TORONTO (March 6, 2024) – Canadian performers are shining the spotlight on ACTRA member Jennifer Podemski by naming her this year’s ACTRA National Woman of the Year.

“Jennifer Podemski is a performer, creator, producer and activist – an inspiration to everyone working in our entertainment industry,” said Eleanor Noble, ACTRA National President. “She understands the power of storytelling and is deeply committed to the mentorship and growth of Indigenous creators. For decades she has fought to raise the bar for women and equity deserving filmmakers to be able to create high-quality Canadian content. We are proud to honour Jennifer on International Women’s Day.”

“I am truly honoured to be acknowledged as the 2024 ACTRA National Woman of the Year,” said Jennifer Podemski. “It is a privilege to do the work I do and to have a career that has spanned 30 years. It continues to amaze me. I promise to continue to do my part in passing on knowledge and uplifting Indigenous women with love. I would also like to acknowledge the incredible women who came before me and truly created space for so many of us to do what we do.”

Jennifer Podemski is an award-winning actor, writer, director and producer. Her on-screen credits include: The Rez; Degrassi: TNG; Blackstone; Departure; and Reservation Dogs (Disney+). Jennifer’s first on-camera role was on Wonderstruck when she was 13 years-old and she continued her career as a background performer. At age 17 casting directors visited her high school, Earl Haig’s Claude Watson School Of Performing Arts, and cast her in the CBC mini-series Conspiracy of Silence. Behind-the-camera she has been at the helm of many TV series including: The Seventh Generation; Rabbit Fall; The Other Side; Moccasin Flats; and Future History (CBC Gem). Recently, she co-created the award-winning mini-series Little Bird (CRAVE / APTN). Jennifer shares why stories with impact are important in the newest edition of ACTRA Magazine.

Jennifer’s advocacy work seeks to create systemic change in the industry. Created by Jennifer and her team at the SHINE Network Institute in partnership with the National Screen Institute, all those working in film and television are encouraged to take the 45 minute PACT (Pledge – Activate – Cultivate – Thrive) online training course. PACT provides valuable training for non-Indigenous people in the screen industry that prepares them for working with Indigenous productions and content.

Since 2010, ACTRA has bestowed the annual National Woman of the Year Award upon an ACTRA member who uses their passion to support ACTRA members and women within the broader audiovisual industry. For a list of past recipients, please visit actra.ca.

About ACTRA:
ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the national union of professional performers working in recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of over 30,000 members across the country – the foundation of Canada’s highly acclaimed professional performing community.

Media Contact:
Carol Taverner, ACTRA National Public Relations Officer, Email: ctaverner@actra.ca