health, encouraging participants to create environments where they are supported and can thrive, ultimately contributing to improved well-being and resilience in their personal and professional lives.

Empowering Youth- Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders

Jenna Robar's dedication to empowering youth takes centre stage, presenting audiences with an opportunity to support the development of the future's dynamic leaders. Jenna's work with Indigenous and Newcomer youth is not just about motivation; it's a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and fostering the power of community. Drawing from her role as a National Ambassador of Hope with We Matter and her collaborations with organizations like Jack.org, Jenna shares real-world experiences guiding young individuals toward self-discovery and self-worth. Her service within the Prime Minister's Youth Council provided the platform to collaborate with other young change-makers, uniting youth with a shared purpose. This session goes beyond theory and emphasizes tangible impacts, offering insights into how organizations can engage, inspire, and uplift their younger members. By fostering self-worth, life promotion, and inner growth, Jenna encourages the next generation to shape their future in a way that aligns with their unique talents and aspirations. This topic speaks to the heart of organizational values, emphasizing the importance of investing in young individuals' personal and professional growth, ensuring a brighter, more promising future for all.

On the Path Towards Reconciliation: Equity, Inclusion, and Collaborative Communities 

This session thoughtfully combines critical elements of equity, diversity, inclusion, community mobilization, and reconciliation, offering valuable insights for diverse participants. Drawing from her extensive experiences, Jenna Robar discusses the practical steps that organizations, community members, and individuals can take to create safer, more inclusive environments. She emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all voices are heard and valued, creating an atmosphere fostering innovation, cohesion, and stronger relationships. Jenna's firsthand experiences collaborating with Indigenous communities across Turtle Island, key stakeholders, and government bodies, with a particular focus on reconciliation efforts, enrich her insights. Her deep commitment to reconciliation extends beyond words, inspiring individuals to become active and engaged citizens, fostering personal growth and strengthening connections with Indigenous communities. Through Jenna's guidance, participants are equipped with the knowledge and tools to contribute to reconciliation, promote active engagement, and build meaningful relationships that benefit our communities and our nations.

Empowering Government through Community Collaboration 

Jenna's experience working within government organizations, including the Canada Border Services Agency and Parks Canada, and her service with the Prime Minister's Youth Council offers a rare perspective on the intersection of public service and community engagement. She explores the dynamics of applying community strengths and grassroots collaboration to navigate the intricacies of government bureaucracy. This session sheds light on how government organizations can harness the energy and expertise of communities to drive meaningful change. Jenna's stories of finding innovative solutions within 'red tape' constraints reveal the possibilities for more effective and responsive governance. With practical examples, she highlights the importance of building partnerships and listening to the voices of those impacted by government policies. Jenna's insights encourage government leaders to adapt and evolve, fostering more inclusive, equitable, and community-driven practices. This topic is ideal for audiences interested in improving the synergy between government agencies and the communities they serve, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.