In this section the people and organizations behind diverse leadership come to life.
What inspires individuals to lead? What supports and obstacles influence their leadership?
And what makes diverse leadership different?
Hear first-hand about the journeys and insights of diverse leaders — and learn about the strategies that organizations have used so that they can reap the benefits of a more diverse leadership.
Desmond ran as a candidate for Toronto City Council in 2006 where he campaigned on extending the right to vote in municipal elections to non-citizen residents. He says that the platform came to him from residents in his riding who wanted to support him but couldn’t.
Juan Carranza describes himself as a reluctant leader. As the eldest of nine children growing up in El Salvador, he really had no choice in the matter. “I had to take responsibility for the younger children and show a good example.”
A high performing team is an inclusive one. Leadership is not a solo sport; it is a team sport.
“An effective leader is one who lets go of power and paves the way so the organization can carry on without that leader.”
Ray Cao is very aware of how others have shaped and supported him along the way. He counts his parents as well as other key individuals as major influencers in his life and career. As a member of DiverseCity’s Steering Committee he now has a platform to give back himself.
For Tatum Wilson, leadership is not a solo sport. He credits other leaders with playing an important role in supporting his efforts.
It is the duty of every leader to identify those who are future leaders and give them the opportunity and confidence to be able to move forward.
Rather than reject her past in order to assimilate, Jessica Farias recognized early on that “background does matter.”
“I wasn’t born into privilege. I didn’t inherit any networks,” Bilal explains. “DiverseCity Fellows fast-tracked that for me.”
Patsy arrived in Toronto equipped with a great résumé. Unfortunately, hers was the classic immigrant story.
