Jenn Galan, 35, is the Stepping Stones project manager with NECO Community Futures Development Corporation. She has experience working at several non-profit organizations, such as the AIDS Committee of North Bay, and is interested in helping people.

Q: What is your greatest accomplishment?
A: I have learned to accept change and stay positive while living with Crohn's disease. I learned compassion by working with marginalized populations. I learned patience and humour while being a mom. I learned personal responsibility by providing a home for rescued animals, and I have learned gratitude by facing loss and choosing to feel blessed for what I have.

Q: Who is your most valued mentor?
A: My mentor in the truest sense has been Angela Johnston. Over the years we have become close friends. She is one of the few people I know that just "gets it."

Q: What do you love most about North Bay
      and area ?
A: North Bay has always been my home. It is amazing that we can spend the day at our choice of beach, one that is not crowded, has clean water, and equipment for the kids to play on; then go for a hike on one of the many trails, eat dinner at an ethnic restaurant, go catch a show at the Capitol Centre, and finish off with a live band at a club.

Q: What else would you like to accomplish?
A: I would like to be healthy so I can pursue my goals. At the end of the road, I wish to be remembered by the memories in people's hearts and not the dollars in my bank account.