Industry group Digital Nova Scotia has honoured five people or organizations for their contributions to diversity and inclusion in Nova Scotia’s tech sector in a ceremony held as part of the Centre for Women in Business’s Innovate online event.
Digital Nova Scotia, which represents the IT industry in the province, started the annual awards in 2016 to highlight influential women in the tech sector. Last year, the awards were expanded to include members of other underrepresented groups.
“This year, we had an overwhelming number of nominations, each impacting and driving change in our industry, working towards a shared goal of advancing diversity and inclusion in tech,” said Digital Nova Scotia CEO Wayne Sumarah in a press release.
“We know that diversity drives innovation, a key ingredient for the continued success of our sector -- which is why we continue to bring focus to leaders and champions of diversity. Our winners are making a positive impact, they are proactive, and we are honoured to have a platform to recognize them."
Here’s a look at the winners:
Next Generation Leadership
Liz Gosselin -- Creative Director, R&G Strategic
Gosselin has served as R&G’s creative director since 2017, where she works exclusively with environmentally friendly and cleantech companies.
Fueling the Digital Economy
Dora Jonah -- VP of Consulting and Delivery, CGI
Jones has worked in IT for the financial, insurance, telecom and oil and gas industries for 25 years. She has helped manage technology consulting firm CGI since 2005.
Change Maker
Rose Wagner -- President, Rose Wagner Media
Wagner spent a decade managing Halifax’s Time + Space Media agency before founding Rose Wagner Media in 2011, where her services include helping advertisers target more diverse audiences.
Diversity and Inclusion Champion
Based in Dartmouth and in business for more than 30 years, MOBIA has about 400 employees spread across North America. In September, the Globe and Mail Report on Business ranked it as the 307th fastest growing company in Canada. It offers a co-op program for university students and donates to charities including United Way and the Canadian Cancer Society.
Shaping the Future
SuperNOVA is a Dalhousie University initiative to promote science and technology careers to the Nova Scotian youth via workshops, summer camps, clubs and other activities that young people like. All of the organization’s programming is designed to complement the province’s grade school curriculum.
