Jennifer DeCoste

Jennifer DeCoste is a community-focused entrepreneur and social innovator based in Nova Scotia, Canada. She is the Co-Founder of FireLoch, a retreat and gathering place in Atlantic Canada that offers a space for nature-based retreats.2

Professional Background

Jennifer is dedicated to building strong and connected communities through various initiatives.1 Her professional journey includes:

1. Founder of LifeSchoolHouse: In 2018, Jennifer established a non-profit network of barter-based folkschools called LifeSchoolHouse. This platform promotes grassroots skills sharing, fostering interconnected neighborhoods and combating social isolation.1

2. Ashoka Fellow: Jennifer is the first person in Atlantic Canada to receive the prestigious Ashoka Fellowship for her work with LifeSchoolHouse.14

3. Co-Founder of FireLoch: In 2022, Jennifer co-founded FireLoch, a social enterprise that provides a forest space for community, care, and continuous learning.12

Initiatives and Projects

Jennifer is actively involved in several community-oriented projects:

• Care for Caretakers Fellowship: She coordinates a 6-month fellowship program designed to support volunteers, staff, and leaders in the non-profit and charitable sectors. This initiative includes retreats, virtual sessions, and personal development opportunities.1

• Community Building: Her work focuses on creating nourishing spaces where neighbors can learn, connect, and thrive.1

Personal Experience

Jennifer brings personal experience to her work, having juggled multiple caretaking responsibilities while organizing community initiatives. She has faced and worked through acute burnout, which informs her approach to supporting others in similar situations.1

Jennifer DeCoste's LinkedIn profile can be found at https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdecoste, where she shares updates about her work and initiatives.3