DR. WENDY CUKIER, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy, and the Academic Director and Founder of the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University
Dr. Wendy Cukier, MA, MBA, PhD, DU (hon) LLD (hon), is the co-author of the bestseller, Innovation Nation: Canadian Leadership From Java to Jurassic Park and former Vice-President of Research and Innovation at TMU. She has authored more than 200 articles on aspects of diversity, inclusion and innovation. Cukier is one of Canada’s leading experts in disruptive technologies, innovation processes, and diversity and inclusion. The Diversity Institute has more than 130 full-time research staff. Projects include DiversityLeads, which has tracked the representation of women in leadership roles, and a host of projects focused specifically on women in technology. The Diversity Institute has also pioneered innovative projects such as the Advanced Digital and Professional Training program (ADaPT), the Women Entrepreneurship Hub and the Newcomer Entrepreneurship Hub. She is the Academic Research Director of the Future Skills Centre and leads the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, as well as the Inclusive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network (IIE-Net).

Wendy received many awards for her work advancing diversity and inclusion, including the Meritorious Service Cross, one of Canada’s highest civilian honours. She has been recognized with the Harry Jerome Diversity Award,  the 2019 CATA Alliance Sara Kirke Award, a YWCA Women of Distinction Award, WXN most powerful women and, most recently, the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, Community Builder Award and was named one of the International Women’s Forum 2020 Women Who Make a Difference. She has an MA, MBA, PhD in Management Science and two honorary doctorates.

LISA KNIGHT, Managing Partner, Knightsbridge
As Managing Partner at LHH Knightsbridge, Lisa’s practice focuses on VP, C-level and Board level searches where she partners with clients – primarily in financial services, professional services and energy transition – to enable them to advance their businesses through the acquisition and optimization of top talent. Lisa is passionate about DE&I and proud of her track record of delivering short lists that help her clients meet their diversity hiring goals. A holistic thinker and problem-solver, Lisa works closely with the Leadership Development team at LHH, crafting tailored solutions that incorporate assessment, search and coaching elements in an integrated approach to solving clients’ leadership challenges.

Between 2015 and 2018, Lisa led the Search Practices at LHH Knightsbridge, providing stability and direction to the business during a time of significant change, following the acquisition of Knightsbridge by Lee Hecht Harrison, the world’s leading workforce transformation company.

Prior to joining Knightsbridge in 2004, Lisa was a Partner and Director of Resourcing and Development at Highland Partners Executive Search (previously TMP Worldwide) where she developed best practices for search execution and re-aligned, trained and lead a team of 60 researchers and associates across North America.

Lisa has an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto. She is married with 3 children and resides in Toronto, Canada

TRACY CHONG, President and Brand Economist™, Strata Insights
Tracy has spent over 25 years as a business and brand strategist. Her formative years were spent at BBDO, FCB and other notable agencies working on global B2B and B2C brands.  This was followed by years of strategy and research work for businesses like Bell, Microsoft Xbox and start-ups in neuroscience wearable tech and green tech.  She then ventured into brand valuation to quantify the financial value of businesses beyond bricks and mortar to ensure brand was optimized as an intangible asset.

She co-developed the Brand Economics™ approach Identifying the organizational brand drivers and customer experience interactions with the greatest financial upside and/or risk for crisis management. She has contributed to new financial brand measurement standards working with MASB, LES and Forbes CMO Practice. 

Tracy is board co-chair of the Ontario Autism Coalition, a board member of All-Saints Community Centre, and a chair of World Vision’s CEAC committee.  She has been volunteering since the age of 8 with a focus on marginalized communities.  She has two neuro-science patents, is obsessed with dogs, and has a lifelong passion for helping those less fortunate.

PAT DUNWOODY, Founder, Chief Strategy Officer, Strategicly
Pat Dunwoody is a client-focused executive who brings a strategic perspective while developing quality initiatives. Her career was built on operational excellence & situational leadership while mentoring others around her.  She has spent over 35 years leading and helping organizations and industry-level committees to improve their efficiencies and customer service. 

Pat collaborates with organizations across Canada to assist them by coaching emerging leaders, and their teams through development programs that increase awareness, productivity and engagement, to further their organizational goals.  She believes that every individual and every team can succeed if given the right support.

Pat transitioned from the Canadian ETF Association to a new organization – Strategicly Minded Inc.  as Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, where she will lead a diverse team of professionals across industries including marketing, operations, strategy, and finance. Additionally, I will be taking on the role of CEO at Mineralchemy, Strategicly’s health and wellness division, launching this month. Mineralchemy is committed to providing high-quality natural mineral products for pain management and recovery, offering holistic alternatives to conventional methods.

She is also a Board member of Prosper Canada, Elder Abuse Prevention of Ontario and Applaud.