Jennifer Kozak, Mentee 

I’m Temping as an associate producer with Rosemary Barton Live.  In late 2025 when I applied for the mentorship program, I’d spent about two years as a casual at NN, followed by almost another two years on a temporary contract, doing everything from writing and chasing to story editing.When I signed up for the mentorship program, I needed the confidence to put my name forward at other shows. I knew I had valuable experience in my four years at CBC, but I needed help putting that into words and explaining what I could bring to another team.

I didn’t want my experience of working in a big newsroom like News Network, make smaller teams hesitant to work with me. I wanted to show how I could contribute and use my skills to help them accomplish what they needed but also that I was willing to learn from them.

I needed that extra boost from someone who didn’t know me. Someone who could help me recognize my strengths, communicate both soft and hard skills, and feel more confident taking that next step.

Having Abby Plener as my mentor was a dream come true. She was on top of her game and put 100% into it. Abby was very hands-on throughout the mentorship.When I told her I wanted a change, she jumped in and really helped me with that.  She shared job postings and went out of her way to connect me with senior producers and reporters, including people in Hamilton, London and Syndication. She also helped me navigate contracts and temporary work, which made a big difference as I considered my next steps. She was always open to questions and willing to offer honest feedback. She helped me build confidence to approach other teams for work opportunities.  

Abby took all these worries I had and helped me recognize what I have to offer. I used to underestimate myself and get stuck in my own head. Speaking with senior producers and reporters outside my program helped me see the value I bring. Those conversations gave me a fresh perspective on my experience and reminded me that my ideas can land with any other show. I feel more comfortable speaking up, asking questions and putting myself forward for opportunities. I’m learning to trust my judgment and give myself more credit for the work I do.

I'd love to become a permanent employee, but that just hasn’t happened for me yet! I remain very hopeful. 

The mentorship program has helped me in more than just landing a new job. It has helped me overcome the impact of challenging experiences in my life. I’ve always wanted to be a journalist or some form of a Nancy Drew. In my late teens (18-22), I was homeless for about four and a half years, and those experiences often made me feel like I wasn’t smart enough or good enough. Even after college and university, that feeling never really left. I used to feel a lot of shame, and no matter how I progressed, I was very hard on myself.

Working at CBC has been a dream come true. We’re right across from Metro Hall, where I used to go to look for jobs while I was homeless. Being here feels like a full-circle moment.

For a long time, I told myself, “Whatever you get, Jenn, just be thankful.” I am thankful, but I’ve realized that mindset sometimes kept me from recognizing my own worth and asking for more. I’ve worked hard to be here, and I deserve to be here, too. This mentorship helped me see that. I’m still working through imposter syndrome, but with Abby’s support, I’m more confident in my work and my voice. 

If anyone is considering applying for the mentoring program, one of the first things I’d say is this: if you get an opportunity to work on your dream show, don’t let a sense of loyalty to your current show keep you from taking it, especially when you’re in a temporary role. You can appreciate the team you’re with and still choose what’s best for your career. Sometimes a new team will take a chance on you before you’re ready to take one on yourself. Don’t let fear talk you out of something you’ve wanted. Take the leap and bet on yourself!