Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)

—the TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative

Upcoming events

Beyond Profit: Integrating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Practices to Drive Business Growth and Sustainability—FoundHer Series

Date: Tuesday, November 28, 2023 Time: 2 p.m. AST/ 1 p.m. ESTLocation: Zoom (Link to be received upon registration)

Whether you are about to launch a business or you started a business some time ago, we encourage you to join us for an enlightening panel discussion, “Beyond Profit” to discover the practical ways in which Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) can become powerful drivers of success for your business. This event is the first in the FoundHer series hosted by the TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative and YSpace ELLA, and it is tailored for forward-thinking founders who recognize that embracing diversity is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic advantage for business growth and sustainability.

Our panel of industry leaders and experts will delve into the tangible benefits of fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive business, exploring how these principles contribute to your overall success. From the development of groundbreaking products and services to expanded market reach, the discussion will showcase real-world examples and practical insights on leveraging DEI to drive positive business outcomes.

Key areas to be explored include:

Customer Relationships: A diverse and inclusive business is better positioned to understand and connect with a wide range of consumers, tapping into new markets and creating lasting brand loyalty.
Talent Acquisition: Attracting and retaining top talent by creating an inclusive workplace that values and respects the unique contributions of every individual, fostering a culture of collaboration and engagement.
Supply Chain: By fostering an inclusive supply chain, businesses can enhance innovation, reduce risk and build resilient, mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers.
Partnerships: Businesses that prioritize DEI in their collaborations are better positioned to navigate challenges, innovate and create lasting positive impacts in their respective industries.

Be prepared to gain actionable insights and strategies to propel your organization into a future where diversity is not just embraced, but integral to thriving in a competitive marketplace.

Do not miss this opportunity to shape or reshape your business paradigm and position yourself at the forefront of an evolving competitive landscape. “Beyond Profit” promises to be an inspiring journey into the potential of diversity, equity and inclusion to transform your business.

Eligibility: Open to all

For any questions or concerns, email Natasha Fernandes at natasha.fernandes@smu.ca.

Guest speakers

Aymen Dewji

Guest speaker

Aymen Dewji is the CEO and Managing Partner at ShiftRight Consulting, a human capital firm with a passion for change! She holds 16 years of experience managing enterprise change for Fortune 500 organizations within the private sector and international industry leaders such as the United Nations within the public sector. As a female entrepreneur, Aymen has focused on elevating the voice of minority and women-owned businesses particularly in traditionally male-dominated industries such as energy/oil, gas and mining.

Aymen’s passion lies in helping organizations and individuals simplify the process of change. Her motto is ‘Change done well, is Change made easy’. She led global change transformation programs across the North American and EMEA regions.

She holds a Masters in International Human Resources and Labour Relations from the London School of Economics and a Bachelors in Business Administration from the Richard Ivey School of Business.

Zahra Qureshi

Guest speaker

Zahra Qureshi is a Chartered Professional Accountant and brings more than 12 years of experience in the field of finance to help social enterprises build confidence and strategic clarity for achieving financial sustainability, powerful growth and positive social change. In 2019, Zahra launched Optinum Professional Corporation, a niche accounting and consulting firm with services including outsourced accounting services, fractional CFO roles, creating and managing a social impact blueprint, strategic coaching for growth-oriented organizations, and securing and managing grant and investor funding successfully. Zahra is also the founder and Executive Director of Social Venture Circuit, a not-for-profit community where social enterprises can grow and learn together through networking and coaching programs.

Oge Nwachukwu

Guest speaker

Oge Nwachukwu is the founder and Chief Knowledge Officer at Pollard Consults; Oge and her team are committed to delivering consulting services and quality education in business analysis, project management and organizational change management to corporate and individual clients. She also serves as the Director of Professional Development at the IIBA Halifax Chapter, where she continues to drive professional growth and learning. She is an international speaker and writer, using these platforms to share her knowledge and experiences with a broader audience. Her work is not just a profession; it’s a passion! A passion aimed at helping professionals start and thrive in the tech industry through the practice of business analysis, project management and organizational change management.

Shubhra Singh

Guest speaker

Shubhra Singh is CEO and Founder of EmployNXT, and a serial entrepreneur and tech visionary with a remarkable 17-year journey in technology. She is known for her innovation, mentorship and commitment to making tech more inclusive. Shubhra brings a wealth of experience across the tech landscape. Winner of prestigious pitch competitions such as Aquahackathon and Onside, Shubhra transforms visionary ideas into tech solutions. Shubhra actively mentors in programs like the Stay and Study initiative and the Ignition Program at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, shaping the next generation of tech leaders. As a woman in tech for 17 years, Shubhra envisions a future where all, especially women and the 2SLGBTQI+ community members, can realize their tech dreams through an empowering product she aims to develop.

Join the Flint Business Hub

Date: December 5, 2023 Time: 3:30-5 p.m.Location: the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, Inspiration Studio (SH212)

Gain insights from a respected Elder speaker sharing culture and wisdom and engage in open dialogue and connect with others to share diverse perspectives.

Join us for an inspiring cultural exchange. We look forward to seeing you!

For any questions or concerns, email Natasha Fernandes at natasha.fernandes@smu.ca.