Wendy Cukier

Toronto Metropolitan University, Co-Lead Knowledge Mobilization and Stakeholder Relations Working Group

EducationPhD, York University

Areas of ExpertiseInnovation, technology, diversity and inclusion, discourse

Wendy Cukier is a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy, and Founder of the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University. Wendy is one of Canada’s leading experts in disruptive technologies, innovation processes, and diversity and inclusion. She has published +200 articles on various aspects of diversity, inclusion and innovation.

Under Wendy’s leadership, the Diversity Institute has grown to include +100 research staff. Projects include DiversityLeads, which tracks the representation of women in leadership roles, alongside other projects focused on women in technology. Other innovative projects include the Advanced Digital and Professional Training program (ADaPT), the Women Entrepreneurship Hub, and the Newcomer Entrepreneurship Hub. Wendy also leads the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub and a program of research for the Future Skills Centre as well as the new Inclusive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network (IIE-Net).

Wendy has received many awards for her work advancing diversity and inclusion, including the Meritorious Service Cross, one of Canada’s highest civilian honours. She has also been recognized with the Harry Jerome Diversity Award. Most recently,Wendy was honoured with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, Community Builder Award and named one of the International Women’s Forum 2020 Women Who Make a Difference.

Recent Publications

Cukier, W. (2019). Disruptive Processes and Skills Mismatches in the New Economy: Theorizing Social Inclusion and Innovation as Solutions (external link) . Journal of Global Responsibility, 10(3), 211–225.

Cukier, W., Gagnon, S., & Latif, R. (2021). Changing the Narrative: Shaping Legislation to Advance Diversity on Boards in Canada (external link) . Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, 40(7), 770–800.

Mo, G., Cukier, W., Atputharajah, A., Boase, M. I., & Hon, H. (2020). Differential Impacts During COVID-19 in Canada: A Look at Diverse Individuals and Their Businesses (external link) . Canadian Public Policy, 46(S3), S261–S271.