Journey to Diversity Workplaces Launches New Speakers Bureau

Barrie, Ontario, 7 February 2024 – Journey to Diversity Workplaces (J2DW), a non-profit organization that promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace, is proud to announce the launch of its new speakers bureau.

The J2DW Speakers Bureau is a service that provides high-quality speakers on a wide range of topics related to diversity, equity, safety, respect, and inclusion. The speakers are experts in their fields and have experience in engaging and inspiring audiences through virtual platforms. The speakers bureau charges on a sliding scale between $200 – $7000 per presentation plus expenses, making it affordable and accessible for various organizations and events.

Some of the topics that the speakers bureau can offer include:

- Breaking free from systemic inequality at work
- How to create a more inclusive and welcoming workplace culture
- How to leverage the benefits of diversity for innovation and productivity
- How to address and prevent discrimination, harassment, and bias in the workplace
- How to foster allyship and solidarity among diverse groups of employees
- How to navigate the challenges and opportunities of working in a global and multicultural environment

The J2DW Speakers Bureau is part of the organization’s mission to respect differences ethically, morally, and legally. J2DW believes that diversity and inclusion are not only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing to do for any organization that wants to thrive in the 21st century.

To learn more about the J2DW Speakers Bureau, or to book a speaker for your next event, please visit https://j2dw.co/TTi or contact us via email.

For more information about J2DW, please visit our website at www.j2dw.ngo. You can also follow us on social media platforms such as Facebook, Threads, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, or Mastodon.

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.

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Contact:

J2DW Media Relations
705-481-1674
Email us!

Celebrating 10 Years

J2DW Celebrates 10 Years of Promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Safety in the Workplace

Celebrating 10 Years of J2DW’s Vision and Mission for a Better Workplace

For Immediate Release

Barrie, Ontario, December 3, 2023 – Journey to Diversity Workplaces (J2DW), a non-profit organization that advocates for diversity, equity, inclusion, and safety in the workplace, is celebrating our 10th anniversary this month. Founded in December 2013 by a group of passionate individuals who wanted to reform the workplace and introduce progressive policies that promote harmony and growth, J2DW has grown into a network of members, partners, and supporters who share our vision and mission.

J2DW believes that the workplace should be a place where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. It believes that diversity, equity, inclusion, and safety are not only moral imperatives but also strategic advantages that foster creativity, innovation, and connectedness. J2DW is not just an organization but a movement that aims to transform the workplace culture and environment for the better.

Over the past decade, J2DW has been involved in various initiatives and activities that support our goals and objectives. Some of these include:

- Producing a volunteer-run podcast called Diversity on Air, which interviews experts, leaders, and activists who share their insights and experiences on diversity, equity, inclusion, and safety.
- Publishing a blog called Voices of our Nation, featuring articles contributed by volunteers and summer students who write about their opinions, stories, and research on workplace issues.
- Hosted amazing speakers such as Paralympic athlete Zak Madell and former PEI opposition leader Hon. Peter Bevan-Baker.
- Partnering with various organizations and platforms such as OnGood, Charity Village, and VolunteerMatch to increase our reach and impact.
- Being featured in various media outlets such as the Barrie Advance, Barrie Today, and InDurham to raise awareness and recognition of our work and community.
J2DW is proud of our achievements and milestones over the past 10 years. It is also grateful for the support and collaboration of our members, partners, donors, volunteers, staff, board members, and advisors who have contributed to our success and growth. J2DW invites everyone to join it on our journey to diversity in the workplace. Whether one is an employer, an employee, or a supporter, one can make a difference by becoming a member, a partner, or a donor. One can also listen to our podcast episodes and read our blog posts to learn more about our work and community.

J2DW’s motto is “Respecting differences ethically, morally, and legally!” We hope to continue living up to this motto for many more years to come.

For more information about J2DW, please visit our website at www.j2dw.ngo. You can also follow us on social media platforms such as Facebook, Threads, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, or Mastodon.

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.

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Contact:

J2DW Media Relations
705-481-1674
Email us!

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
My email address

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
705-481-1674
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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
Email us!

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
Email us!

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
705-481-7784 ext 2
Email us!

Sent from the traditional territory of the Haudenosauneega and Anishinaabeg peoples.

J2DW Launches Titles and Pronouns for Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals

Journey to Diversity Workplaces Launches Titles and Pronouns for Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals

J2DW joins companies such as Royal Mail, the Royal Bank of Scotland, HSBC, and numerous others making this change.

For Immediate Release

BARRIE, ONTARIO, 10 OCTOBER 2017 – Journey to Diversity Workplaces (J2DW) is excited to announce the addition of new titles and pronouns to their online applications and databases for transgender and gender diverse individuals.

J2DW’s goal is to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We respect differences ethically, morally, and legally. We want a different kind of workplace where diversity is championed and so is the worker. An organization’s success and competitiveness depends upon its ability to embrace diversity and to realize the benefits of diversity.

“It is important that we respect and recognize individuals in our society in a way they wish to be addressed. By doing this, we promote out-of-the-box creativity and respect for those who explore their lives fully in a way that is right for them. We’re proud to take a stand on this.” said Peter V. Tretter, President & CEO of Journey to Diversity Workplaces.

The board of J2DW green-lit the project over the summer and immediately went into beta testing. New titles available include Ind., Mre., Msr., Mx., Myr., Pr., Sai., and Ser. New pronouns available include Ne/Nem, They/Them, Ve/Ver, and Ze/Zir.

Organizations such as Royal Mail, HSBC, the Royal Bank of Scotland, and Oxford City Council have introduced these titles since the start of 2017, and we believe J2DW is one of the first Canadian companies (for-profit or non-profit) to launch these options.

Journey to Diversity Workplaces 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.ca

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Contact:

Peter V. Tretter, President & CEO

705-481-7784 ext 2

pe…@j2dw.ca

Journey to Diversity Workplaces Launches Crowdfunding for new Scholarship Program

The Doris Tretter Memorial Scholarship for Diversity in the Fine Arts aims to award $1,000 each to two students pursuing post-secondary studies in Ontario in May, 2018.

For Immediate Release

BARRIE, ONTARIO, 12 JULY 2017 – Journey to Diversity Workplaces (J2DW) is excited to announce the creation of a scholarship aimed towards promoting diversity and fair representation in dance, theatre, film, and visual arts. This scholarship is an incredible opportunity for people pursuing a Fine Arts degree to boost their career aspirations.

“According to Statistics Canada, the number of visible minorities in Canada is expected to increase by two hundred percent and account for approximately twenty percent of Canada’s population through 2017. Racialized and transgender groups are underrepresented in the fine arts such as film. It is important to take steps now to increase workplace diversity and inclusion that will allow for a better future.” said Peter V. Tretter, President & CEO of Journey to Diversity Workplaces.

Anyone who has gone to school in Ontario in the previous academic year and is taking a post-secondary fine arts program in the following September is eligible to apply.

Today, we launch our crowdfunding effort so that J2DW will have funds to award in May 2018. We are aiming to raise $5,000 to fund the scholarship to start off with. The additional funds will be used in future years. The campaign may be found at https://igg.me/at/dtretter

The mother of J2DW founder Peter V. Tretter, Doris was an avid painter creating various paintings over the years. As well Doris was an avid community volunteer, doing makeup and set painting with The Greely Players, leading the Parkway Community Kids Choir, both in Ottawa, and creating wonderful creations at the Gilda Club of Simcoe-Muskoka in Barrie. Doris was a registered nurse and promoted health to the congregants at both the Parkway Road Pentecostal Church before moving to Barrie in 2007 and then to Mapleview Community Church. Doris passed away from cancer July 2014.

Journey to Diversity Workplaces is a Barrie, Ontario based organization formed under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act in December 2013.

— 30 —Contact:

Peter V. Tretter, President & CEO
p…@j2dw.ca