Meet Jenna! She's a busy mom of two boys, and has lived in Kamloops for the past 13 years.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
Well friends, here is the hard truth; I am not a legit local. I was born and raised in Williams Lake, BC. I moved to Kamloops when I was 20 and though I love to visit Williams Lake, I like to consider myself an honourary Kamloopsian after 13 years here.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I think my favourite person to spend time with would be my grandma. At 82 years old, this wild woman is reading tarot cards, belly-dancing and travelling the world. She is a fellow Leo (if you’re into the astrological kind of thing) and she just gets me.

What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
We are so fortunate in Kamloops to have some incredible local shops/restaurants. One of my favourites is Hello Toast. Can you say Cayenne in the Rain?! What is in this recipe? Amazing!

Describe yourself in one word.
Social. I talk a lot. I talk to myself, I talk to fill awkward silences, I talk to anyone who will listen. Unfortunately/fortunately, this is one of the things my eldest son has learned from me. As you can imagine, we have a pretty noisy home.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Somewhere warm with excellent ocean swimming.

What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
There are so many incredible activities in Kamloops! One of my favourite annual events is Kamloops Ribfest. Spending time with my little family on a hot day in the summer, eating ribs, listening to incredible music, and of course getting Scoops ice cream!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
My son wanted to get his face painted last year. He asked if I would do it with him and insisted that I go first. I obliged, of course. It was only after my face was done, that Archer backed out. It is a reminder that I will never get a tattoo with him.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Becoming a mom. Holding my boys for the first time was such an incredible feeling. It has inspired me to be a better person; to live each day with purpose and mindfulness.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Whoever doesn’t say Disneyland to this question is crazy! It literally is the happiest place on earth – the rides, Goofy’s Kitchen, Pineapple whip (drool)!

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Working for a non-profit charitable organization myself has given me a great understanding of how I can give back to my community. I thought to give only meant through funds. Now, I know that your time can be just as valuable. I have mentored for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, volunteered at numerous events throughout Kamloops, and spent time on various committees that benefit my community.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Enhanced mental wellness programs, care, and education. So many social issues in our world stem from the lack of mental health support in our communities.

Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Chapters Indigo. This is my go-to alone time place. Get a coffee, check out books, and find so many pretty little treasures!

Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I would love to see more open-mindedness when it comes to the small investment costs associated with growth. Kamloops is the hub of the interior; the more it has to offer, the more we as community members will have to offer.

What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Kamloops is such a unique community. The people you meet here are relaxed, yet engaged; they are playful, but still professional. The members of our community are really what makes Kamloops great.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Travel somewhere warm and tropical with my little family
2. To build my dream home with my husband
3. Meet the Royals

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I wear my heart on my sleeve, so there really isn’t a lot that people don’t know about me. But I will say that I can recite the alphabet backwards at an alarmingly fast rate.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
I am on Facebook, Instagram (currently obsessed with the story feature), LinkedIn and of course by good ol’ telephone!

What is the name of your business/organization?
Royal Inland Hospital Foundation

Why did you get into/start this business?
I love that I am able to impact the health and well-being of our community. Funding patient care equipment in support of my hospital through events, fundraising, and engagement has been an incredible opportunity.

What is the goal of your business?
We fundraise on behalf of the Hospital—Everything from funding a $20M capital campaign like the future Patient Care Tower, to purchasing a $25,000 pediatric ventilator that is an essential piece of respiratory equipment for our tiniest patients.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Balancing work and home life. Fortunately, I have a very supportive team at the Foundation who allow me to be mom, wife and fundraiser.

What do you always find yourself saying?
Harvey, NO! (This is directed at my naughty 2-year-old who finds every excuse to destruct)

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Get messy! I come from a family of women. My sons have taught me that life is messy. Before I had them, everything had its place and was organized. Now, my children find goldfish crackers that are likely 6 months old in our couch cushions…and eat them.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Queen Elizabeth. I find this woman unbelievably fascinating. To be a fly on the wall inside Buckingham Palace…

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping locally is essential to building a strong community. I feel like the people in Kamloops get that. Everything from the mom and pop auto body shop, to the lovely knitted tuques you can buy out of a girlfriend’s house, our community is on board.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My kids! Yes, they are wild and messy. But there are also kind, and passionate. I hope to see them do incredible things in the future.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Andrea McLeod, Mountain Stich Designs / Tourism Kamloops. This girl is incredible. She is a new mom who makes the most stunning knitted tuques and accessories in Kamloops. Andrea has also recently started up a parents hiking club called Wild And Tiny.

My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Kendel Lavallee Marketing & Communications at TRU

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you for learning a little about me, Kamloops! Also, a big shout out to KamloopsBCNow for highlighting me today – such a great way to get to know our community.

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops.