What is Diversity and Why Does It Matter? with Dr. Wendy Cukier

Ontario Chamber of Commerce Learning Management System webinar: Feb. 1, 2023

Lower turnover, and higher employee engagement and loyalty: these are just a few of the benefits of a more diverse workforce. An organizational commitment to diversity can help businesses address labour market shortages, access talent and markets, comply with regulations and drive innovation. There are also new opportunities to access resources and supports through initiatives such as the 50 — 30 Challenge.

But what, exactly, is meant by equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI)? And how can small and medium-sized enterprises achieve them?

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce invites you to join Dr. Wendy Cukier, founder and academic director of the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Ted Rogers School of Management, for an insightful webinar, What is Diversity and Why Does It Matter?

Dr. Cukier, who leads Canada’s longest-running action research institute in diversity, will discuss the strategic necessity of EDI in the workplace and steps businesses can take to get there.

Investors, customers and job seekers are demanding organizations do more. You don’t want to miss this informative and engaging seminar by one of Canada’s leading experts in disruptive technologies, innovation processes and EDI.

Dr. Wendy Cukier, Founder & Academic Director of the Diversity Institute, Academic Director of the Women Entrepreneurship Hub, and Research Lead of the Future Skills Centre

Dr. Wendy Cukier is a professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Academic Director of the Diversity Institute and Research Lead of the Future Skills Centre. She co-authored the bestseller “Innovation Nation: Canadian Leadership from Java to Jurassic Park" and is a leader in disruptive technologies and innovation.

Her work on the DiversityLeads project helped shape Bill C-25 and the 50-30 Challenge. The Diversity Institute is now an ecosystem partner supporting organizations that sign up for the 50-30 Challenge committing to gender parity and increased diversity on their boards and or senior leadership roles.

She has been recognized with many awards including the Harry Jerome Diversity Award, and recognized in the 100 Most Powerful Women by WXN. She has been named a YWCA Woman of Distinction, one of the "100 Alumni who shaped the Century" by the University of Toronto and International Women’s Forum 2020 Women Who Make a Difference. Wendy holds a PhD in Information Systems, an MBA, an MA, and honorary doctorates from Laval and Concordia. She also received Canada’s Meritorious Service Cross, one of Canada’s highest civilian honours. She is also the founder of several startups, social enterprises and nonprofits.

Capacity Building for Canadian SMEs - Unleashing Learning Management Systems at Scale is funded by the Government of Canada under the Future Skills program. The 50 — 30 Challenge is also supported by the Government of Canada.

Renforcement des capacités des PME canadiennes - Le déploiement des systèmes de gestion à grande échelle est financé par le Gouvernement du Canada dans le cadre du programme des Compétences futures. Le Défi 50-30 est appuyé par le gouvernement du Canada.