DiversityCan Magazine

DiversityCan Magazine is pleased to announce the 2024 Top 10 Diversity and Culture Impact Leaders driving change in their organizations and communities through innovative strategies and initiatives. These leaders are dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to thrive in their careers. Their relentless commitment to breaking down barriers is making a global impact. Congratulations to ALL those amazing people!! 2024 Top 10 Diversity and Culture Impact Leaders Ø Lou Strickland, (she/her) , Country Quality Head, Bayer Canada Ø Mia Talavera , Director of Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Benefit Cosmetics Ø Vanessa Lewerentz , Chief Inclusion Officer, BMO Financial Group Ø Abhishek Sarathy , Associate Vice-President, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, Canadian Tire Corporation Ø Marc Viola CHRE, BA, VP of Talent and Culture,  Definity Financial Corporation Ø Pascal Occean, Partner and the Culture and People Officer, Deloitte Canada Ø Miguel Simard, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Export Development Canada | Exportation et développement Canada Ø Shereen Samuels, M.A., Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Gowling WLG Ø Karima Hashmani , Chief Inclusion Officer, Metrolinx Ø Darryl D. Castellano , CDP, VP of Global Inclusion, Diversity and Engagement    Wesco International Please read their bios here: https://lnkd.in/g2sKugWQ #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership #Impact #DEI #TopDiversityandCultureImpactLeaders2024 #DiversityCan

Thank you for your support and for making a difference for others. Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with health and prosperity!  #HappyHolidays #Thankful #NewYear2025 #MerryChristmas

2024 Top 10 Diversity and Culture Impact Leaders Spotlight! Lou Strickland, (she/her), Country Quality Head at Bayer Canada, has been a key leader in driving inclusion. She founded the first LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group and helped establish five more focused on diversity for Black Employees, People with Disabilities, Employee Generations, Indigenous Peoples, and Women. Her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and creating lasting change is shaping a more inclusive future at Bayer Canada. The company believes that an open, inclusive environment where employees can thrive and feel empowered is the key to success. #Inclusion #Diversity #Leadership #BayerCanada #ERG Please read Lou's bio here:https://lnkd.in/guScQqUD https://lnkd.in/g3Be5CBC  

#Spotlight! Novartis Canada awards over $680,000 to three community-based programs through its inaugural Health Equity Initiative, increasing its original $500,000 commitment to drive meaningful change. #HealthEquity #CommunityImpact #Novatis Read here: https://lnkd.in/gBys7yi2 "At Novartis, we believe that equitable access to healthcare is a fundamental right for every individual, regardless of their circumstances," says Mark Vineis, MBA, Country President, Novartis Canada. "With the launch of our Health Equity Initiative and an investment of more than $680,000, we are proud to support organizations that are dedicated to dismantling barriers of access and promoting inclusive health solutions. Together, we can drive meaningful change and help work towards a system where all Canadians have the opportunity to receive the timely and appropriate care they deserve." @Cheryl Thomas at first nation, Councilor of the Fort Severn First Nation Amber Dyce, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundations for Social Change Julie Sobowale, Executive Director of the Black Physicians of Canada

Inclusive Marketing Matters! Authenticity is key when including people with disabilities in marketing. Thoughtful messaging helps avoid stereotypes and fosters genuine representation. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gr_aJmJG #Inclusion #AccessibleMarketing #RepresentationMatters #Diversity

#Highlight! Bombardier is pleased to announce the appointment of Caroline Maso, CRIA CPHR as Chief Human Resources Officer. Starting early in the new year, she will lead the company's global HR strategy, ensuring Bombardier remains a best-in-class employer worldwide. With nearly 25 years of experience in the aerospace industry, Caroline is committed to fostering diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environments that empower people to thrive.  #Leadership #PeopleandCulture #HR #Bombardier #DiversityInclusion #EmployeeExperience "I would like to welcome Caroline to Bombardier. Her long list of credentials and proven leadership track record will play an important role in taking our people strategy to the next level,” said Mr. Éric Martel, President and CEO. “I am excited for her to join Bombardier’s Senior Leadership Team where her expertise in operational and strategic HR practices will contribute to Bombardier’s continued success in attracting, retaining, developing and engaging the best talent.” https://lnkd.in/gTQ2GtJ2

#Spotlight! BMO and All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO) have announced a groundbreaking partnership to boost access to capital for Indigenous communities in B.C. This collaboration will provide grants, business loans, and financial products to support Indigenous entrepreneurs across 121 communities. Together, they’ll strengthen market presence and opportunities in the province. #IndigenousBusiness #BMO #ANTCO #Partnership #BC "BMO's Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, drives us to explore and support new opportunities that benefit Indigenous customers and communities. We are proud to partner with ANTCO, a 100% Indigenous-owned financial institution, to bring greater access to capital to Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities in British Columbia," said Michael Bonner, Canadian Personal & Business Banking Distribution and Head, Enterprise Indigenous Strategy, BMO. "This partnership is a strong example of our commitment to fostering economic empowerment by eliminating barriers to capital and driving progress for a thriving economy, a sustainable future and an inclusive society." https://lnkd.in/g4MbZNrw

#Spotlight! Woveo is proud to partner with the African Impact Initiative on the B.R.I.D.G.E. Program, supporting African immigrants in Canada. This collaboration aims to provide resources for financial stability, professional development, and community integration, empowering immigrants to overcome barriers and thrive.  #FinancialInclusion #CommunityEmpowerment #BRIDGEProgram #Woveo #AfricanImpactInitiative "At Woveo, our mission has always been to empower communities through innovative ways to access capital", said Jonah Chininga, CEO of Woveo. "This partnership with the African Impact Initiative aligns perfectly with our goal to drive financial inclusion and ensure that communities that have been historically financially marginalized have access to capital to upskill and build businesses, creating a lasting community economic development impact on underserved populations. We're excited to be doing so alongside our friends at African Impact Initiative. Together, we are bridging the gap for African immigrants in Canada to build brighter futures." "We believe that through partnerships like this, we can truly bridge the gap and create equitable opportunities for African immigrants in Canada," said Osaretin (Osas) Obano , Director of the African Impact Initiative. "Together, we're empowering individuals to take control of their futures." https://lnkd.in/gUy3FXtH

#Highlight! Centennial College has appointed Chef Joseph Shawana as its first Indigenous Culinary and Foodways Guide, a role dedicated to advancing Indigenous food sovereignty and reconciliation. Shawana’s work will support the College’s Indigenous Strategic Framework, promoting culturally grounded learning and development. #IndigenousLeadership #CulinaryArts #Reconciliation #CentennialCollege "In establishing the Indigenous Culinary and Foodways Guide role, the College continues to recognize the ongoing work and sustained commitment it will take if we are to realize our shared aspirations for reconciliation," said Seán Carson Kinsella,MEd, Director, the Eighth Fire. "Joseph is a natural teacher, and we are fortunate to have him carving the path forward in this new role facilitating dialogues, connecting with Indigenous communities and conducting culinary foodways training." "By integrating the deep traditions of Indigenous culinary heritage into our curriculum, we are fostering a community where respect, understanding, and cultural exchange thrive," said Damian Goulbourne, Dean, School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts. "Chef Joseph's Odawa heritage and his world-class culinary expertise make him the perfect guide to advance this initiative." https://lnkd.in/gxi_XRgC

Last week, DiversityCan Magazine had the pleasure of attending the WBE Canada Conference—a powerful gathering of women-owned businesses, corporate leaders, and industry changemakers! The energy was electric, the conversations inspiring, and the commitment to supplier diversity truly impactful. Kudos to WBE Canada for hosting such a fantastic event that champions inclusion and empowers women entrepreneurs. Looking forward to seeing the ripple effects of these meaningful connections and initiatives! #WBECanada #SupplierDiversity #WomenOwnedBusiness #DrivingChange