Jennifer Wilson is a Toronto-based journalist and editor, and over the years you’ve likely picked up the paper or clicked on a story written by this é¼ber talented and energetic lady. She has covered everything from design to the federal elections for The Toronto Star and held the position of Manager, Social Media Properties at Rogers Communications. Lois Lane has nothing on her!
Now, she’s back on team Star serving as the paper’s Senior Editor of Social Media. This woman has brains, a sense of style and is – wait for it – a marathon runner and triathlete. Gasp! Read on and learn Jennifer’s secrets to happiness, life, success and style.
Occupation: Senior Editor, Social Media at The Toronto Star
Astrological sign: Libra
Favourite guilty pleasure: Long bubble baths
Favourite movie: Amelie
You’re a trained reporter and editor, and covered topics from the federal election to home design. What has been your favourite beat to work on to date? Is it as exciting as it sounds?
I love the adrenaline rush of breaking news – whether it's the final minutes of a gold-medal game at the Olympics or watching poll results trickle in from ridings across the country, it just feels so rewarding to be able to update readers to the minute. I've always been fond of the description of journalism as "writing history on the fly" and regardless the beat, that sense of urgency just really appeals to me. And yes, I think it can be pretty exciting!
You’re currently the Senior Editor, Social Media at The Toronto Star. Why switch career paths? What does this job entail?
I wanted to be a journalist since I was about seven-years-old and gave up on the idea of a career in ballet (note: I never, ever took a ballet class in my life). The switch from communications back to the newsroom was about returning to that first love of news, bearing witness and providing essential information. My job includes our plan for publishing on social media, leveraging it for news tips and exploring new platforms and opportunities for us to inform and engage with readers.
People often define success as the type of job they have and how much money they make. How do you define success?
Am I happy? Then I'm successful. If I'm doing something I love, surrounded by people who support me, I feel like I must be doing something right. For me, it's also about finding value and intention in the things I do each day – life's too short to devote hours to something you don't believe in.
You’ve been a runner for a few years, but recently taken your fitness to a whole different level by training and completing in your first triathlon this summer at the Toronto Triathlon Festival. What made you decide to do this?
I have an incredibly short attention span! But really, I like to challenge myself and the idea of conquering three sports in a competitive environment – my plan was don't drown, don't fall off the bike and then enjoy the run – seemed like a lot of fun and a good test of fitness. Luckily, I didn't drown – and have since completed another tri and am contemplating an Ironman 70.3.
Finish this sentence: I want women around the world to ___________.
Feel empowered to stand up for themselves and pursue their passions.
What are your favourite go-to pieces in your wardrobe?
You can't go wrong with a tailored dress, black blazer and a killer pair of heels. In addition to my "shoe drawer" at work, coworkers often remark on my patterned and brightly coloured tights – I think they add personality to my outfits.
If you could create a recipe for happiness, what would it contain and why?
Good friends, close family, rewarding work and lots of physical activity. Plus some warm, sunny weather.
If you could spend Sunday brunch with a famous person (celebrity or historical figure), who would it be and why?
Amelia Earhart. Her fearlessness has always been an inspiration, and I love to solve a good mystery.
