Jennifer Hill, Vice-Chair

Jen’s Scottish roots trace back to her 3rd great-grandfather, John Storie, a cotton handloom weaver from Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, Scotland, who emigrated to McNab Township, Ontario. Raised in a family of storytellers, artists, and history buffs, it’s no surprise she developed a lifelong passion for heritage, performance, and the arts.

Jen spent 15 years in her youth performing and competing in Highland dance, and she now enjoys digging into her family tree, exploring Scottish culture, and researching WWI history. A firm believer that whisky is both cultural and educational, Jen holds a certification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and brings that same spirit of curiosity to everything she does.

Professionally, Jen is a Registered Early Childhood Educator working in intergenerational care in Ottawa. She first joined the Scottish Society of Ottawa board in 2021 as the Burns Supper Director, where her love of Robert Burns, sparked nearly 40 years ago in high school after encountering Comin’ Thro’ the Rye in Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, truly found a stage. From addressing the haggis with dramatic flair to embracing Burns’ romantic and rebellious soul, Jen brings heart, humour, and a healthy dose of tartan to every celebration.

As Vice Chair, Jen is excited to help grow the Scottish Society of Ottawa and keep its cultural flame burning brightly, for generations past, present, and still to come.