Wendy Cukier

Dr. Wendy Cukier is Professor in the Department of Entrepreneurship & Strategy at Toronto Metropolitan University's Ted Rogers School of Management, where she also founded and directs the Diversity Institute. She previously served as Vice-President of Research and Innovation and as the School's first Associate Dean.

Her educational credentials include:

• MA and MBA from University of Toronto
• PhD from York University's Schulich School of Business
• Honorary Doctorate from Laval University (Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing)
• Honorary Doctor of Laws from Concordia University

Dr. Cukier's research pioneers evidence-based approaches to diversity and inclusion, disruptive innovation, and social change. She examines organizational barriers for underrepresented groups through longitudinal projects like DiversityLeads, while advancing STEM/SSH equity through initiatives that transform academic and corporate practices. Her work bridges theoretical innovation frameworks with actionable inclusion strategies.

Her distinguished recognition includes:

• Governor General's Meritorious Cross
• Canada's Top 25 Women of Influence (2013)
• 25 Transformational Canadians (2010)
• Harry Jerome Diversity Award
• Fellow of Canadian Geographic Society (2016)

Dr. Cukier secured significant SSHRC funding for DiversityLeads and drove 60% growth in external research funding during her VP tenure. She mentors students through experiential programs like iSTEM, ADaPT, and Summer Company, emphasizing real-world application and equitable opportunities across disciplines. Her leadership established Toronto Metropolitan University as Canada's first Ashoka Changemaker Campus.

She founded the Diversity Institute in 1999 as a research hub tracking diversity metrics and developing organizational change strategies. The Institute's work focuses on translating academic research into practical tools for advancing inclusion in corporate, academic, and public sector environments.