Breaking barriers, building spaces for belonging

Transformational Change Award 2024 Recipient

Jennifer Barnable (Public Relations ’03) is an award-winning communicator and changemaker specializing in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging while facing constant systemic barriers and stigma as a person with multiple disabilities.

“I’m a disabled, chronically ill and neurodivergent woman. Like so many other people living with disabilities, I experienced discrimination at different times in my life and in different ways” says Jennifer whose disabilities are mostly non-apparent.

Equipped with her public relations education from NSCC, Jennifer has used her skills and passion to challenge ableism and foster belonging in communities and across industries through her over 20-year career in communications and later inclusion advocacy.

“Not only has she transformed her own life, Jennifer has also impacted so many others and made lasting change in the world around her by raising awareness about disability and anti-ableism, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion,” says Tanya White, her mentor turned friend and peer.

Jennifer's pursuit of equity in community has not always been smooth sailing, given the nature of ableism in society. “I’ve experienced workplace harassment and bullying as a woman, and as a person with disabilities, and they have been some of the lowest points of my career,” says Jennifer.

She refuses to accept ableism and instead pushes on with personal grit and determination to tirelessly advocate and break barriers.

“I’m unapologetic about standing up for myself and for others. I would love to see more allies standing up alongside us as well, especially in professional spaces where so much work is still needed,” says Jennifer.

Making an impact professionally

Jennifer successfully built and managed her own business as a communications consultant and advocate. Originally from Newfoundland and Labrador, she has lived and worked across Canada, the UK and Europe.

Her extensive portfolio includes working with government agencies, industry giants, international corporations, non-profits, educational institutions, and small to medium businesses as well as for herself as a contractor.

“Because of disability discrimination at workplaces, including in recruitment and HR practices, and lack of flexibility and accommodations in many workplaces, I have had to adapt and make my own set up, like so many other disabled professionals,” says Jennifer. “It shouldn't be this way and it's part of what I raise awareness about.”

She has received numerous recognitions for her deep commitment to breaking systemic barriers in support of disabled, chronically ill and neurodiverse people.

Her accolades include an ADM Medallion for Service Excellence from the Government of Canada, being named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Business by Atlantic Business Magazine, receiving several industry awards for project-specific work and recently being named a finalist for the Canadian Women’s Foundation Feminist Creator Prize.

Lifelong learner and educator

Jennifer is a proud lifelong learner, often enrolling in post-secondary certificate programs, community seminars and self-directed studies. Before attending NSCC, she graduated from Memorial University.

“My appetite for learning is endless. I also value traditional, oral and hands-on learning from our elders, both Indigenous and settler, and have valued the mentorship and wisdom from Elders like Ellen Ford” says Jennifer.

As eager as she is to grow her own knowledge, she’s equally as passionate about mentoring and educating all ages about disability inclusion, anti-ableism, self-advocacy and allyship.

"Being an advocate and activist can come in many forms," Jennifer explains. "Along with speaking and training, I also advise, mentor, guest lecture at post-secondary institutions, and volunteer wherever anti-ableism work is being done."

For 25 years, Jennifer has supported newcomers and refugees through welcome ambassador programs, English as a Second Language teaching, and being a guide and "local sister" through multiple organizations.

A life of advocacy

In both her personal and professional life, Jennifer has been a long-time advocate.

Earlier this year, Jennifer launched the “Finding Avalon: Amplifying Disabled Voices” podcast to elevate the work and wisdom of disabled people – voices that have been historically silenced and ignored.

“I’m the show’s host, producer and administrator, wearing all the hats as this is truly a blood, sweat and tears one-woman-show. For Season 1, I’ve curated a collection of insightful, relatable and surprising stories that unapologetically centers on women's, gender diverse, 2SLGBTQ+ and BIPOC perspectives” explains Jennifer.

As an active community member, Jennifer has volunteered with several local organizations from animal rescues to cultural initiatives. She has also volunteered with organizations abroad that support anti-human trafficking, disabled children, women, and animal rescues from Nicaragua to Cambodia.

“To me, nobody has made it until we all have made it. Nobody is free until we are all free” says Jennifer.