Jen Farkas

Title: International Trips Coordinator
Interesting Fact: Jen has a tricky parrot named Tika who has a sneezing habit and has recently learned how to fake a sneeze to get Jen to say “Bless you!”

Jen Farkas joined the Leaders Today team in 2007 as an international trips coordinator, supporting youth in their experiences volunteering abroad. She believes that travelling and volunteering complement one another greatly and is delighted to share in the miracles that youth perform when they volunteer overseas.

Jen had her first taste of life abroad during her last year of high school, when she lived in Albacete, Spain. Her love for exploration began with that life-changing trip, and she hasn’t stopped travelling since. Jen’s passion for sustainable tourism, culture and volunteering has led her to some amazing destinations, including South Korea and Cuba, where she learned first-hand what international development was really all about and how underdeveloped areas are affected by our actions in North America. She has since been involved with many social causes and organizations, including Free Tibet, Meal Exchange and American Sign Language. The connections Jen has made with youth since she began working in a camp at the age of 16 continually give her inspiration and immense hope for the future. Jen is a University of Guelph graduate with an honours degree in Spanish, a reflection to her commitment to break down society’s communication barriers.

Jen is fascinated by alternative medicine and firmly believes in the healing power of Reiki, reflexology, homeopathy and good conversation. No matter what she’s doing, she is always listening to music and, whenever possible, dancing, singing or drumming along. Hiking, crafts, and enjoying tea and ethnic foods are also among her favourite pastimes. She tries to read as much non-fiction as possible because, “While it is important to know what you know, it is more important to know what you don’t.” – Confucius