Jen Deighan-Schenk
She/Her
Community Development Manager
Biography

Jen has been deeply immersed in the animal rights movement since going vegan in 2017, actively engaging in various forms of activism. Her dedication to the cause has led her to risk her liberty to speak up on behalf of animals and expose injustices behind closed doors, facing criminal charges on multiple occasions for her work as a whistleblower.

 

Jen served as We The Free's Regional Support Lead for North America for almost 2 years, where she proved herself an invaluable part of the WTF team. Now, Jen manages all our development programs and oversees our global community building efforts and campaigns.

 

Prior to working with WTF, Jen worked as the Program Director at a YMCA Camp & Outdoor Centre where she developed and implemented creative programs for children and co-managed a team of more than 80 staff members. Her tenure there sparked her interest in team dynamics and community building, prompting her to pursue training in peer mediation and conflict resolution.

 

In her current role as WTF's Community Development Manager, Jen dedicates a significant amount of her time to navigating conflicts within the movement, drawing on her training and experience as a mediator. Jen's background in working with children with autism and learning disabilities has equipped her with deep empathy and effective communication skills, which she applies when navigating conflicts with sensitivity and compassion.

 

Jen deeply believes that without a cohesive community, our movement crumbles. She is not only passionate about animal liberation but also about fostering a positive & inclusive community along the way. Jen's sincere hope is to empower activists with the necessary skills to advocate for animals, whether it involves engaging with bystanders on the street or resolving disagreements among fellow animal rights advocates.

I love working for We The Free because I get to combine my passion for animal rights, team development, and community building into one amazing job!

I love bringing people together into a space where they feel free to be themselves and develop their skills. Once I realized the magnitude of what was happening to animals, I knew I had to focus all my time on this issue and I thought I would have to give up my passion for building positive communities and helping humans develop themselves. But then I found WTF and have been able to do things I really love while creating meaningful change for animals. I get to be a part of this beautiful community and help it flourish. I have built some really amazing friendships from working for WTF and I couldn't be more grateful.

Jen Deighan-Schenk
Community Development Manager

Jen is wearing a beanie, WTF top and coat, smiling at the camera in front of a busy road.
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