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Profiles of Diversity -:- Peter V. Tretter

Peter V. Tretter Founder & CEO Meet Peter V. Tretter, a financial professional by profession and a tenacious advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Peter’s journey is one of perseverance and dedication, marked by his ability to overcome great obstacles with a belief that the odds are always in his favour.

His life outside work is rich with activities that feed his soul and contribute to his community. He is an avid reader, a volunteer, an advocate for change, an arts enthusiast, and a movie lover. His organizational skills are impeccable, thanks to his trusty Google Calendar, which keeps him on task and organized.

Peter’s colleagues from his previous roles would likely highlight his exceptional ability to maintain customer satisfaction. Even when faced with the most challenging customers, Peter managed to keep a smile and resolve conflicts with grace.

In his last position within the banking industry, Peter felt a sense of empowerment, being able to perform his duties effectively within the constraints of a large corporate structure. This experience has shaped his management style, which is characterized by trust and autonomy. As a leader of a virtual organization, he values regular check-ins via email and virtual meetings, particularly with summer students, to ensure productivity while respecting their independence.

When it comes to fundraising, Peter views it as an essential aspect of non-profit work, akin to sales. Although not his strongest suit, he appreciates the zen-like quality of crafting social media posts or emails that contribute to a cause greater than oneself. He acknowledges the significant impact that even a few minutes of volunteering can have on an organization’s success.

Peter’s choice of entrance music would be “Hakuna Matatta” from The Lion King, a song that encapsulates his approach to life—no worries, and a focus on the positive.

As the Founder, President & CEO of Journey to Diversity Workplaces1, Peter is committed to transforming workplaces into spaces where diversity, respect, and harmony are not just ideals but realities. His vision for the future is clear: winning in all the right ways, with several businesses under his wing, all while treating everyone right.

Peter’s narrative is one of resilience, community service, and a relentless pursuit of creating an inclusive society. His story is a testament to the power of diversity and the impact one individual can have on the world around them. Thank you to all who volunteer and make a difference every day.

Profiles of Diversity -:- Curtis Herle

Curtis Herle is an Audit Director specializing in Cloud Security and Enterprise Architecture, within the Emerging Risk and Cyber Security Audit Department at Scotiabank.

Curtis Herle’s greatest strength is his passion for Pride and Diversity. He is an active member of Pride at Work, and has participated in several events and initiatives to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community. He also enjoys gaming, traveling, reading, and spending time with his friends in his downtime. He keeps himself organized by using technology, phone, to-do lists, and planning ahead.

Curtis Herle is a professional and innovative worker, who has created a professional practice area inside of audit at Scotiabank. He is a breath of fresh air in his role, not sticking to the status quo and always looking for new ways to improve and optimize. He is also a reliable and helpful coworker, who often acts as a middle man between his boss and his colleagues. He is comfortable in his current job, but also wants to better the world around him. He has volunteered at Covenant House, a charity that provides shelter and support to homeless youth. He also enjoys fundraising, and was on Scotia’s social committee, where he built a membership program.

Profiles of Diversity -:- Frank Tuzi

Frank Tuzi is a Canadian mortgage professional and a trainer. He has over 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry, working as a broker, lender, and trainer. His greatest strength is his people skills. He enjoys interacting with people, coaching them, and helping them achieve their goals. He is also an avid reader, especially of books on philosophy, linguistics, and religion. He has three children, whom he loves spending time with.

Frank Tuzi is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has been involved in several initiatives to promote these values in his professional settings. He was introduced to the topic of diversity at a breakfast he attended, and was inspired to join a local charity that provides scholarships and antiracist, character-building, and leadership programming to youth in the Greater Toronto/Hamilton Area. He hopes to see more awareness and action on DEI issues in the next five years, and is eager to contribute his skills and expertise to this cause. He also understands the importance of fundraising for organizations, and has experience in securing grants and donations for his projects.

Mr. Tuzi is on a current leave of absence.

Profiles of Diversity -:- Dr. Leland Harper

Dr. Leland Harper is a Canadian philosopher and a professor of philosophy and race, justice, and equity studies at Siena Heights University in Michigan. He is also the founder of Leland Harper Consulting, a company that offers diversity, equity, and inclusion services to the Canadian hospitality industry. He has over 20 years of experience in the nightclub, restaurant, bar and hotel industries, and has received numerous awards and funding for his research on philosophy of religion and philosophy of race. He is the co-author of the book Racist, Not Racist, Antiracist: Language and the Dynamic Disaster of American Racism, and the editor of the Philosophy of Race book series at Vernon Press.
Leland’s greatest strength is his ability to see things from different perspectives and apply logical reasoning to various situations. He enjoys playing basketball in men’s leagues, reading books, and watching Netflix shows in his spare time. He keeps himself organized by using a series of dry erase boards and calendars to keep track of his tasks and deadlines. He is a little old school in this sense.
Leland is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has been involved in several initiatives to promote these values in his academic and professional settings. He recently secured a grant from the Endowment for Humanities to conduct a feasibility study on whether it would be possible to bring a humanities DEI certificate program to his university. He hopes to see more collaboration and community engagement on DEI issues in the next five years, and is eager to contribute his skills and expertise to this cause.

Dr. Harper is no longer a board member. J2DW thanks him for his amazing time with us.

Profiles of Diversity -:- Deniz Toker

Deniz Toker, an educator at Northeastern University, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for community engagement to his role. As the Assistant Director of Community and Academic Partnerships, Deniz spearheads collaborations with post-secondary institutions and community organizations. His greatest strengths lie in communication, empathy, and the ability to connect with people through their lived experiences. Deniz has a remarkable track record of working with refugees and immigrants, addressing their needs with compassion and understanding.

In his free time, Deniz finds solace in nature, exploring new trails and connecting with the outdoors. His love for the natural world is complemented by a passion for cooking—a creative outlet that allows him to unwind and experiment with flavors. Deniz’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections extends beyond his professional life, as he actively engages with the community and academic partners to create impactful collaborations.

Deniz’s colleagues from previous positions would undoubtedly highlight his empathetic approach as his greatest accomplishment. Deniz’s ability to listen, understand, and address people’s needs has left a lasting impact. Moreover, the culture of diversity and unique perspectives at his last company empowered him, especially considering that the dean herself is the daughter of an immigrant.

If Deniz could choose a song to play every time he walked into a room, it would be Queen’s iconic anthem, We Are the Champions. The choice reflects his belief in celebrating victories, both big and small, and setting a positive tone wherever he goes. As for fundraising, Deniz acknowledges that it’s not his forte, but he recognizes the need to develop those skills.

10 Safety Tips That Could Save Your Life (and Your Job)

Safety in the workplace is not only a legal requirement, but also a moral responsibility for employers and employees alike. A safe work environment can prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, as well as improve productivity, morale, and reputation. To help you create and maintain a safe workplace, here are 10 safety tips that apply to most Canadian workplaces.

    1. Be aware of your surroundings. Always pay attention to what is happening around you and where you are working. Identify and avoid potential hazards, such as slippery floors, sharp objects, moving machinery, electrical wires, or falling objects. Report any unsafe conditions or practices to your supervisor or health and safety committee.
    2. Use proper posture and ergonomics. Whether you work at a desk, a factory, or a construction site, you should always maintain a good posture and use ergonomic equipment and tools. This can help you prevent musculoskeletal disorders, such as back pain, neck pain, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Adjust your chair, desk, keyboard, mouse, monitor, and other equipment to suit your height and comfort. Take frequent breaks and stretch your muscles to avoid stiffness and fatigue.
    3. Operate machines and equipment safely. Before using any machine or equipment, make sure you are trained and authorized to do so. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, helmets, or earplugs. Check the machine or equipment for any defects or malfunctions before and after use. Do not operate a machine or equipment that is damaged or faulty. Report any problems or incidents to your supervisor or health and safety committee.
    4. Handle chemicals and substances carefully. If you work with chemicals or substances, such as cleaning products, solvents, paints, or fuels, you should always read and follow the safety data sheets (SDS) and labels. Wear suitable PPE, such as gloves, masks, aprons, or boots. Store and dispose of chemicals and substances according to the regulations and procedures. Avoid inhaling, ingesting, or contacting chemicals and substances with your skin or eyes. In case of exposure, seek medical attention immediately.
    5. Follow emergency procedures and protocols. In case of an emergency, such as a fire, a spill, a gas leak, or an injury, you should know what to do and who to contact. Familiarize yourself with the emergency plan and procedures of your workplace. Know where the emergency exits, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and alarms are located. Follow the instructions of your supervisor or emergency personnel. Evacuate the premises calmly and quickly if necessary.
    6. Report hazards and incidents. One of the most important safety tips is to report any hazards, incidents, or near-misses that you encounter or witness in your workplace. This can help prevent further harm and improve safety measures. You can report hazards and incidents to your supervisor, health and safety committee, or health and safety representative. You can also use the online reporting system of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).
    7. Use assistive devices and tools. Whenever possible, use assistive devices and tools that are designed to reduce injuries and make your work easier and safer. For example, use carts, dollies, hoists, or lifts to move heavy or bulky items. Use ladders, scaffolds, or platforms to reach high places. Use guards, shields, or covers to protect yourself from sharp edges, hot surfaces, or moving parts.
    8. Do not drink or use drugs. Alcohol and drugs can impair your judgment, coordination, reaction time, and concentration. This can increase the risk of accidents, errors, and injuries in the workplace. You should never drink or use drugs before or during work. If you have a substance abuse problem, seek help from your employer, health care provider, or support group.
    9. Get enough rest and sleep. Fatigue can affect your physical and mental health, as well as your performance and safety at work. Lack of sleep can cause drowsiness, irritability, mood swings, memory loss, and reduced alertness. To prevent fatigue, you should get enough rest and sleep, at least seven to nine hours per night. You should also avoid working long or irregular hours, or doing shift work if possible. If you feel tired or sleepy at work, take a short nap or a break, or ask your supervisor for assistance.
    10. Learn and follow the safety rules and regulations. The last but not the least safety tip is to learn and follow the safety rules and regulations that apply to your workplace. These rules and regulations are based on the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Canada Labour Code (CLC), which set the minimum standards for health and safety in Canadian workplaces. You can find the safety rules and regulations of your workplace in the health and safety policy, manual, or handbook. You can also attend health and safety training sessions, workshops, or courses offered by your employer, CCOHS, or other organizations.

By following these 10 safety tips, you can contribute to a safe and healthy workplace for yourself and your co-workers. Remember, safety is everyone’s responsibility and right. Stay safe and work smart!

This article was written by  j2DW CEO Peter V. Tretter

Profiles of Diversity -:- Khushi Bhatnagar

Khushi Bhatnagar Deputy Speaker Khushi Bhatnagar is a Canadian recent grad who completed a Postgraduate certificate in Project Management at Sheridan College. She is a talented singer of classical Indian music, a badminton player, and a fitness enthusiast. She is also a time management expert, having juggled four jobs while maintaining a 3.5 GPA. She uses a notebook and Google Keep to organize her tasks and goals.

Khushi has a passion for academic integrity and innovation. She worked as a strategist for the Academic Integrity Office at Sheridan, where she created a project management system using Teams Planner. She was part of the most diverse team in the office, with eight members from different backgrounds and skill levels. She received positive feedback from her coworkers and manager for her contribution and performance.

Khushi is a fan of BTS, a popular Korean pop group. She chose their song Love Myself as her personal anthem, because she wants to spread happiness and confidence to everyone. She has a collaborative and transparent management style, and values listening to her team members and finding the best solutions for them. She is interested in working in the non-profit sector, and has some experience in fundraising from her previous projects in India.

Profiles of Diversity -:- Harneet Barmy

Harneet Barmy - Chief Privacy Officer Harneet Barmy is a Canadian IT professional and a computer science professor at Durham College. He worked as a senior systems analyst for the Government of Canada, where he helped with adopting cloud infrastructure and minimizing disruption to the business. He has over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, working as an Architect, consultant, and trainer. He is also the co-founder and editor of the Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching.

Harneet Barmy’s greatest strength is his humility and willingness to help others. He loves to answer Technical questions on websites like Google, Quora and to teach and mentor his former students. He is also an organized and efficient worker, who uses calendars, SharePoint, Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, Azure and Microsoft 365 to manage his tasks and meetings. He is easy to work with, reliable, and self-sufficient, as his coworkers and managers would attest.

Harneet Barmy is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has been involved in several initiatives to promote these values in his professional and personal settings. He was inspired by a message he received from a local charity that provides scholarships and antiracist, character-building, and leadership programming to youth in the Greater Toronto/Hamilton Area. He joined J2DW as a board member, hoping to make a difference and support his wife, who faces challenges in her workplace due to the lack of diversity. He hopes to see more progress and impact from this organization in the next five years, and is eager to contribute his skills and expertise to this cause. He has never tried fundraising before, but is willing to learn and help.

Social Media for Social Justice: How Brands Can Promote EDI Online

As we have progressed in society, the concept of technology has begun to branch away from just a luxury that the wealthy can afford and head towards a common, everyday tool. With phones no longer being simply used for their calling feature, what it means to communicate has transformed into something more interactive, seemingly social, yet unnaturally distant all the same. Social media has become a strong force as a platform for creating and sharing content that promotes expression, facilitates communication, shares knowledge and experiences, and can bring people together just as easily as it can tear them apart.

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