Thank you, Jennifer Laidlaw, MA, CHRE, for this thoughtful post and support for the work of our founder and academic director, Wendy Cukier, who has been tireless in her quest over these past 25 years. Along with our hardworking and dedicated team, Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) hub leaders and you, there are so many industry, government, business, research, community and other partners who have been essential to helping us to advance an inclusive approach to entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development. While there are too many to name, they include Future Skills Centre - Centre des Compétences futures, Mark Patterson, Valerie Fox, Vicki Saunders (She/Her), Darian Kovacs ♾️, The Honourable Ratna Omidvar, C.M., O.Ont, Cassandra Dorrington, Tamara Sabarini, Pam Palmater, Erin Roach Rocco Rossi, Michelle Eaton, MBA, CRM, Dr. Amanda Dale, Lynne Hamilton, Julie Cafley, PhD, Fawn Annan, MBA (she/her), Tabatha Bull—and so many more. Together, we are having impact!
Founder @ Cre8 | I turn high achievers into thriving leaders | Executive Advisor & Business Coach | Board Director | Speaker | Country Head, 30% Club 🇨🇦| Proud Aunt & Dog Mama
Welcome back to another edition of Amplify August! 📣 This week, I’m shining a light on ✨ Wendy Cukier, PhD ✨ 📌 renowned academic, researcher & advocate 📌 leading groundbreaking work in DEI — particularly in technology and innovation 📌 continuing to make significant contributions to the advancement of gender equality, social justice, & human rights in the workplace 📌 a thought leader & change-maker, she continues to inspire and empower individuals and organizations to create more inclusive and equitable environments for all. Wendy is leading several organizations in different capacities, including: ➝ Founder and Director, Diversity Institute ➝ Academic Research Director, Future Skills Centre - Centre des Compétences futures ➝ Founder & Academic Director, Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) ➝ Ecosystem Partner, #50_30Challenge ➝ Founder and Principal, Innovation + Inclusion Strategy Group ➝ Professor Toronto Metropolitan University ➝ Founder, Lifeline Syria Challenge ➝ Cofounder and President, Coalition for Gun Control ➝ Former Chair of the Board of Directors, Women's College Hospital ➝ Board Director, NPower and Lifelong Leadership Institute She’s been recognized with awards from so many distinguished institutions - here are just a very few: 🏆 Nation Builders Award for Allyship and Diversity Leadership (inaugural) by Canadian Congress on Inclusive Diversity & Workplace Equity 🏆 Governor General’s Meritorius Cross 🏆 YWCA Canada Woman of Distinction Award 🏆 Harry Jerome Diversity Award 🏆 Top 25 Transformational Canadians Wendy’s incredible team at the Diversity Institute is leading some of the most cutting edge work - here’s a few examples: ⚫️ leading evidence-based projects on employment and skills trends and their impacts, including projects related to AI, newcomers and immigration, technology and the net-zero economy, with a focus on SMEs with the Future Skills Centre ⚫️ conducting research and running groundbreaking programs like #SeeItBeIt at the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) ⚫️ collaborating across the country to elevate women, persons with disabilities, and Black, Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ people into leadership positions through initiatives like the #50_30Challenge ⚫️ working with the private and public sector to develop and deliver strategies and training to advance EDI in organizations ⚫️ developing training and work placement programs like ADaPT (Advanced Digital and Professional Training) for Black Youth, ADaPT for Newcomers and MyStartr. I’ve had the distinct honour and privilege of partnering with Wendy in several capacities over the past 15+ years. She is one of the most passionate advocates I know and she’s built a team of experts who are breaking down barriers and driving innovative solutions to make Canada economically stronger and more competitive globally. Thank you Wendy for all you do! #AmplifyAugust #InspiringLeaders #Trailblazer