Meet the winners - 2024
Canadian Equity, Diversity
and Inclusion Awards

Champions who advance equity, diversity, and inclusion for all.

WXN and our partners proudly recognize our CEDI Award winners for showing us the true power of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDI[B]).

These bold role models prove just how much progress we can make and how luminous the future can be. Their passion, drive, tenacity, resilience, and courage demonstrate what each of us can achieve when we pursue what we truly believe in – and refuse to back down.

Congratulations
2024 CEDI
Award winners!


Chair of the Board Award,

presented by Diversity Institute, 50 - 30 Challenge



Suromitra Sanatani

SUROMITRA SANATANI, LL.B, ICD.D

Board Chair,

Canada Post

Director,

Purolator

Chair,

RBC Global Asset Management, Independent Review Committee

WXN CEDI Award Winner 2024 - Chair of the Board Award, presented by Diversity Institute, 50-30 Challenge

Suromitra Sanatani is Chair of Canada Post, Chair of RBC GAM Independent Review Committee, Chair of RBC Indigo Independent Review Committee, director of Purolator Holdings Ltd. and director of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.

Following the practice of law, Suromitra’s career included serving as BC & Yukon Vice President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business as well as Vice President, Corporate and Government Relations at Partnerships BC.

Suromitra has a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria.


Corporate Board Directors Award



Geneviève Bonin

GENEVIÈVE BONIN, P.Eng., FCMC, MBA

Managing Director & Partner,

Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

Member, Board of Directors,

True Patriot Love Foundation

Member, Board of Directors,

Invictus Games 2025

Member and Board of Directors,

Royal Ottawa Hospital Institute for Mental Health Research

WXN CEDI Award Winner 2024 - Corporate Board Directors Award

Geneviève is a dedicated leader with 30 years of experience solving complex problems and driving transformational change for society. At BCG, she leads the Canadian public sector practice and is also an expert working with global Defense & Security organizations with allied nations. Geneviève is a champion and advocate for ED&I and mental health and wellbeing. Her commitment extends beyond professional leadership into deep community involvement. A former Naval Engineering Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy, her service has fueled her ongoing support for military members, veterans, and their families. She actively contributes to several boards, including the True Patriot Love Foundation, Invictus Games 2025, and the Royal Ottawa Hospital Institute for Mental Health Research.


Cherie Brant

CHERIE BRANT, BES, JD, ICD.D

Partner & National Leader Indigenous Law,

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Independent Director,

Hydro One

Independent Director,

Toronto Dominion Bank

WXN CEDI Award Winner 2024 - Corporate Board Directors Award

Cherie is a partner and national leader of Indigenous law Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. She works collaboratively across a wide variety of sectors, including energy and transmission, land development and financing on First Nations lands and economic development.

Outside of her law practice, Cherie is an active independent director for Hydro One Limited since 2018 and Toronto-Dominion Bank since 2021.

She is a proud member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and Ojibway from Wikwemkoong Unceded Indian Reserve.


Carolyn Levy

CAROLYN LEVY

Managing Director and Head of Canada,

Randstad Digital

Board Member,

WCT | Women in Communications & Technology

Board Member,

NACCB | National Association of Canadian Consulting Businesses

WXN CEDI Award Winner 2024 - Corporate Board Directors Award

Carolyn Levy, Managing Director & Head of Canada at Randstad Digital, partners with executive leaders to drive digital transformation, offering talent-led solutions that empower Canadian organizations to navigate the digital landscape, future-proofing their operations and ensuring sustainable growth. As a leader motivated by creating diverse and inclusive workplaces, she improves the visibility and priority of employment equity but also contributes to the necessary leadership, investment, and accountability regarding EDI&A. Carolyn serves on the NACCB board, representing staffing firms on Canadian IT policy, and the WCT Canadian National board.


Clio Straram

CLIO STRARAM

Head, Indigenous Banking

BMO Bank of Montreal

Vice President and Board Member

Anishnawbe Health Toronto

WXN CEDI Award Winner 2024 - Corporate Board Directors Award

As Head of Indigenous Banking, Clio Straram is responsible for the strategic segment of Canadian Indigenous Banking for BMO. With her team across the country, she serves First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities bringing specific Indigenous market understanding and providing financial solutions. Clio is the bank’s senior leader representative within Indigenous Communities.

A member of Fond du Lac First Nation in Saskatchewan, Clio serves on the Board of Anishnawbe Health Toronto, has an MBA from SFU and a Masters in Finance from London Business School.


EDI Leaders Awards



Dr. Ananya Banerjee

DR. ANANYA BANERJEE, PhD

Assistant Professor,

School of Population & Global Health, McGill University

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism Lead

School of Population & Global Health, McGill University

WXN CEDI Award Winner 2024 - EDI Leaders Award

Dr. Ananya Tina Banerjee is Assistant Professor and the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Lead in the School of Population and Global Health at McGill University. She has pioneered inclusive education and research environments to promote health equity andsocial justice. Her most significant achievements to do date include being a core member of The Lancet’s International Advisory Board Member for Racial Inequalities and 2023 Fellow of the prestigious WomenLift Health program for emerging global health leaders funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.


Lynnette Espy-Williams

LYNNETTE ESPY-WILLIAMS, JD

Shareholder, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Office Managing Partner (Washington, DC),

Cozen O'Connor

WXN CEDI Award Winner 2024 - EDI Leaders Award

Lynnette D. Espy-Williams is a Member of Cozen O’Connor’s Commercial Litigation Department, the firm’s global Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, and the Office Managing Partner of the Washington, DC office. Ms. Espy-Williams has a national practice representing clients in complex litigation. Her experience in the commercial litigation industry and in the equity, inclusion, and diversity community is widely recognized as she has acted as lead counsel in many complex commercial litigation matters and routinely speaks on issues of import.


Brooke Graham

BROOKE GRAHAM

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Manager

LifeLabs

WXN CEDI Award Winner 2024 - EDI Leaders Award

Brooke Graham, an EDI strategist & facilitator, drives workplace transformation through impactful leadership and dynamic training. Leading EDI at LifeLabs, a nationwide organization with 6,500+ employees, she scales programs for all levels. From Indigenous communities to global financial firms, her expertise fosters change and equity. Brooke's collaborative, empathetic approach prioritizes authentic & accountable relationships and embracing the power of community. She communicates EDI work through values alignment, guiding businesses towards their vision & purpose.


Colleen Healey

COLLEEN HEALEY, BAH, MA

Principal,

SIJJA Consulting

WXN CEDI Award Winner 2024 - EDI Leaders Award

Colleen Healey, Principal of SIJJA Consulting in Iqaluit, Nunavut, is a dynamic leader in championing diversity, equity, and inclusion. With over two decades of experience across government, Indigenous organizations, and Arctic community organization, Colleen's expertise in community engagement, northern indigenous issues, and climate change drives transformative change. Her unwavering advocacy for Truth and Reconciliation amplifies her dedication to uplifting Inuit communities. Her company's selective project choices prioritize the well-being of Indigenous peoples and women, showcasing her commitment to equitable progress. A passionate advocate and ally, Colleen fosters safe and inclusive spaces for all.


Sarah Kheir

SARAH KHEIR

AVP, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,

Sun Life

WXN CEDI Award Winner 2024 - EDI Leaders Award

As Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Sun Life, Sarah Kheir is a seasoned expert leading transformative DEI strategies with more than 20 years of experience. She leads important global initiatives that have won her a CEO Award of Excellence. Sarah’s leadership creates inclusive programs and pushes for innovation, setting a high standard for success. Sun Life’s recognition with the Brandon Hall Excellence in Technology Award (2021) highlights Sarah’s pioneering work in advancing DEI through modern learning programs.


Dr. Tehseen Ladha

DR. TEHSEEN LADHA, MD, MPH, FRCPC

Director of EDI for Postgraduate Medical Education,

University of Alberta

Co-Director of Strategy, Research, and Evaluation,

New Canadians Health Centre

WXN CEDI Award Winner 2024 - EDI Leaders Award

Dr. Tehseen Ladha is a leader in the medical community and beyond. She is a passionate advocate for policy change that addresses health and social inequities. She was awarded a QEII Platinum Jubilee medal for her tireless advocacy which included media engagements at national and international levels. Dr. Ladha is a champion of EDI in medical education, research, and healthcare delivery. She is dedicated to transforming the health system to ensure inclusive and equitable healthcare to all populations.


Janine Tamboli

JANINE TAMBOLI

Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Employee Experience and HR Governance,

Maple Leaf Foods

WXN CEDI Award Winner 2024 - EDI Leaders Award

Janine Tamboli, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), Employee Experience and HR Governance at Maple Leaf Foods, is an impassioned changemaker who, over the last decade, has helped leading organizations build stronger cultures. Recognized as a Catalyst Honours Champion, Janine serves on advisory boards and mentors women in the workforce. Holding certificates in Adult Training and Development and Human Resources Management, alongside an Honours Bachelor of Arts, she is committed to advancing inclusive workplaces, where everyone feels heard, seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.


Tammy Webster

TAMMY WEBSTER, B. Sc., B.A, B.Ed., M.A (Education)

Director, Equity,

Let's Talk Science

Board Chair,

Anishnabeg Outreach

Indigenous Education and Equity Consultant,

Waterloo Catholic District School Board

WXN CEDI Award Winner 2024 - EDI Leaders Award

Tammy Webster, a registered band member of Kitigan Zibi Algonquin First Nation, is the Director of Equity for Let's Talk Science. She holds a M.A (Ed), B. Ed, B.A, B.Sc and is involved in various boards and committees focusing on Indigenous education and equity. Tammy has received recognition for her community service and partners with organizations to ensure the representation of First Nations voices. She believes in systemic change through positive relationships and understanding the impact of oppression on systems.


Inclusion Vanguard Award



Dr. Deepy Sur

DR. DEEPY SUR, MSW, PhD, RSW

Chief Executive Officer

Ontario Association of Social Workers

WXN CEDI Award Winner 2024 - Inclusion Vanguard Award

Dr. Deepy Sur is a transformational leader with over 15 years of experience. This includes a 12-year tenure at Trillium Health Partners, public health, and as an Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University, and faculty for the Medical Psychiatry Alliance. For five years Deepy has been CEO at the Ontario Association of Social Workers overseeing provincial networks, establishing a learning centre that trained over 20,000 learners. Notably, she is an award-winning leader in demonstrating new directions with equity and member data collection. Recently Deepy was appointed as CEO at the Ontario College of Family Physicians and stands ready to drive change on issues facing Family Medicine. Deepy has a professional background that includes an MSW, and PhD in social work and is a professionally certified executive coach.


Ally of Excellence Award



Phil Verster

PHIL VERSTER

President and Chief Executive Officer,

Metrolinx

Board Member,

Railway Association of Canada

WXN CEDI Award Winner 2024 - Ally of Excellence Award

Phil Verster is the President and CEO at Metrolinx. He oversees a team committed to transforming transportation in the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Prior to joining Metrolinx, Phil managed train operations, infrastructure builds and infrastructure management for passenger rail systems in England, Scotland and Ireland. Phil joined Metrolinx in October 2017 and is leading the Metrolinx organization in delivering an integrated, regional transportation system that will serve the needs of residents and businesses for years to come.

Celebrate our
Award winners in
style.

Join us in buzzing celebration
as we showcase and celebrate
the outstanding achievements
of our Canadian Equity,
Diversity and Inclusion Award
winners. This is their moment to
shine, and your moment to
uplift their contributions

Explore the

CEDI Summit &

Awards

Discover what makes our CEDI Summit and Awards an event unlike
any other. This is where the best and brightest minds in EDI[B] gather in
recognition and celebration for tireless dedication and commitment to
their profession, their values, and their actions.


Meet our 2024 partners in bold progress

Our partners are the dynamic leaders and unwavering advocates driving the EDI[B] conversation forward. Their resolute support not only demonstrates their own commitment to the advancement of women in their organizations and communities, but also creates a lasting impact that inspires us all

Platinum Partner




Gold Partner

Dean Davidson



Media Partner

Postmedia









Partner with WXN

join other global brands that
value and invest in women’s
success.