Dr. Wendy Cukier Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy, Diversity Institute Founder, Academic Director of the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub and Research Lead of the Future Skills Centre

Dr. Wendy Cukier is a professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Academic Director of the Diversity Institute and Research Lead of the Future Skills Centre. She co-authored the bestseller “Innovation Nation: Canadian Leadership from Java to Jurassic Park” and is a leader in disruptive technologies and innovation, is former VP of Research and Innovation and has authored more than 200 articles on aspects of diversity, inclusion and innovation.

She is the Founder of Ryerson University’s Diversity Institute which has 130 research staff, 100 research associates from around the world and 200 industry partners focused on dimensions of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, future skills, and entrepreneurship. It leads a number of large partnership-based projects aimed at promoting the participation and advancement of underrepresented groups including women, racialized minorities, Indigenous, LGBTQ and persons with disabilities. Including projects such as the Advanced Digital and Professional Training program (ADaPT) and the Newcomer Entrepreneurship Hub.

Wendy leads the  Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, funded by the Government of Canada which promotes inclusive supports for women and other diverse entrepreneurs. She also leads a program of research for the Future Skills Centre as well as the new Inclusive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network (IIE-Net).

Wendy’s research-based advocacy was instrumental in the inclusion of annual diversity reporting requirements beyond just gender in Bill C-25 and the 50/30 Challenge.

She has been recognized with the Harry Jerome Diversity Award, the Bob Marley Award, the Canada-Pakistan Business Council’s Female Professional of the Year, the Metropolis Research Award, the CATA Alliance, Sara Kirke Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and, 100 Most Powerful Women by WXN. She has been named a YWCA Woman of Distinction, one of the “100 Alumni who shaped the Century” by the University of Toronto and International Women’s Forum 2020 Women Who Make a Difference. Wendy holds a PhD, an MBA, an MA, and honorary doctorates from Laval and Concordia.