Time for Action on the 50-30 Challenge
SYNERGY TO HELP THE DIVERSITY INSTITUTE SUPPORT CANADIAN ORGANIZATIONS
TO MEET THEIR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION GOALS
Vancouver, BC, February 2022 – When the federal government launched the 50-30 Challenge to address
equity, diversity, and inclusion in the Canadian workplace in late 2020, about 1,400 organizations from
across the country signed on. They voluntarily pledged to work towards equity among their senior
management and/or boards of directors. Challenge accepted!
So, what comes next? To help organizations participating in the 50–30 Challenge meet their diversity
and inclusion objectives, the government has asked KPMG Canada to create a What Works Toolkit with
real-world, practical strategies.
Ryerson’s Diversity Institute application to The 50–30 Challenge Ecosystem Fund was successful. Synergy
Executive and Boards Consulting group supported the proposal as an Ecosystem partner. Diversity Institute
and Ecosystem partners will be supporting participating organizations with adopting the toolkit and meeting
their diversity and inclusion goals by linking them to best practices, tools, and guidance. Together, we are
committed to see Diversity 50–30 realized.
Synergy Executive & Boards Consulting Group is a pan-Canadian diversity-oriented consulting company
whose specialty is Executive and board recruitment, Board Governance Training and Equity, Diversity, and
Inclusion consulting. Synergy is committed to helping companies attract and retain Black, Indigenous and
People of Color (BIPOC) talent, create brave, safe, and inclusive spaces as well as build diverse, world-class
management teams through exceptional talent and solutions.
“Equity, diversity, and inclusion at executive levels are a business imperative in Canada today. Diverse
leaders bring innovation and fresh perspectives that reflect Canada’s diverse population,” said Trish
Mandewo, Founder and CEO of Synergy. “But, due to the systemic barriers that visible minorities,
racialized professionals, and women continue to face, most Canadian organizations aren’t quite there
yet. The 50-30 Challenge was a great first step, but now it’s time to take good intentions to real-world
implementation. We’re looking forward to seeing the impact the Diversity Institute will have on this and
are pleased to play a part in this.”
According to Wendy Cukier, Academic Director, Diversity Institute, “This project will support and
strengthen the participants of the 50–30 Challenge with access to cutting edge research, databases of
best practices, and recruitment and training of diverse board-ready candidates. We know that we were
only successful because of our incredible network of partners.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Trish Mandewo
Phone: 604-726-0856
Email: info@synergyonboards.ca
