Diversity And Inclusion Committee

The CVCA’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee is pursuing a program-level approach to improve diversity and inclusion in the venture capital and private equity community to foster greater diversity of thought which will in turn drive performance in the industry. Diversity refers to a range of human differences which include but are not limited to visible dimensions such as race, ethnicity, gender, and, invisible dimensions such as religion, political beliefs and sexual orientation. Diversity also recognizes human differences in personality and organizational characteristics.

The CVCA’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee is pursuing a program-level approach to improve diversity and inclusion in the venture capital and private equity community to foster greater diversity of thought which will in turn drive performance in the industry. 

Diversity refers to a range of human differences that include but are not limited to visible dimensions such as race, ethnicity, gender, and, invisible dimensions such as religion, political beliefs, and sexual orientation. Diversity also recognizes human differences in personality and organizational characteristics.

Inclusion refers to creating an environment in which people feel involved, respected, valued, and connected, and to which individuals bring their authentic selves (ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives) to their work with colleagues, entrepreneurs, investors, and the broader community.

Diversity boosts profits in venture capital firms ~ HBS

University Mentorship
Engage with university students across Canada to highlight private capital as a viable career path and thereby increase the potential GP talent pool.

Best Practices for an Inclusive Workplace
Collaborate with BDC and other stakeholders to evaluate and consider the creation of an industry-level code of conduct and anti-harassment policy.

Human Capital Benchmark
Create and Publish an industry-level survey that measures and tracks diversity and inclusion in Canadian private capital.

Industry Storytelling
Celebrate successes through original content that spotlights stakeholders making an impact.

Events
Ensure CVCA events are designed with diversity and inclusion in mind.

Helpful Resources
Create and maintain a centralized diversity resource library of reports, tools, and mentorship programs focused on empowering diversity and inclusion in the industry.

The CVCA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee exists to empower members with insight into the barriers, issues and opportunities that exist for greater diversity and inclusion in our investment community. By raising awareness, analyzing gaps that may exist and working toward a more diverse ecosystem, an incredible opportunity exists to address past imbalance while uncovering exciting new avenues for collaboration and innovation.

Co-Chairs
Michelle McBane (StandUp Ventures)


Members
Alison Nankivell (BDC Capital)
Catherine Bérubé (Cycle Capital)
Sarah Defina (Information Venture Partners)
Gord McCullough (Onex)
Lauren Harris (Northleaf Capital Partners)
Jennifer Williams (Genesys Capital Management)
Cedric Bisson (Teralys Capital)
Wils Theagène (Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ)
Sophie Gupta (Yaletown Partners)
Darryl Sam (Fengate Capital Management)