Role Model spotlight: Jennifer Powell
This mountain climbing, event-planning, hockey-playing mama and co-author of the blog Mom Dad Cuppa Kids has always inspired her community with a dedication to getting outside and moving with her family.
Recently, on a mission to teach their two children to be compassionate global citizens, Jennifer Powell and her husband sold their home so that the four of them could travel the world together. From swimming with giant tortoises in the Galapagos, to hiking Machu Picchu and the Atacama Desert, to exploring the Bolivian Salt flats and the Glaciers in Patagonia, the first part of their travels feature 2.5 months in South America. From there they are heading to South East Asia to seek out the Blue Whales, dive with Manta Rays, and watch the migration of Whale Sharks in the Maldives. Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand are calling their names so they can better understand key moments in history, observe proper care for elephants, and enjoy special visits to beautiful lost cities.
Get to know Jennifer and then follow along with her adventures as she and her family experience the journey of a lifetime.
Q&A with Jennifer Powell
AfL: What is your biggest fear?
Jennifer Powell: To miss out on not living the biggest life I can lead.
AfL: What is your proudest moment?
Jennifer Powell: When we summited Mt. Kilimanjaro.
AfL: What is your favourite way to spend time with family?
Jennifer Powell: Doing everything outside that we can at the cottage. Summer (hiking, swimming, skiing, kayaking, canoeing, exploring) or winter (snowshoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, snowball fights). Nature feeds our whole family in a way that gives us superpowers.
AfL: What is your favourite season?
Jennifer Powell: I actually love ALL seasons. But if I had to choose just one, I would say summer. The sun on your face is one of life’s greatest gifts.
AfL: What is your favourite physical activity?
Jennifer Powell: Dance. I used to compete in ballroom, highland, tap, jazz, and contemporary. Dance is my favourite thing to do. Period.
AfL: Some other little known fact about you that you’d like to share?
Jennifer Powell: I love to ride motorcycles and used to ride a Harley as part of my job.
AfL: Please tell us in a few words why you’re excited to be an AfL Role Model?
Jennifer Powell: I believe that our kids see a lot more than we realize. We need to create a foundation that shows them a way of life that personifies healthy living. I love what AfL is doing to encourage whole family involvement in physical literacy.
