In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Cassandra Jeffery
What do you always find yourself saying?
“I think it’s wine time.”
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select and why?
Margaret Atwood because she’s one of the most influential creative Canadian minds; she is not only interesting but also transcends generations of literary genius. As well, I would love to spend a day with Toni Morrison because she is incredibly brilliant, poetic, and she would probably be a pretty kick ass person. I bet we’d get along just fabulously.
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
An award for my writing that was in some way impactful to someone—perhaps a research essay or a novel of sorts.
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
They’re not really considered historic, but I’d say Louise Armstrong or Ray Charles. I would love to hear their music in person and dance the night away to some sultry, jazzy beats. Plus, Georgia on my Mind is my most favourite song. How epic would that be to hear it live?
Who inspires you?
Amy Poehler. First off, she’s a pretty awesome comedian. We don’t have many funny yet classy ladies in the entertainment bizz, and although I don’t consider myself to be Poehler funny, I can imagine that we’d have a lot in common. She’s an all star feminist, comedian, and T.V. producer and I’d like to think I can aspire to have her dedication, in my own right.
What are three things on your bucket list?
To move back to Germany/learn the language
To travel the world—too many places to name them all but a few places that come to mind are Vietnam, Loas, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Morocco (specifically because of my love for Casablanca), India, Turkey, Colombia.
Eventually get my Masters and maybe my PHD.
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
Move Out the Way!
If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
Myself on my 35th birthday. I’d like to see if I’ve somehow figured out the big ole’ meaning of life by then. Plus, I’d like to see if I still enjoy birthdays at 35.
What are you passionate about?
Feminism, wine, beer, whiskey, food of all sorts, social issues, family, and friends.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
There have been a lot of really good days, but I’d have to say the best day was when I found out that I was accepted into the German exchange program while I was studying in University, and realized I’d be moving across the pond for a little while.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I’d have to say when I officially became an independent adult. It doesn’t sound like much, but I’ve been enjoying the comforts of mum and dad’s money for a little too long. They helped me with school and my travels to Europe, and for that I’m eternally grateful, but it was a really great moment when I realized that I could support myself without their help.
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna? What do you like about it?
Salted Brick, great atmosphere, great food, decent prices. Best part: wonderful old fashioned drinks.
What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna? Why?
Something involving wine or food, as well as hiking, camping, and swimming.
What is the name of your business/organization?
KelownaNow.com
What does your business/organization do?
We are an online news source for Kelowna. We provide the citizens of Kelowna with everything from informative local, provincial, and world news to fun lifestyle pieces that our viewers enjoy reading.
Where can people find you or your business online?
KelownaNow.com
How do people connect with you on Linkedin?
Cassandra Jeffery
Where can people find your business on Facebook?
KelownaNow
What is your Twitter account?
@Cassandra_Jeff
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
To learn continuously. I have a lot of aspirations and dreams, but right now I’m working on being the best journalist that I can be.
What attracted you to this line of work?
I’ve always had a love for journalism. I enjoy writing and reading and I’ve always had a desire to bring the issues affecting the world to the table in an insightful manner. Although I enjoy print newspaper, online is the way of the future and I’m happy to be behind a great company on the forefront of online news.
Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
Stephanie Nolen. She’s not exactly a forerunner, but she’s a fantastic journalist with Globe and Mail and I love to read her work. Her journalistic style inspires my own and I enjoy the collection of social issues and topics she has covered all over the world.
What three qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Integrity, quality, and passion.
How does your business/organization impact the community?
I believe we provide the citizens of Kelowna with more than just news. We’re an online news source backed with integrity and quality, and I believe that Kelowna citizens enjoy what we have to offer. We’re dedicated to giving the community the information they want and need to know—stuff that matters. It’s a busy and demanding job but it’s one I wouldn’t change for anything else.
If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
Probably someone in the book publishing industry. Online is where the world is right now, but my love for books will always have a place in my heart. I’d love to hear how Canada’s book publishing industries are adapting to the online world.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The way the community rallies together, offering support for one another. We’re centrally located—a small city with big city amenities. Oh, and let’s not forget about the vineyards.
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