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Tinashe Wingfield

I help people and projects become intentional, impactful + future-ready!

Professional Background

Tinashe Wingfield is a passionate strategist and leader with extensive expertise in dismantling complex challenges and fostering innovation across a variety of sectors. Currently serving as the Managing Director of Cadence Foresight Innovation, Tinashe is dedicated to driving strategic foresight and social innovation in Canada and worldwide. She partners with businesses and communities, enabling them to harness their potential and navigate transformative changes with intentional, impactful, and future-ready strategies. Her professional journey is characterized by a commitment to making a meaningful impact and fostering resilience amid change.

Prior to her current role at Cadence Foresight Innovation, Tinashe served as the Executive Director of the Toronto Workforce Innovation Group (TWIG). During her tenure, she was instrumental in advancing workforce development strategies conducive to the evolving future of work. TWIG's mission was vital, as it responded to the diverse needs of local communities and businesses through innovative research and partnerships. Tinashe's ability to engage stakeholders and drive initiatives highlighted her expertise in public policy and community development.

Tinashe's career has been marked by her active participation in boards and committees, both locally and internationally. Her involvement spans critical areas such as social enterprise, workforce planning, gender-based analysis, inclusion, and public health. As a social entrepreneur from a young age, she co-founded several impactful initiatives. Notably, she co-owned and managed Eye On Africa, an African art social enterprise designed to support families affected by HIV/AIDS through meaningful retail opportunities at the age of just 15. Additionally, her co-founding roles at Canada Africa Partnership on AIDS (CAPAIDS) and CatalystsX showcase her ability to drive social change through collaboration and innovation.

In her earlier role as Director of Operations and Innovation for the Youth Research and Evaluation eXchange (YouthREX) at York University, Tinashe concentrated on enhancing service design and strategizing partnerships. Her work here promoted the integration of evidence-based practices in the development of youth programs throughout Ontario, marking a significant contribution to educational progress.

Tinashe’s commitment to community service is further exemplified by her over five years on the TELUS Foundation local board, where she assessed and granted support to innovative impact projects in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Currently, she contributes her insights to the Advisory Board of TVO, Canada's oldest educational television service, indicating her unwavering dedication to education and community empowerment.

Education and Achievements

Tinashe's academic journey reflects her commitment to expanding her knowledge and skills in strategic foresight and innovation. She is currently pursuing a Master of Design in Strategic Foresight & Innovation at OCAD University, focusing her research on inclusive design related to the future of work, workers, and workplaces. This program is equipping her with cutting-edge insights into how strategic foresight shapes socio-economic structures and community outcomes.

Her educational background includes a plethora of relevant certifications and degrees that bolster her strategic capabilities:

  • Master of Design, Strategic Foresight & Innovation, OCAD University
  • Social Innovation Residency, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
  • Certification in Process Facilitation & Deep Democracy, Process Work Institute
  • Certification in Innovation Leadership, Haida Gwaii, University of Waterloo
  • Project Management Certification, Ryerson University
  • Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Concordia University

Notable Achievements and Initiatives

Throughout her career, Tinashe Wingfield has been recognized for her leadership and innovative approach to addressing social challenges. Her impactful initiatives and contributions include but are not limited to:

  • Launching and managing Eye On Africa, a social enterprise rooted in community support and empowerment, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to social justice.
  • Co-founding Canada Africa Partnership on AIDS (CAPAIDS), a vital organization that focuses on addressing health disparities associated with HIV/AIDS in Canada and Africa.
  • Spearheading strategic workforce planning initiatives during her tenure at TWIG, leading to real, actionable change for local communities facing future employment challenges.
  • Contributing to youth engagement and evaluation strategies as the Director of Operations and Innovation at YouthREX, promoting a systematic approach to youth program development.
  • Serving on the TELUS Foundation local board, where she guided the allocation of resources to innovative projects that positively affect community outcomes.

Conclusion

Tinashe Wingfield is a dynamic force in the realms of strategic foresight and social innovation. Her extensive experience across various capacities reflects a profound commitment to community empowerment, effective leadership, and enduring change. As she continues to develop her expertise at OCAD University and mentors emerging social innovators and entrepreneurs in Canada and beyond, Tinashe remains at the forefront of shaping inclusive and impactful futures. Her tireless advocacy and innovative spirit serve as an inspiration for organizations and individuals alike seeking to navigate the complexities of modern challenges with confidence and creativity.

Related Questions

How did Tinashe Wingfield become inspired to pursue a career in social innovation?
What key strategies has Tinashe Wingfield employed at Cadence Foresight Innovation to foster organizational transformation?
In what ways has Tinashe Wingfield's educational background shaped her approach toward workforce development initiatives?
What are some specific examples of impact driven projects Tinashe Wingfield has supported through her work with the TELUS Foundation?
How does Tinashe Wingfield integrate inclusive design principles into her current research on the Future of Work?
Tinashe Wingfield
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Location

Dundas, Ontario, Canada