Jenn Deon

Jenn Deon works full time in leadership of a local charitable arts organization, part-time as a marketing and communications consultant, and part-time as a facilitator of Respectful Workplace training for non-profits and small business.

Jenn is currently serving as the Secretary of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 56 Pleasantville and served a term as Vice-Chair of the Resource Centre for the Arts.

For 20 years Jenn was the volunteer artistic director of the annual Shakespeare by the Sea Festival from 1995-2015. She is a founding member of parent groups for both Bishop Field Elementary and Brother Rice Junior High Schools; she also founded the province’s Bariatric Surgery Patient Support Group.

During Snowmaggedon 2020, Jenn organized a neighbour shovelling team to dig out fire hydrants and neighbours in need. She went on to recruit over 300 neighbours to connect online, which continues to be especially valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2018 she was named a Woman of Distinction by YWCA St. John’s and most recently nominated for the 2020 Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Award for her work in founding PerSIStence Theatre.

Jenn has lived in Virginia Waters-Pleasantville for over 25 years with her husband, MacDonald Drive Junior High School teacher Dave Walsh; their son, Holy Heart student John; her mother-in-law, retired teacher, Rita; and their three dogs, Bucky, Muffin and Dobby. Jenn is blessed to also have her parents, super-senior Fran and WWII veteran Rod, as a part of her bubble.