Join us for a transformative summit dedicated to advancing the economic integration of immigrant women. This event will bring together leading voices from academia, advocacy, policy, and politics to explore the pressing challenges and opportunities faced by newcomer women in the labor market.

About the Summit

The Pathways to Inclusion Summit is a collaborative initiative between Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto (NEW) and the Rotman School of Management. This event aims to tackle the pressing challenges and opportunities surrounding the labor market integration and advancement of immigrant women.

Why Attend?

At the Advancing Economic Integration for Immigrant Women Summit, you will:

  • Engage with Experts: Hear from thought leaders and practitioners who are making a difference in the field.

  • Discover Insights: Learn about innovative strategies and policies that can enhance labor market entry and advancement for immigrant women.

  • Network and Collaborate: Connect with fellow advocates, policymakers, and community leaders to share experiences and ideas.

Featured Speakers:

Mitzie Hunter is a dynamic leader and President/CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation, with 30 years of experience across the nonprofit, private, and government sectors. She made history as Ontario’s first Black Minister of Education and has also served as Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development and Associate Minister of Finance. A passionate advocate for women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals, Mitzie is recognized for her expertise in women’s leadership, inclusive economies, and sustainable community development. She is a founding member of the Prosperity Project and has held various leadership roles, including CEO of CivicAction and Chief Administrative Officer of Toronto Community Housing Corporation.

Kristyn Wong-Tam is the Member of Provincial Parliament for Toronto Centre, representing downtown Toronto and serving as the Official Opposition Critic for 2SLGBTQIA+ issues, small business, and the attorney general. Prior to her election as an MPP, Kristyn was a Toronto City Councillor for 12 years and an accomplished entrepreneur and arts advocate. She co-founded Asian Canadians for Equal Marriage and served as president of the Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter, where she successfully lobbied for a head tax apology. Kristyn’s career is dedicated to investing in Toronto's diverse communities through social planning, affordable housing, economic development, and community art initiatives.

David Piccini is the Member of Provincial Parliament for Northumberland-Peterborough South. He began his career in the federal public service as an international market analyst at Agriculture Canada and later served as a policy advisor at Service Canada. At the Office of the Minister of International Trade, he contributed to key initiatives like the Canada-Europe Free Trade Agreement. He also advised on international policy at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and helped found the Canadian International Health Education Association.

Senator Ratna Omidvar is an advocate for migration, diversity, and inclusion, appointed to the Senate of Canada in 2016 to represent Ontario. She chairs the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs and has previously served as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and President of Maytree. Recognized with multiple honors, including the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada, Ratna co-authored Flight and Freedom: Stories of Escape to Canada and remains a key voice in shaping policies for diverse communities.


Susan Christoffersen is the Dean of the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto and holds the William A. Downe BMO Chair as a Professor of Finance. Previously, she served as Vice-Dean for Undergraduate and Specialized Programs from 2015 to 2020, where she also founded the TD Management Data Analytics Lab. Her research focuses on mutual funds and financial institutions in capital markets, with publications in leading finance journals and citations in The New York Times, Bloomberg, and The Wall Street Journal. Susan holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Queen’s University, a master’s from the University of British Columbia, and a PhD in finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Register Now

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborate on strategies for advancing the economic integration of immigrant women.

Together, we can create impactful pathways to inclusion and empower immigrant women in our communities.