Faces of CSC: Jennifer Walcott
February 27, 2025
When Jennifer Walcott first joined the public service in 1996, she was often the only Black employee in the room. For 17 years, she worked in spaces where diversity was scarce and representation was limited. But instead of allowing isolation to define her experience, she took action. As the inaugural chair of the Black Employee Network (BEN), Jennifer has been instrumental in creating a supportive space where Black employees across Canada can connect, share experiences, and advocate for meaningful change. Now at the end of her term, her chair has been defined by a deep commitment to Black leadership, diversity, equity and inclusion.
Born in England and raised in Ontario, Jennifer’s journey at the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) began as a bilingual clerical worker at Grand Valley Institution for Women. She steadily advanced along the way, holding roles in human resources, diversity and inclusion, and recruitment.
“Early on, I noticed disparities in hiring and promotion processes that seemed to be systemic. It made me ask, what can I do in terms of supporting people who look like me in the organisation?” she says.
Her work in recruitment gave her firsthand insight into the barriers Black employees faced, which fueled her passion for advocating for underrepresented employees and addressing these challenges. When BEN was established, Jennifer played a pivotal role in shaping its vision and mandate. As the first chair, she helped lay the foundation for what has become a thriving and influential network.
With her leadership, BEN has grown from just 10 members to over 100, primarily through word of mouth. More than just a support group, the network has become a platform for policy discussions, career development, and initiatives that promote Black excellence within CSC.
One of the standout moments of her tenure was securing funding for a Black mental wellness program which will launch this March, delivered by experts within the Government of Canada. Jennifer also spearheaded the first-ever BEN elections, ensuring a democratic leadership structure that reflects the voices of its members.
Beyond internal initiatives, Jennifer helped elevate BEN’s presence at the highest levels of CSC. While participating in discussions with the Commissioner and the Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs, Culture, and Engagement, she has ensured that the concerns of Black employees are heard at decision-making tables. The network has also hosted prominent guests, including award-winning author Lawrence Hill, further enriching the professional and cultural experiences of its members.
With Jennifer's leadership, BEN has grown from just 10 members to over 100, primarily through word of mouth.
Now acting as a senior project officer in CSC’s Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Directorate, Jennifer continues to champion workplace equity. Her leadership has transformed BEN from a small gathering into a powerful force for change. Through her vision, advocacy, and determination, she has created a legacy that will continue to shape the future of Black employees within CSC for years to come.
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