Written by Tina Edan, Maytree
2011 was an exciting year for diversity in leadership. While we continue to see a gap between the diversity we see on the streets of the GTA and that of our boardrooms, media and government, there are reasons to be hopeful.
Here are the Top 11 from 2011:
11. International recognition for diversity work in the GTA
In December, DiverseCity onBoard received the 2011 UN Intercultural Innovation Award.
10. Diversity gap in elected office deeper and wider than previously thought
(Okay not a reason to be hopeful, but see #9)
DiverseCity released a report on The Electoral Under-Representation of Visible Minorities uncovering that while they comprise 40% of the GTA population, only 11% of those elected to office are visible minorities.
9. We’re making progress! DiverseCity Counts report finds more visible minorities in leadership positions.
The third annual DiverseCity Counts report, produced by the Diversity Institute at Ryerson University on behalf of DiverseCity: The Greater Toronto Leadership Project, found that 14.5% of leaders in the GTA are visible minorities (relative to 49.5% of the population studied) which is an overall increase of eight percent from 13.4 % in 2009.
8. DiverseCity Champions come in all colours
DiverseCity Co-Chair John Tory received the Henry Jerome Award for his work on the promise of a stronger and more prosperous Greater Toronto region through a more diverse leadership.
7. GTA boardrooms becoming more diverse
DiverseCity onBoard is now over 1,500 candidates strong and has made over 600 appointments. This includes Microskills Executive Director and DiverseCity onBoard roster member, Kay Blair, who was named Chair, Board of Directors, William Osler Health System.
6. Law firm spearheads diversity movement
In June, DiverseCity Counts reported that just 6.8% of leaders (judges, governing bodies and law school leaders and law partners and crown attorneys) in the GTA legal sector are visible minorities compared to 14.4%of a talent pool of practicing visible minority lawyers in the GTA.
One law firm is doing something about this gap. In November, the law firm Fraser Milner Casgrain received accolades for its work in diversifying the legal profession.
5. From “diverse leaders” to “leaders:” the conversation is changing!
We’re hearing more diverse voices talk about the Occupy Toronto Movement, mortgages and sports poetry. We’re also reading about the achievements of diverse leaders that does not mention race.
4. Mitzie Hunter appointed new CEO of CivicAction!
3. DiverseCity Building Blocks Initiative Launches
In October, twenty-five GTA leaders were introduced as part of the launch of a new training program in civic engagement.
2. DiverseCity sparks new initiatives!
This includes StreetSport, an initiative of a group of DiverseCity Fellows which launched in partnership with the City of Brampton. The goal is to create a GTA-wide “Nuit Blanche” type event for sports, organized in individual neighbourhoods.
More DiverseCity Fellows initiatives
1. DiverseCity Co-Chair Ratna Omidvar receives the Order of Canada
What an exciting leadership moment!
