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Laura McGee
Founder and CEO, Diversio | Board Member, Global Citizen | Rockefeller Fellow
Professional Background
Laura McGee is a highly accomplished entrepreneur and leader recognized for her significant contributions to women's entrepreneurship and diversity in leadership. As the Founder and CEO of Diversio, Laura has pioneered innovative solutions aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion within organizations. Her passion for fostering equitable workplaces is evident in the transformative impact Diversio has had on numerous companies, helping them enhance their diversity metrics and create a more inclusive environment for all employees.
In addition to her work at Diversio, Laura co-founded the #GoSponsorHer initiative, which aims to increase sponsorship opportunities for women in various professional fields. This initiative has gained traction and played a crucial role in championing the importance of women supporting women in their career advancement. Furthermore, she is a co-founder of Summit Leaders, an organization focused on developing leadership skills and empowering individuals to achieve their fullest potential.
Laura has been recognized widely for her efforts, including being named one of the Top 25 Women of Influence in 2017. Her dedication to advocacy and leadership has positioned her as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and women in business around the globe.
Education and Achievements
Laura McGee's academic credentials reflect her commitment to excellence and her deep understanding of both the legal and cultural landscapes. She earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the prestigious University of Toronto Faculty of Law, where she honed her legal expertise. Prior to that, she completed a Master of Arts (M.A.) in American Studies at Western University, building a solid foundation in socio-cultural analysis and critical thinking. Her undergraduate education was also at Western University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in American Studies and was honored as a Gold Medalist—a testament to her outstanding academic performance.
Laura's professional experience is equally impressive. She has held various roles that showcase her strategic thinking and leadership capabilities. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, she served as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, where she developed her skills in consulting and strategic management. Her early career included positions as an Associate at McKinsey & Company and a student-at-law at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, where she gained invaluable insights into the legal profession.
Notably, Laura has also served on multiple boards, including Venture for Canada and the University of Waterloo's International Advisory Board, where she contributed her expertise in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Her involvement as a David Rockefeller Fellow at The Trilateral Commission deepened her understanding of global challenges, further enriching her perspective as a business leader.
Community Engagement and Leadership
Beyond her business ventures, Laura McGee is deeply involved in community engagement and promoting leadership development. She has been a vocal advocate for women's entrepreneurship as Co-Chair of the Expert Panel on Women's Entrepreneurship under the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. In this role, she has influenced policy discussions and initiatives that support women's contributions to the economy.
Laura's commitment extends to her participation on advisory boards, including the Ted Rogers MBA at Ryerson University and ArcTern Ventures, wherein she leverages her insights to guide future leaders in their professional journeys. As a former Board Member at Global Citizen Canada, she also demonstrated her dedication to global citizenship and leveraging business for social good.
Her proactive approach to creating impactful networks for women in leadership continues to resonate through her initiatives and collaborations. Laura consistently seeks to remove barriers and empower the next generation of women leaders through actionable strategies that enable greater visibility and access to opportunities in various sectors.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Laura has achieved numerous accolades and milestones that highlight her influence and effectiveness in championing diversity and inclusion. Her recognition among the Top 25 Women of Influence in 2017 positions her as a leading voice in the ongoing dialogue around gender equality in the workplace. Her work is vital not just for women but for all individuals seeking equitable participation in professional settings.
Additionally, her role as Co-Founder of initiatives like #GoSponsorHer illustrates her commitment to facilitating systemic change in corporate sponsorship dynamics, ensuring that women's talents and skills receive the recognition they deserve. Through Diversio, Laura also exemplifies the power of data-driven solutions in driving change, showcasing how technology can be harnessed to promote d
Highlights
Canada stands at the cusp of an #ai revolution, but are we overlooking the impact of gender bias? In our op-ed featured in The Globe and Mail, Jérôme Nycz, EVP of BDC Capital (Canada), and I discuss the state of venture funding for women-led AI companies.
We discovered that a staggering 90% of #vcfunding for AI in Canada goes to all-male founding teams. In response, we outlined three crucial steps to address this gender imbalance, ensuring that AI development accurately mirrors the diverse fabric of Canadian society.
I’m excited to announce the recipients of Diversio’s 2023 Workplace Impact Awards. It brings me immense joy to recognize these outstanding organizations for their dedication to improving equity, engagement, and employee experience within their workplaces. Congratulations to all the winners:
🔹 Alvarez & Marsal 🔹 Builders Mutual 🔹 Coast Mental Health 🔹CPA Ontario 🔹 Dayforce (formerly Ceridian) 🔹 Horizon Media 🔹 Hydrogen In Motion Inc. (H2M). 🔹 Moneris 🔹 RingCentral 🔹 Scouts Canada 🔹 StackAdapt 🔹 Toronto International Film Festival 🔹 Tundra Technical Solutions 🔹 Ubisoft 🔹 Women in Communications & Technology
These remarkable organizations will take center stage in our "Workplace Impact Series" of webinars throughout 2024. Together, we'll delve deep into their initiatives, sharing insights and strategies for replication. #WorkplaceImpactAwards
