Diversity Institute’s founder and academic director awarded prestigious medal

Dr. Wendy Cukier has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Senator Donna Dasko nominated her for the award, and she and former Senator Ratna Omidvar awarded the medal jointly at a ceremony held Nov. 1, 2024, in Toronto, Ont. During the presentation of the medal at an intimate ceremony attended by 50 people, including other award recipients, they cited her many years of work on gun control and her social justice work.

“[Wendy] has had a huge impact as a leading expert in the areas of disruptive technologies, innovation processes, and diversity and inclusion,” said Dasko, enumerating numerous accomplishments, including authoring more than 200 articles, and leading research and programs to promote diversity and entrepreneurship in the workplace. She also spoke about Cukier’s work as co-founder and president of the Coalition for Gun Control, an alliance of more than 30 policing, public safety and violence prevention organizations. “Wendy is a tireless and highly impactful advocate against gun violence,” she said. “Wendy has for decades been one of Canada’s leading voices on the necessity of gun control including strong legislation.”

Cukier is the founder and academic director of the Diversity Institute at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University, where she is a professor of entrepreneurship and innovation. She is also the academic research director of the Future Skills Centre and the founder and academic director of the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub. 

The King Charles III Coronation Medal is a special honour created to commemorate His Majesty’s coronation on May 6, 2023. It is given to Canadians who demonstrate outstanding service to their communities and country.