In recognition of International Women’s Day, we’re profiling several women across JIBC who are driving change, strengthening our community, and inspiring those around them.
Among them is Superintendent Jennifer Keyes, who was appointed Director of the JIBC Police Academy in October 2021 – the first woman to ever hold the post. She joined JIBC on secondment from the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) where she has served since 1999.
Prior to her policing career, Supt. Keyes was a lawyer, working both in private practice and as a federal Crown prosecutor. She is a former graduate of the Police Academy, as well as a former instructor in JIBC’s Law Enforcement Studies Diploma program. At VPD, her service included roles involving operations, administration, training delivery and internal discipline.
“Never in a million years would I have foreseen my ultimate career path,” she said.
As a teenager, Supt. Keyes aspired to be a lawyer and began her legal career with a mixed practice focusing on corporate commercial, real estate, wills and estates, and family law.
“I was attracted to the intellectual challenge of the role and, frankly, the love of a good debate. Ours was a home full of talk, banter and debate about anything and everything – ethics, politics, religion, philosophy.”
Supt. Keyes was, however, eventually drawn back to criminal law which she was first exposed to during her articles. “It ‘stuck’ for a few reasons, the same ones that translate well to policing. Public service, pursuit of justice and the personal growth that comes with challenging yourself intellectually.”
Practising criminal law led to daily interactions with police officers and an interest in policing. “I was invited out on a ride-a-long and was hooked,” she said. “Twenty-seven years later, I’m as passionate about serving the public as I was the day I was sworn in.”
Reflecting on International Women’s Day (IWD) and women in leadership, Supt. Keyes said, “Women in leadership have come a long way in Canada, but the unequal gender representation in senior management roles is still significant.”
For her, this year’s IWD theme, “Give to Gain,” brings to mind the idea of shared growth. “Mentoring and supporting women, wherever they are at in their careers, benefits the mentor as much as the mentee.”
One piece of advice she’d offer to someone earlier in their career journey is that it’s okay to change your mind – even multiple times. “But whatever you choose to do, be honest with yourself about what drives you and matches your values and priorities,” she said. “It’s a long life to be unhappy or stuck because you realize you picked the wrong path, or the right path at the time but you’ve changed and your career doesn’t fit anymore. Essentially, assert your agency.”
As for what keeps her going when things feel difficult or uncertain, Supt. Keyes said, “I trust my instinct – when I listen to it rather than the noise, I usually come out all right.”