

Board Of Directors
Our board is made up of experienced professionals from a variety of backgrounds, each of whom has successfully navigated challenges in their careers. Their diverse experiences make them strong advocates for raising awareness of inclusivity in Canada’s workforce, helping to foster a more equitable and supportive environment for all.
Dr. Hitu Sood
Founder and Executive Director
Dr. Hitu Sood is a distinguished HR Management, Leadership & Change Consultant with nearly two decades of global experience and a certified leadership coach.
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Building on her extensive experience, Hitu offers executive coaching for leaders navigating today's complex business landscape. Her practical coaching approach focuses on developing inclusive leadership skills and fostering organizational cultures that drive both performance and employee satisfaction.
She's dedicated to empowering diverse professionals and organizations. Recognized among North America's 100 most inclusive HR influencers, Hitu specializes in cultivating inclusive management practices that enhance productivity, effective leadership, and employee well-being.
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An accomplished speaker and adjunct faculty member in graduate management programs, Hitu is passionate about fostering the next generation of Canadian leaders and building inclusive workplaces across the country. Connect with her to explore how her expertise can drive enhanced productivity, efficiency, and individual growth within your organization.
Assad Mallick
Chair
Assad is the VP and Head of Global Total Rewards and HR Operations at TELUS Health.
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With over 15 years of HR experience across a variety of industries, Assad has developed a reputation as a thought leader in Total Rewards. Passionate about data and predictive analytics to drive the HR strategy forward. He is highly skilled at designing and implementing Total Rewards strategies which drive business performance and support the attraction and retention of talent.
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Assad holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Human Resources and is a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), a Global Remuneration Professional (GRP) and a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL).
Veronica Seeto
Secretary/Treasurer
Veronica is a strong leader and skilled Software/Project Manager with abundant experience across a range of industries in profit and not-for-profit sectors.
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Since 2006, Veronica is committed to mentoring and she has mentored pre-arrival (JVS Canada InfoNet program) and post-arrival (TRIEC mentoring partnership) professional newcomers by helping them transition their careers to Canada.
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Veronica’s strength is helping people to realize their full potential. She thrives on mentoring, leading and coaching with high-energy and collaboration to impact meaningful change.
Dean Delpeache
Vice Chair
Dean is a Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Recruitment strategist who partners with executives and teams to create frameworks of equity within organizations that allow qualified talent to bring innovation to the workplace.
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For the last ten years, he has been engaged in bringing star talent to scaling organizations to create strong preforming teams within the technology sector.
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He completed the Executive Masters in Human Resources Management program at York University and a Certificate in Leadership and Inclusion at Centennial College.
Mehmet Komurcu
Board Director
Mehmet is a partner in Dentons' Toronto office and a member of the Firm's Corporate group and acts as General Counsel of International Business University. Mehmet served in Gowling WLG’s Toronto Office D&I Council for four years until 2020 and actively involved in several EDI initiatives.
Mehmet has worked extensively with multinational companies looking to expand into Turkey before moving to Canada in 2013 and now he serves international clients doing business in Canada with strategic advice in a variety of areas. As a result, Mehmet has worked in the foreign investment environment across Canada, Turkey, Europe, and the Middle East, and possesses strong relationships with lawyers and government leaders throughout the region. In a previous role, he was general counsel to Turk Telekom.
Mehmet is licensed to practise law in Ontario, Istanbul and New York, and holds a doctorate in public international law from University of Wisconsin - Madison and three master degrees from the US and Canadian universities.
Drew Fagan
Board Director
Drew spent 12 years in leadership positions with the governments of Ontario and Canada, including as deputy minister of infrastructure and deputy minister of tourism, culture and sport at Queen's Park.
He is now a professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto and a senior advisor at McMillan Vantage Policy Group.
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He is also a board member of Waterfront Toronto, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and the Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall.
Stephen Cryne
Board Director
Stephen Cryne, President and CEO of the Canadian Employee Relocation Council (CERC), is a dynamic force in Canada's relocation sector. Leading CERC, he champions seamless talent movement through research, education, and collaboration with governments for legislative impact.
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With a background in consultancy, specializing in strategic planning and communication, Stephen's diverse career spans private and public sectors, association management, human resources, and government relations. A respected authority, he frequently speaks at global mobility conferences, writes for industry publications, and offers insights on mobility and migration in the media.
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Actively representing CERC globally, Stephen stands as a revered figure, known for his expertise, leadership, and impactful advocacy.
Adwoa K. Buahene
Board Director
Adwoa K. Buahene advocates for workplace equity through storytelling. As principal of AkB Talent Edge Inc., she specializes in equitable talent management strategies.
With over two decades of experience, including co-founding n-gen People Performance Inc., Adwoa has collaborated with Fortune 500 companies, governments, and nonprofits. Co-author of "Loyalty Unplugged: How to Get, Keep & Grow All Four Generations," she took a leave from consulting to work in the not-for-profit sector to serve as CEO of Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) and VP Fundraising and Community Partnerships at Habitat for Humanity GTA, gaining first-hand insight into equity challenges.
Adwoa holds a master's degree in analytic philosophy and volunteers with United Way and Philanthropic Foundations of Canada.