Upcoming Events
AI Upskilling Central Island for Small Business
Small businesses that embrace AI today will lead tomorrow. Will yours?
AI is no longer a distant prospect. It’s already transforming how businesses work, grow, and compete — and the pace is accelerating.
The AI Upskilling Central Island program helps small businesses, nonprofits, and solopreneurs in the Regional District of Nanaimo & Cowichan Region apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ways that deliver real results. You’ll boost your resilience, productivity, and competitiveness across Central Vancouver Island.
Why This Matters to Your Business
Many small businesses in our region are already feeling the pressure:
Staffing shortages that leave you scrambling to keep up
Overwhelming workloads with no time for strategic growth
Vendors and suppliers closing their doors, forcing you to adapt overnight
Outdated tools and processes that can’t keep pace with customer expectations
These aren’t just operational headaches. They’re signs your business is at risk of falling behind. The truth? Your biggest competitor may already be using AI effectively.
What You’ll Gain
This program is your roadmap to resilience. You’ll:
Upskill your team or yourself to meet today’s digital demands
Automate repetitive tasks and reclaim hours each week
Streamline workflows so you can focus on growth and creativity
Overcome fear and uncertainty about new technologies
Join a supportive AI Community of local business leaders sharing insights, challenges, and wins
At the core of the program are three hands-on, beginner-friendly workshops. No tech expertise? No problem. Our accessible online format and ongoing support mean you can move at your own pace while maintaining your advantage.
Spots are limited. Secure your place now and start working smarter, not harder.
The AI Freight Train: Pack Your AI Suitcase or Miss the Ride - North Island AI Training Roadshow with Community Futures Mount Waddington
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
3 towns - 3 days - stay tuned for more information
Harnessing AI To Rock The Industry
This 90-minute, hands-on session is designed for marina operators, dealers, service providers, suppliers, and marine professionals who want to explore AI in a practical, low-risk way while staying competitive in a rapidly changing business landscape.
Harnessing AI To Rock The Industry
Forum - AI Skills Lab
Jennifer is thrilled to be speaking at The Future of Entrepreneurship: AI in Action
This gathering is all about bringing together entrepreneurs and innovators who are eager to explore how AI can shape what’s next. You’ll hear from inspiring leaders and dive into hands-on workshops designed to spark new ideas for your business.
The Future of Entrepreneurship: AI in Action
ChatGPT: Enhancing Professional Effectiveness
Are you looking for fresh, innovative ways to streamline your efforts and create more time for what truly matters—building relationships and advancing your mission? This hands-on workshop is designed to help nonprofit professionals harness the power of AI tools like ChatGPT, enabling you to work smarter and achieve more.
ChatGPT: Enhancing Professional Effectiveness
AI Made Simple: Using ChatGPT to Drive Your Business Forward
AI isn’t coming; it’s already here. Whether you’re ready or not, generative AI tools like ChatGPT are transforming how we work, communicate, and compete. This series will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to embrace AI, reduce your workload, and focus on what matters most.
What you’ll learn:
Over three 1-hour sessions, you’ll gain a strong foundation in how to use ChatGPT strategically and effectively. You’ll leave with real-world skills you can put to use right away. You’ll learn how to:
Explain basic principles of AI
Write better, more effective prompts
Practice using ChatGPT live in-session
Discover ways to implement AI in your business or daily work immediately
This series also includes pre- and post-work and a live Ask Me Anything (AMA) session in December, your chance to check in, ask follow-up questions, and continue building your skills.
AI Made Simple: Using ChatGPT to Drive Your Business Forward
AI Readiness Project Podcast
A live conversation on practical AI adoption for teams. Hosted by Anne Murphy and Kyle Shannon, this session covers what “AI readiness” looks like, common adoption blockers, and how to build an internal AI community of practice that drives real workflow change. Streamed on YouTube, LinkedIn, and all major podcast platforms.
AI Advantage Community - Member only Empowering your Workforce, Building AI Awareness, Readiness and Adoption
AI Advantage is one of my online AI Communities that I have been a part of since 2024. For more information or to join CLICK HERE
WeBC
Jennifer is thrilled to be speaking at the WeBC- The AI Freight Train Is Here: What’s in Your Suitcase?
AI isn’t coming. It’s already here.
If you’re waiting for the perfect time to get started, you’ll miss the moment entirely. Whether you’re 28 or 58, AI is already reshaping your industry, your role, and your business. In this one-hour fireside chat, Jennifer Hufnagel, AI Educator, Trainer and AI Readiness Specialist, offers a no-fluff conversation about what’s really happening, why it matters, and what tools you need in your suitcase to ride with confidence instead of scrambling to catch up, or worse, missing the train entirely.
The Nanaimo Business Network
Jennifer is thrilled to be speaking at the Sip, Learn & Create: Empowering Entrepreneurs Through AI.
This month at Sip, Learn & Create, we’re talking about AI Literacy, in plain language. You’ll learn what it means, why it matters, and how to use it to simplify your workflow, streamline your content, and work more efficiently—without sacrificing your voice or authenticity.
The FoundHer Series Podcast
Embracing AI with Confidence: A Guide for Women with Jennifer Hufnagel
Join Carrie Scollon and AI Educator & AI Readiness Specialist Jennifer Hufnagel as they demystify artificial intelligence for women who feel intimidated by the tech revolution. Discover practical ways to use AI in your daily life - from menu planning to streamlining your business tasks. Learn why women are naturally suited for AI success and how to maintain authenticity while embracing these powerful tools.
Embracing AI with Confidence: A Guide for Women with Jennifer Hufnagel
Selkirk College: Trade’s Instructors
Teaching Today and Tomorrow’s Trades: AI Tools and Trends for Instructors
Designed for trades faculty, this workshop introduces instructors to the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in the skilled trades. The session explores how tools like ChatGPT, voice assistants, and computer vision are being applied in carpentry, welding, mechanics, and electrical work, with real examples from industry.
AFOBC-HR Conference
Step Into AI: From Awareness to Action
This introductory session supports Indigenous Nations and HR leaders in understanding the risks, opportunities, and responsibilities that come with AI adoption. Participants explore the fundamentals of tools like ChatGPT, with a focus on how AI can support policy development, recruitment, communication, and organizational efficiency.
Step Into AI: From Awareness to Action
NIEFS Campbell River: Talent Talk
Simplify Work with AI: Everyday Tasks & Efficiency – One Task at a Time
Ignite your curiosity, harness AI’s potential, and simplify everyday tasks with AI & ChatGPT.
Feeling overwhelmed by AI? Worried about keeping up with the hype? You’re not behind, and you don’t need to be an expert to see real results. Whether you’re new to ChatGPT or have dabbled before, this hands-on session will guide you step by step, building confidence along the way. AI isn’t just for tech giants, it’s a powerful tool at your fingertips. From organizing receipts to streamlining workflows and enhancing communication, AI can simplify your work and boost efficiency. No tech background needed, just curiosity and a willingness to explore!
Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Conference
The SISU Within: A Journey of Strength, Self, and Rediscovering My Magic through Teaching and AI
In this deeply personal keynote, Jennifer Hufnagel shares her journey through professional burnout, reinvention, and rediscovery, guided by the unexpected spark of generative AI. Framed by the Finnish concept of sisu, she reflects on the highs of a high-growth tech career, the quiet devastation of hitting rock bottom, and the courage it takes to rebuild with intention. Audiences are invited to consider their own relationship to resilience, career identity, and emerging technology. More than a talk on AI, this is a story about finding your footing in uncertain times, reclaiming your magic, and embracing change with both vulnerability and strength.