The Diversity and Inclusion Council aims to foster, support, and maintain an inclusive and diverse environment by continuous engagement with departments and students to remove barriers faced by all groups.
Since companies that successfully have implemented gender diversity actions outperform their competitors by 15%, and those that put in place ethnic diversity outperforms its competitors by 35%, we also expect to outperform when seeking job opportunities and ranking amongst business schools. Beyond that, the ability to innovate increases by 85% with diversity and inclusion, providing us with a big competitive advantage in the market.
The recommended structure for the Diversity and Inclusion Council is a minimum of five people, including one president from the Women in Business Club, one member of the Executive, and three full-time MBA students. A chair will be determined once the elected council convenes.
President: Shanika Abeysinghe
Shanika calls herself chaotic good because of her joy of building things, fearless attitude and focus on always having fun. Her journey in promoting diversity started with Bessie Box, where she managed marketing and customer success. In 2021, she co-founded EACH+EVERY, focusing on social justice and safe consumption. Also, she co-created the Get Checkered podcast, introducing diverse perspectives to Formula One. A recognized speaker on entrepreneurship and diversity, she has contributed to various platforms including the Globe and Mail and Inventures. As President, Shanika is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive MBA cohort, celebrating diversity in all its forms.