Celebrating 10 years: Advancing towards a diverse and inclusive Canada

Celebrating 10 years: Advancing towards a diverse and inclusive Canada

By Manjit Singh

2022 is a special year for Ascend Canada; it’s our tenth anniversary. It’s amazing to see what we have accomplished over the past decade.

Ascend Canada has grown to over 4,000 members and over 30 sponsors. Through our conferences, galas, events, mentoring sessions and coffee chats, we have expanded the organization’s impact in fostering a more inclusive Corporate Canada and created a strong community. All driven and coordinated by a group of dedicated, talented, and amazing volunteers.

It’s wonderful to see what the power of Ascend Canada’s community — united in purpose — can create. When I started my career just over 25 years ago, there were very few pan-Asian leaders to look up to. Now, there are so many talented Pan Asian leaders in senior leadership in Corporate Canada.

While we look back and celebrate our accomplishments, we have more work to do. Our goal is to have full representation of diverse candidates in leadership roles – including Board representation — especially considering the breadth and strength of available Pan Asian talent. Sadly, during the pandemic incidences of Asian Hate have risen. We have to counteract this trend by raising our collective voices to bring awareness to these issues and advocating for change.

Ascend Canada has been meaningful to me, as I grew as a business leader. I have met and continue to meet many amazing people at all stages of their career journey. Their stories of struggles and triumph is what inspires me to contribute to Ascend Canada and be part of this community. This year, I invite you to join in celebrating Ascend Canada and sharing with us what makes this organization so special to you.

As we commemorate our 10th anniversary, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our members, sponsors, volunteers and the board for your passionate advocacy in advancing the vision and mission of Ascend Canada. Our progress would not be possible without your dedication and commitment.