Dr Jenny Panchal was born and raised in Baguio City, Philippines, and obtained various qualifications from four countries: a Bachelor of Science in Tourism from the Philippines, a Certificate in Japanese Language & Arts from Japan, a Master of Tourism Management from New Zealand, and a PhD from Australia. Jenny is a Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality Management at the College of Business, Law, and Governance at James Cook University. Her research interests broadly lie in tourist behaviour and positive psychology in tourism, particularly in Southeast Asia.

As past President of the Filipino-Australian Association of North Queensland (FAANQ), Jenny actively engages with multicultural initiatives, which positions her well to support Townsville Migrant Support Group (TMSG). She has also been a board member of international organisations for over a decade, including the ASEAN Tourism Research Association (ATRA), headquartered in Malaysia. With her leadership experience and strong connections within diverse communities, she brings a unique perspective on cultural integration, migrant welfare, and community empowerment. Her expertise in navigating cross-cultural environments and commitment to enhancing well-being would be valuable in supporting TMSG's mission to assist migrants in their settlement journey.