2024 Impact Report

We are pleased to share with you the Diversity Institute 2024 Impact Report. We just celebrated our 25th year anniversary, and our impact is greater than ever. Our team of 100+ in 10 regional hubs across Canada working with more than 350 government, industry and ecosystem partners has helped thousands of Canadians advance their opportunities for education, employment, leadership and entrepreneurship. Our work helps to advance economic development, sustainability and inclusion. Here are a few highlights.

In the last year we have:

• Written more than 50 research reports to inform government, industry and our ecosystem partners on best practices and barriers to inclusive innovation
• Produced more than 500 events and presentations involving thousands of Canadians
• Helped more than 300 companies improve their policies and practices using the Diversity Assessment Tool
• Supported the development of national and international standards or specifications
• Helped more than 850 large, small and medium-sized Canadian companies develop the skills they need with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Magnet Skills Bridge program
• Created innovative programs training more than 2,000 people
  Worked with more than 350 other university and community partners in Canada and around the world
• Analyzed trends on artificial intelligence adoption, entrepreneurial aspirations, experiences of discrimination, mental health in the workplace and more through the Survey on Skills & Employment survey with the Environics Institute and Future Skills Centre
• Through our flagship training program—the Advanced Digital and Professional Training program—continued to deliver results, with more than 1,100 diverse participants achieving a 90% job placement rate.

The last few years have been an incredible journey for DI. We have grown from 21 staff in 2017 to more than 100, with our reach and impact growing exponentially. As we wrap up the year, we thank all of our partners for their contributions to our collective impact.

By turning research into action through a systems approach, DI creates concrete change at the societal, organizational and individual levels. Leveraging the power of networks and collaboration, our work has a tangible, positive impact on the lives of diverse entrepreneurs, students and workers.

This is only the beginning. As we look at 2025 and beyond, we are eager to continue this work to drive diversity and inclusion alongside our partners across Canada.