Empowering Women to Shine at TPS
Hundreds of women from across the Toronto Police Service spent an inspiring day celebrating International Women’s Day at the Toronto Police College, with this year’s theme, #AcceleratingAction.
“It’s our turn to be positive leaders, role models, and mentors – no matter our roles or ranks,” said Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue
“It’s our turn to positively influence the culture of our organization to ensure it is an inclusive one – safe, and full of equitable opportunities for all. It’s about everyday mentorship. It’s about initiatives that make a real difference and it’s about getting inspired, and inspiring others.”
Mentoring and developing women leaders is a key priority for the Service said Chief Administrative Officer Svina Dhaliwal.
“While we see other organizations backing away from diversity, equity and inclusion. That is not the position of the Toronto Police Service. If you look at our hiring and promotional process, we have completely overhauled it. We have done the hard work to create a strong, positive culture centered around wellness.”
Service wide, women at the TPS represent 28.3% of all members. Women make up almost 55% of the Executive Leadership Team, and uniform and civilian females in leadership positions account for 48.4% of all the Service’s leadership.
“We continue to have many diverse opportunities for women within the organization. You can start in one role that may take you in multiple directions throughout your career here. There is truly something for everyone,” said Dhaliwal, who encouraged everyone in the room women to refer friends to join TPS. She said while the Service still has work to do, it is taking initiatives to be a “family first” employer of choice.
The message from many speakers was that women at TPS are supported and empowered to grow and develop their careers as civilians or in uniform.
Women across the Service learned from their colleagues on several topics including how they can continue to make a difference in the lives of Toronto residents, whether they are sworn officers or civilian members and how to set career goals knowing there are willing mentors across the Service to help them succeed.
After a wellness stretch and empowering music, women in attendance also heard from Detective Sergeant Erin Hanlon who detailed her incredible career involving complex investigations. Constable Suzie Fox-Vignarajah shared her personal journey in policing. There were presentations on intimate partner violence, financial planning and how technology is being integrated throughout the Service.
“I continue to be inspired every day by our women police officers and civilian professionals,” said Chief Myron Demkiw, who appeared by video as he was in Ottawa speaking at the National Forum on Combatting Antisemitism and could not attend in person.
“I am inspired by the resilience of women in the Service because, no matter what your role is, I know you have to face obstacles at one point or another in your career. Women in policing have overcome many barriers through perseverance. Throughout my 35-year career, I have met many incredible women police officers and civilian professionals who are strong, smart, tough on crime, compassionate and possess all the necessary skills to do this job.”
The Service’s Women’s Internal Support Network, which hosted the event, was established in 2010 to support women seeking career advancement and enhancement opportunities.
WISN Committee Members include:
- Lindsay Neale, Uniform Co-Chair
- Dima Aponowicz, Civilian Co-Chair
- Lissa Ruocco, Uniform Recruitment Support
- Ashleigh Andzel, Civilian Recruitment Support
- Jennifer DeKezel, Social Media
- Lindsay Hicks, Treasurer
- Christina Hilton, Secretary
