Inspiring Inclusion on Women’s Day

Chief Administrative Officer Svina Dhaliwal joined a group of private and public sector women leaders in speaking about the importance of inspiring inclusion at an International Women's Day event.

“It’s good to come together to talk about what we are all doing to drive inclusive organizations,” said Dhaliwal, who took part in a panel discussion at the empowerHER Breakfast: Navigating Inclusive Leadership, Policies & Mentorship at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) headquarters. “And personally, as a racially diverse leader, it’s important to me that I do share my story and insights. It’s really important that women see what’s possible.”

She said the Toronto Police Service has raised the number of racialized people over the past three years by over 30% and promoted women to leadership positions in senior officer ranks and civilian management.

“It’s something I’m really quite proud of,” said Dhaliwal, who leads all aspects of the Toronto Police Service’s fiscal, people, culture and equity related areas. “It started with acknowledging the issues, understanding the gaps, looking at the barriers that are there and then address the root causes.”

PwC Canada Partner for GTA People Engagement Melody Chiu moderated the panel made up of Lori-Ann Beausoleil, the Board Director for the Board Diversity Network; Nancy Kennedy, Chief Lottery and Customer Officer at Ontario Lottery and Gaming as well as Donna Ince, Senior Vice-President and Chief Underwriting Officer at Definity Financial.

Dhaliwal said that the panel was made up of passion

“As much as we are fortunate to be in leadership positions and have great sponsors and mentors, we put the work in to be where we’re at and it’s a testament to that. You hear in all of the stories of these women is work ethic and grit to get where they are,” she said.