Press release | Journey to Diversity Workplaces

J2DW launches diverse podcast

For Immediate Release

Barrie, ON 8 Sept 2022 – Journey to Diversity Workplaces is proud to announce the launch of our brand-new podcast titled “Diversity on Air.” It is being hosted by University of Windsor Master’s student Divine Eke and Oshawa, Ontario resident Shassha Austin.

Winnipeg-based University of Manitoba student Haylyn Agacer is the podcast’s Producer. “Diversity on Air discusses workplace diversity. From major issues to minor ones, this podcast will help you become more knowledgeable about the dos and don’ts in creating a safe and inclusive environment.”

“We are so excited to introduce Diversity on Air to a Canadian and International audience” commented CEO Peter V. Tretter.

Diversity on Air will be available on all major platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Journey to Diversity Workplaces is a non-profit organization built on improving the business and social environment by championing diversity and the workers within those workplaces. J2DW was formed in 2013 by Founder and CEO Peter V. Tretter with the goal of introducing and maintaining progressive workplace policies. Ideas like higher wages and a four-day workweek are key strategic pillars for J2DW to improve the quality of life and social footprint that businesses have on their employees and communities.

— 30 —Contact:

Peter V. Tretter
705-481-1674
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J2DW Announces 2022 New Board Directors

For Immediate Release

Barrie, ON, 18 May 2022 – Journey to Diversity Workplaces, a leader in the promotion of a new progressive workplace, announces three new board directors for two-year terms.

Current board members include:

Cynthia Gordon, Past Chair, joined the Board in 2018.
Heba Roble, Privacy Commissioner, joined the Board in 2021.

New board members include:

Dr. Leland Harper, Chair, ratified 12 May 2022.
Frank Tuzi, Secretary, ratified 12 May 2022.
Muddasir Zaib, Director, ratified 12 May 2022.

Dr. Leland Harper is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Siena Heights University. His research focuses on philosophy of race, particularly issues of racial solidarity and racism. He is the editor of the Philosophy of Race series at Vernon Press and the organizer of the Great Lakes Philosophy Conference, an annual international philosophy conference. Leland grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, and received a BA in General Studies from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, an MA in Philosophy from Toronto Metropolitan University, and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Birmingham. In his spare time, he operates Leland Harper Consulting, a diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting firm based in Toronto, spends time with his wife and two children, and can be found cheering on the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Frank loves spending time with his wife and 3 kids aged 6, 5 and 2 and currently lives in Ottawa. He really enjoys a great story. The topic or the format doesn’t matter as long as it is a great story. He has worked in the mortgage industry for 18 years, working his way up from a summer student to various leadership roles in mortgage underwriting. He is excited to contribute to J2DW’s growth and is eager to learn and grow along with the organization.

As a corporate lawyer, Muddasir has been involved in many large and small business transactions with Canadian, the US and European organizations. In the course of these dealings, Muddasir has worked with many other lawyers and professional advisers in providing range of legal services including business incorporations, contract drafting and other regulatory compliance matters. Muddasir holds a bachelor of law, a master of business administration and is currently pursuing LLM (Business law) from York University Toronto.

“I think it’s fantastic that we have such a diverse board with such exceptional people with the level of experience that they have.” commented Founder & CEO Peter V. Tretter

— 30 —J2DW Media Relations
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J2DW Announces Zak Madell as 2022 AGM Keynote Speaker

Barrie, ON, 10 April 2022 – Journey to Diversity Workplaces is pleased to announce that Paralympian and Wheelchair Rugby medalist Zak Madell will be delivering the keynote speech at our 2022 Annual General Meeting on Thursday 12 May 2022 on Google Meet.

Zak Madell is a 3X Paralympian in the sport of wheelchair rugby. He was a member of the silver medal winning team at the 2012 Paralympics in London as well as a member of the 2016 team in Rio, and the Tokyo 2020 games.

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Contact:

Peter V. Tretter
705-481-1674
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J2DW Receives Government Grant for First Employees

Diversity Non-profit to Begin Content and Fundraising Strategy

For Immediate Release

Barrie, Ontario, 22nd June 2021 — Journey to Diversity Workplaces is excited to announce the hiring of its first three employees under funding by a grant from the government of Canada.

J2DW has secured a grant from the Department of Employment and Social Development Canada for three student co-op positions to begin work on Monday, 14th June 2021 and scheduled to continue their work through the end of July. Two students will take on the roles of Blogger/Copywriter and one will work as Fundraiser Organizer.

Member of Parliament Doug Shipley commented “It’s nice to be able to support local businesses with summer grants, and J2DW will be able to put that (money) to good use”.

The newly hired Blogger/Copywriters will be developing online content articles and essays to enhance the J2DW portfolio and to bring awareness to the importance of diversity and accommodation in the workplace. J2DW is also aiming to execute three fundraising events over the next two months to support organizational growth and community engagement. The planning and execution will be spearheaded by the new Fundraising organizer, with the assistance of outstanding members of J2DW.

Peter V. Tretter, President & CEO of J2DW is excited to employ local students in the community and “put them to work gaining experience for their future careers!”.

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Contact:

Peter V. Tretter
705-481-1674
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J2DW Announces Appointment of New Chairwoman of the Board

Journey to Diversity Workplaces Announces Appointment of New Chairwoman of the Board

For Immediate Release

BARRIE, ON, 2 JULY 2018 – Journey to Diversity Workplaces (“J2DW” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce Ms. Cynthia Gordon, M.A., a current independent director of J2DW, was appointed Chairwoman of J2DW’s Board of Directors, replacing Mr. Tony Huy Hoang Do, M.F.Ac. who remains on the board, but has taken a step back to focus on his career aspirations.

Ms. Gordon joined J2DW Board of Directors in January of 2018. She ascended to the Office of Chairwoman recently. Ms. Gordon holds a Master of Arts degree from Athabasca University and a Bachelor of Psychology degree from the University of Guelph. Ms. Gordon is currently employed as an Employment Services Consultant for Georgian College in Orangeville, Ontario and was President of the Athabasca University Graduate Students Association from 2015 to 2016.

“We are so very excited to have Cynthia not only join the Board of Directors but take on the challenge of Chairwoman,” J2DW President & CEO, Peter V. Tretter, said, “I am certain that Cynthia has both the drive and the passion to make this work well. I look forward to working with her in the days to come.”

Journey to Diversity Workplaces has a few vacancies open on the board. More information can be found here at www.j2dw.ngo/job/board-member-volunteer/

About J2DW

Journey to Diversity Workplaces (J2DW) is a Barrie, Ontario based organization formed under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act in December 2013. Find out more about us at www.j2dw.ngo

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Contact:

J2DW Media Relations
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Sent from the traditional territory of the Haudenosauneega and Anishinaabeg peoples.