Jennifer Keesmaat

Speaking topics

Presentations listed below include in-person and virtual keynotes, as well as workshops, fireside chats, and other presentation formats.

• Within Reach: Advancing Transformative Change

  So many of the challenges we face seem insurmountable. A globe that is heating up around us. An upswing in authoritarianism, racism, division and conflict. A global refugee crisis. A world on the cusp of AI, grappling with privacy issues. Growing income inequality in our rapidly urbanizing cities.  And a generation of young people that fear access to stable housing might just be continually beyond their grasp.

  In this fast changing, increasingly complex world, is there a way to advance transformative change? To grab hold of the things that matter most, and have an impact?

  When we let our values guide us, we can prioritize our actions and our efforts, and change the world. We can transform our work places, communities, cities and our world.  We can build knowledge and understanding to inform strategic, transformative actions. And we can leverage our collective impact, to advance positive change.

  It begins with identifying what is within reach.

  Within Reach empowers people, organizations, and leaders to advance transformative change. We can green our planet, create inclusive work places and communities, and usher in prosperity for all.

  This keynote will:

  • Inspire strategic thinking by focusing on your core values and prioritization as an organization, using case studies to identify how to move from vision to action
  • Help you to extend your influence and build momentum
  • Build knowledge and understanding to information strategic, transformative actions
  • Unlock meaningful change

• Our Cities Will Define Our Future

  While some may argue that the issues we face in the 21st century are insurmountable – global warming, peak oil, economic collapse – Jennifer Keesmaat believes that now is the best possible moment, locally, nationally, and internationally, to engage in city building and taking ownership of our shared future.

  Jennifer issues a call to action which implores cities to best address the most pressing challenges of our day: global poverty, affordable housing, quality of life, the need for innovation, the economy, traffic congestion, and climate change.

• Women In Leadership

  It’s a man’s world. Or is it?  As a woman, navigating professional life and defining leadership in your sector is contingent on pushing past boundaries, inventing new ways of being, and drawing on the power of collaboration to nurture success for all in your workplace.

  As the first woman – and youngest person – to hold the post of Chief Planner in the City of Toronto, Jennifer Keesmaat has a pretty interesting case study on this subject that she shares: her own story.

• Event Host/Master of Ceremonies

  Looking to give your event some flair that will make it light, inspiring, and worth the attention you have given to every detail? Let Jennifer Keesmaat, as the face and voice of your program, set the tone and create a lasting presence with her ability to weave together the context, commentary, people and personalities of the event into a warm and unique memory.