Diversity Institute

🤝 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.”

📊 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

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

🌍 This May, join us in St. John's N.L. for an international conference on AI, Remote Work and Productivity. This timely and interdisciplinary event will bring together global thought leaders, economists, policy experts and innovators to explore how artificial intelligence (#AI) and #remotework are reshaping #productivity, #workforcedevelopment and the future of inclusive workplaces. 📅 May 8th to 9th, 2025 📍 Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s, N.L., Canada 👉 Register today: https://lnkd.in/eQEdS-pR Expect keynote addresses, expert panels and cutting-edge research focused on the latest challenges and opportunities facing today’s evolving economy. 🎤 Featuring 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. We hope to see you in St. John's! #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), International Association for Work and Organization Studies Future Skills Centre - Centre des Compétences futures

At the 27th Metropolis Canada Conference in Toronto, Dr. Wendy Cukier delivered a powerful, data-backed case for why immigration is key to solving Canada’s biggest challenges—from labour shortages to trade disruptions to lagging innovation. With 99% of Canadian businesses being small and medium-sized enterprises (#SMEs) and nearly 1 in 5 Canadians over 65, we can’t afford to overlook the role immigrants play in building our future. Dr. Cukier highlighted how immigrants: 🔹 Open access to global markets and strengthen local supply chains 🔹 Lead in adopting AI and driving productivity 🔹 Spark job creation and inclusive economic growth She also cautioned against the rising #backlash to equity, diversity and inclusion (#EDI), reminding us: “EDI is not political correctness—it’s Marketing 101.” Her message is clear: In times of uncertainty, Canada must lead with inclusion, not fear. 📖 Want to learn more? Read the full story for Dr. Cukier’s actionable recommendations on how policymakers, business leaders and educators can help build a stronger, more resilient Canada: https://bit.ly/3RwHLCr #Metropolis2025 #InclusiveGrowth #FutureOfWork #Entrepreneurship

🌏 We are proud to be hosting the upcoming side event “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Human Rights for People of African Descent: A Time to Refocus” as part of the United Nations Fourth Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. In the wake of intensifying pushback on diversity, equity and inclusion (#DEI) efforts worldwide, it is essential to stay the course and rely on frameworks that help us advance inclusion and anti-racism. This timely conversation will explore: 🔹 The roots of DEI pushback 🔹 Shifting organizational priorities 🔹 Approaches to advancing inclusion and addressing anti-Black racism 🔹 Whether a human rights framework is the solution in the wake of attacks on DEI 🔗https://lnkd.in/eb3_cfms Moderated by Dr. Jodi-Ann Francis, PhD, RCIC, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, the session will feature: Dr. Rhonda M., President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Toronto - Victoria University Tamara Thermitus, Ad. E., Visiting Scholar, McGill University Centre for Human Rights & Legal Pluralism (CHRLP) Dr. Wendy Cukier, Founder and Academic Director, Diversity Institute, Toronto Metropolitan University We are honoured to contribute to this global dialogue. #HumanRights #PeopleofAfricanDescent #Forum #50_30Challenge

🌍 Resilience, creativity and adaptability—these are the traits that define immigrant entrepreneurs. #Immigrant #entrepreneurs are key drivers of economic #growth, #innovation and social cohesion. Yet, their journeys are often marked by immense challenges, especially in times of crisis. Our recent book, Immigrant Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Opportunities, explores the realities of immigrant entrepreneurs, highlighting the obstacles they face and the strategies they use to thrive in Canada and beyond. 📖 In part one, authors Zhan Su and Radjabu Mayuto examine how immigrant entrepreneurs navigated the COVID-19 crisis. Through qualitative research, they reveal how business owners leveraged technology, adapted their strategies and tapped into social networks to stay afloat. "I know what it means to go through difficulties, to overcome obstacles." – One entrepreneur’s powerful reflection on the resilience it takes to succeed. Packed with insights and forward-thinking analysis, this book is a must-read for policymakers, researchers and anyone invested in inclusive economic development. 🔗 Get your copy today: https://lnkd.in/d2rKaMe4 SSHRC-CRSH Future Skills Centre - Centre des Compétences futures s Migrant Integration in the Mid-21st Century: Bridging Divides #ImmigrantEntrepreneurs #Entrepreneurship

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Are you looking to take charge of your financial future? 📈 Canadian Small Business Women presents the Amplify Your Voice Conference: The Financial Edition, a one-day event designed to empower you with the tools, insights and connections to build #wealth and secure #funding. 📅 Date: May 12, 2025 📍 Location: Mississauga Grand, 35 Brunel Road 🎟️ Register today for early bird pricing: https://lnkd.in/gxVhRH2e #FinancialEmpowerment #WealthBuilding #WomenInBusiness #FundingOpportunities #Networking #Investing