Furthering Diversity and Inclusion on Boards of Governance

$500,000 gift from TD allows expansion of board-matching program DiverseCity onBoard at Ryerson's G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education 

TORONTO, Nov. 8, 2016 /CNW/ - Ryerson University is pleased to announce a $500,000 gift from TD to expand the reach and programming of DiverseCity onBoard, an internationally-recognized program of governance training and board-matching to strengthen diversity on the boards of Canadian not-for-profit and public sector organizations. The gift was announced at a celebratory event and panel conversation held last night at Ryerson University.

The board-matching program will expand its reach to include all women and the LGBTQ+ communities. The program has formed new relationships with the Aboriginal/Indigenous community to increase their inclusion on governance boards, a representation that decreased from 1.3 per cent in 2015 to 0.6 per cent in 2016, according to the Canadian Board Diversity Council (CBDC). The CBDC reports that overall, visible minority representation on boards declined from 7.3 per cent in 2015 to 4.5 per cent in 2016. The program will expand to persons with disabilities in 2017.

"DiverseCity onBoard offered me a great platform to share my passion by giving me the opportunity to help shape the future of Canada," says Gautam Nath, Vice-President at Balmoral Multicultural Marketing. DiverseCity onBoard helped place Nath on the board of MCIS Language Solutions, where he has served since 2010. He was recently elected Chair of the board.

The event also celebrated DiverseCity onBoard's new affiliation with The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at Ryerson University. Senator Ratna Omidvar, Distinguished Visiting Professor and Founder of the Global Diversity Exchange (GDX), moderated a conversation between representatives from each of the groups to whom the board matching program is now open.

"Canada is one of the most diverse societies in the world, yet it needs to go further in ensuring that its leadership reflects the changing face of society. A more inclusive Canada will require new arrangements, new conversations and new voices particularly at an institutional level," said Senator Ratna Omidvar. "I am delighted that DiverseCity onBoard, building on its success in addressing the under-representation of visible minorities and immigrant communities on governance boards, is leading this conversation by collaborating with all communities to build a more inclusive and stronger Canada."

"Fostering diverse talent and leadership has long been a priority at TD as part of a broader commitment to diversity and inclusion," says Sue Cummings, Executive Vice-President, Human Resources at TD Bank Group. "We are proud to help DiverseCity onBoard reach more people traditionally under-represented on leadership boards because we know how critical unique and diverse perspectives are to our own future growth and the growth of our communities."

"We are delighted to welcome DiverseCity onBoard into The Chang School," says Dr. Marie Bountrogianni, Dean of The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education. "This initiative not only aligns with The Chang School's commitment to inclusive and diverse communities, but it also presents our learners with an invaluable opportunity to bring their skills set to the board of some outstanding Canadian not-for-profit and public organizations."

About DiverseCity onBoard
DiverseCity onBoard bridges the diversity gap in governance and raises the standard for modern governance. It is an internationally recognized program that provides self-paced, online governance training for everyone and connects qualified candidates currently under-represented in governance to boards in not-for-profit organizations and the public sector. The program operates in seven cities across Canada and has a network of over 700 organizations, and 1,800 individuals. It has facilitated the placement of over 800 appointments to governance boards. Its Founding Partners are Maytree, the TD Bank Group and the J. W. McConnell Family Foundation.  

About Ryerson University's G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education
With approximately 70,000 annual enrollments, The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education is Canada's leading provider of university-based adult education. The Chang School has more than 1,500 courses (over 400 courses offered through distance education), seminars, and workshops. We offer over 80 career-related certificate programs, with 20+ certificate programs that can be completed entirely at a distance. The school's mission is to be a leader in innovative, quality, lifelong learning that empowers adults. For more info, please visit http://ce-online.ryerson.ca/ce/default.aspx 

Follow DiverseCity onBoard on Twitter: @onBoardCanada

Follow The Chang School on Twitter: @ChangSchool

SOURCE Ryerson University

MEDIA CONTACT: Dasha Pasiy, Public Affairs, University Relations, Ryerson University, 416.979.5000 x 2126, cell: [phone]