"Resistance isn’t actually a sign of doing something wrong, it means that you’re changing something that needs to be changed," Jemal Demeke, Researcher, Wellesley Institute. 🌟 Thank you to everyone who joined us for our second virtual side event yesterday as part of the United Nations Fourth Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. Grounded in findings from our recent State of Black Economics Report (SOBER), the event explored updated data on the experiences of diverse Black communities across Canada. Featuring thought leaders in equity, research and innovation, the panel shared powerful insights on how organizations can take data-driven action to break down systemic barriers: ▶️ Nancy Mitchell, Director of Research - Special Projects, Diversity Institute ▶️ Cassandra Dorrington, President & CEO, Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) ▶️ Nadine Spencer, CEO, BrandEQ Group ▶️ Jemal Demeke, Researcher, Wellesley Institute 📺 Missed it? Download the full SOBER report here: bit.ly/3QZqpy4 #HumanRights #PeopleofAfricanDescent #Forum #50_30Challenge SSHRC-CRSH #Entrepreneurship
Diversity Institute
Research Services
The Diversity Institute at Ted Rogers School of Management undertakes research on diversity in the workplace.
About us
Ted Rogers School of Management's Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University was founded in 1999 by Dr. Wendy Cukier with the aim of undertaking research on diversity in the workplace to improve practices in organizations. We work with organizations to develop customized strategies, programming, and resources to promote new, interdisciplinary knowledge and practice about diversity with respect to gender, race/ethnicity, Aboriginal peoples, abilities, and sexual orientation. We collaborate with industry, government, not-for-profits, and academics to: - Research existing practices and evaluate programs; - Explore barriers to full participation in the workplace; - Develop fact-based policies and programs to help organizations attract, motivate and develop, underrepresented groups; and - Provide customized training to support the development of diversity strategies. Using an ecological model of change, the Diversity Institute is driving social innovation across sectors. Our action-oriented, evidence-based approach is advancing knowledge of the complex barriers faced by underrepresented groups, leading practices to effect change, and producing concrete results.
- Website
-
http://www.torontomu.ca/diversity/
External link for Diversity Institute
- Industry
- Research Services
- Company size
- 51-200 employees
- Headquarters
- Toronto
- Type
- Educational
- Founded
- 1999
- Specialties
- Research, Diversity , Entrepreneurship , Innovation, Newcomers, Skills, Inclusion, and Leadership
Locations
-
Primary
Get directions
Toronto, CA
Employees at Diversity Institute
-
Sarah Shteir
Program Manager at the Diversity Institute, Toronto Metropolitan University
-
Charles Finley
Leader | Builder | Entrepreneur | Advisor
-
Shannon Pestun
Board Member, Entrepreneur and Executive Leader who shares the ambition of unlocking the full potential of an inclusive economy. Proud member of the…
-
Kathleen Powderley
President, Responsible Communications and PR Lead TRIA - Initiating Change That Matters Through Communications - Sustainability & Environment…
Updates
-
Last week at the Bridging Divides Connections Lab, our Founder and Academic Director, Dr. Wendy Cukier, shared timely insights on the shifting landscape of migration policy, public sentiment and the responsibility researchers and sector partners have in shaping narratives and advancing equity. A critical reminder about the role of research, storytelling and collaboration in building more inclusive communities. Learn more about the event here ⬇️⬇️⬇️ #Immigration #InclusiveEconomy #Entrepreneurship
🌐 What does it take to turn research into impact? That was the guiding question behind Bridging Divides inaugural Connections Lab, hosted at Toronto Metropolitan University — an in-person gathering designed to spark collaboration across research, policy, and practice. The afternoon began with reflections from Wendy Cukier (Diversity Institute) on the shifting landscape of migration policy and public sentiment, and the responsibility researchers and sector leaders share in communicating data with care and context. Her remarks set the tone for a powerful fireside chat with Shamira Madhany (World Education Services) and The Honourable Ratna Omidvar, C.M., O.Ont (Toronto Metropolitan University) which offered a wide-angle view of how policy, practice, and research intersect in shaping the current climate around immigration, as well as the distinction between attitudes toward immigration systems and migrants themselves. Participants then joined breakout discussions on themes like: 🔹 Building collaborations between researchers and immigration organizations 🔹 Tech innovation and employer engagement in newcomer services 🔹 The role of digital tools in a time of funding challenges 🔹 Housing, health equity, and rebuilding trust with marginalized communities These small-group conversations brought together diverse voices and sparked valuable exchanges, the results of which we hope to see developed in long-lasting partnerships. 📣 The event also marked the launch of Bridges Magazine, our new platform for stories at the intersection of research and community. Thank you to all who joined us for a day of insight, connection, and shared purpose. 📸 Scroll through for a few highlights. Research – Toronto Metropolitan University Anna Triandafyllidou Maggie Perzyna TIPS-SPIIE #CFREF
-
-
-
-
-
+2
-
-
🌎 We're looking forward to the upcoming International Conference on AI, Remote Work and Productivity in St. John's, N.L! Join us from May 8th to 9th to explore how artificial intelligence (#AI) and #RemoteWork are reshaping #WorkforceDevelopment with keynote speakers: 🔷 Sarah Stoodley, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador 🔷 Rhonda M., President and vice-chancellor of Victoria University, University of Toronto 🔷 Richard B. Freeman, Herbert Ascherman Chair in Economics at Harvard University, Research Associate at National Bureau of Economic Research , and Faculty co-Director of the Center for Labor and a Just Economy at Harvard Law School 🔷 Jennifer Hunt, Professor of Economics, Rutgers University and past Chief Economist of U.S. Department of Labor 🔍 Additional esteemed speakers include: Tony Fang, Jarislowsky Chair, Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador Wendy Cukier, Founder and Academic Director, Diversity Institute, Toronto Metropolitan University Greenwood Robert, Deputy Minister, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Dave Sawyer, Principal Economist, Canadian Climate Institute / Institut climatique du Canada Namir Anani, P.Eng., President & CEO, Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC-CTIC 🇨🇦) …and many more experts will be joining the conversation. Expect keynote addresses, expert panels and cutting-edge research focused on the latest challenges and opportunities facing today’s evolving economy. 👉 Register today: https://lnkd.in/eQEdS-pR #FutureOfWork #Upskilling #GreenTech #Productivity Migrant Integration in the Mid-21st Century: Bridging Divides ACS / AEC - Metropolis Institute / Institut Metropolis SSHRC-CRSH University of Alberta, Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations (SMLR) Work and Organization Studies Future Skills Centre - Centre des Compétences futures
-
-
⏳ Just a few hours left to register! Join us today for our second virtual side event as part of the United Nations Fourth Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. 📊 State of Black Economics Report (SOBER): Leveraging Data to Understand Barriers, Take Action and Mitigate Pushback Leveraging the Diversity Institute’s State of Black Economics Report (SOBER), we will explore updated data on the experiences of diverse Black communities across Canada. This event will focus on the importance of data collection, data-driven actions that support diverse Black communities in the workforce and ways that organizations can leverage this data to break down barriers. 🗓 Date: April 14, 2025 🕐 Time: 1:00 p.m to 2:30 p.m. EDT 💻 Platform: Zoom 🔗 Full details and registration: https://lnkd.in/edAbVJ62 🎙 Speakers: – Nancy Mitchell, Director of Research – Special Projects, Diversity Institute – Cassandra Dorrington, President & CEO, Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) – Nadine Spencer, CEO, BrandEQ Group – Jemal Demeke, Researcher, Wellesley Institute #HumanRights #PeopleofAfricanDescent #Forum #50_30Challenge SSHRC-CRSH #Entrepreneurship
-
-
🔔 One day until the webinar: Pathways to Jobs: Microcredentials, Work-Integrated Learning and Labour Market Information! Join Future Skills Centre - Centre des Compétences futures for an important discussion on how these three critical elements are shaping the #workforce of tomorrow. 📅 Date: Tomorrow, April 15 ⏰ Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET What you’ll gain: ✅ Insights on how microcredentials enhance skill development ✅ Strategies for leveraging work-integrated learning to gain real-world experience ✅ A deeper understanding of how labour market information informs career and workforce decisions This is a valuable opportunity for policymakers, educators, industry leaders and community partners to engage in critical conversations about creating a more adaptive and dynamic workforce. 🔗 We hope to see you there: https://lnkd.in/g_kZeYf8 #FutureOfWork #Microcredentials #WorkforceDevelopment #WIL #LMI
-
-
Diversity Institute reposted this
🚨 Newcomers in British Columbia - Last call for applications! ADaPT for BC Newcomers is designed to equip you with the essential skills and job readiness needed to thrive in today’s workforce. Gain hands-on training in professional, foundational and digital skills while accessing tailored support to boost your job search, including: ✅ One-on-one career coaching ✅ Resume reviews & mock interviews ✅ Networking opportunities ✅ Employer connections for paid work placements 🔗 Don't wait to apply, the deadline is today! https://lnkd.in/g8xYQTRV Diversity Institute Immigrant Employment Council of BC
-
-
🤝 How can partnerships bridge the gap between research and community impact? This was one of the central questions explored yesterday when our Founder and Academic Director, Dr. Wendy Cukier, moderated a fireside chat at the Migrant Integration in the Mid-21st Century: Bridging Divides Connections Lab in Toronto. Joined by special guests The Honourable Ratna Omidvar, C.M., O.Ont, former Senator and Toronto Metropolitan University Policy Fellow and Shamira Madhany, Managing Director Canada and Deputy Executive Director of World Education Services, attendees explored the transformative potential of advanced digital technologies and the importance of collaboration in addressing pressing #immigration challenges. Thank you to Bridging Divides for facilitating these important conversations and fostering connections that drive impact! #immigration #collaboration #tech #digitaltechnologies
-
-
📢 “Immigrants create jobs. They drive innovation. They build our infrastructure and our homes. There’s a labour shortage and we need immigrants.”
As someone whose family immigrated to Canada over 40 years ago—and who has spent most of my career helping newcomers develop the language skills they need to thrive in post-secondary education and the workforce—Wendy Cukier’s powerful plenary at the 27th National Metropolis Conference felt both timely and personal. 'Re-establishing the Case for Immigration' is more than just a session title. It is a call to action. In a climate of rising misinformation and backlash against equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), Dr. Cukier delivered a clear, evidence-based reminder: ➡️ Immigration isn’t just a moral good—it’s an economic necessity. Her message reinforced the importance of the work so many of us do to support newcomers— from language skills to social integration. She reminded us that Canada’s future depends on doubling down on inclusion, innovation, and opportunity for all. We must double down on the very values—openness, innovation, inclusion—that have long been Canada’s strengths. 📢 “Immigrants create jobs. They drive innovation. They build our infrastructure and our homes. There’s a labour shortage, and we need immigrants.” Grateful to the Diversity Institute and Future Skills Centre - Centre des Compétences futures for helping lead this essential conversation. Let’s keep it going—loudly, clearly, and together. #Metropolis2025 #ImmigrationMatters #InclusiveGrowth #EDI #FutureOfWork #Canada #ESL
-
📊 How can we leverage data to understand barriers, take action and mitigate pushback? Join us for our second virtual side event as part of the United Nations Fourth Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. Leveraging the Diversity Institute’s State of Black Economics Report, we will explore updated data on the experiences of diverse Black communities across Canada. This timely conversation will explore: ✅ The importance of data collection ✅ Data-driven actions that support Black communities in the workforce ✅ How organizations can leverage this data to dismantle barriers ✅ Strategies to remain committed to #EDI in today’s climate of resistance 🗓️ April 14, 2025 ⏰ 1–2:30 p.m. EDT 📍 Join Zoom: https://lnkd.in/e-PhvSma 🎤 Featuring: 🔹 Nancy Mitchell, Director of Research - Special Projects, Diversity Institute 🔹 Cassandra Dorrington, President & CEO, CAMSC 🔹 Nadine Spencer, CEO, BrandEQ Group 🔹 Jemal Demeke, Researcher, Wellesley Institute We look forward to seeing you there! #HumanRights #PeopleofAfricanDescent #Forum #50_30Challenge SSHRC-CRSH #Entrepreneurship
-
-
Diversity Institute reposted this
Newcomers in British Columbia: Your career starts here! 💡 Looking to build your digital and professional skills and improve your employment readiness? The ADaPT for BC Newcomers program offers free online training, one-on-one career coaching, networking opportunities and paid work placements to help you succeed. The program is available online with self-study, experienced industry instructors and all the support you need. 📌 This is the LAST week to apply, apply today: https://lnkd.in/g8xYQTRV #FutureOfWork #Skills Diversity Institute Immigrant Employment Council of BC
-