SMUEC Talks: Inclusivity in Business

SMUEC Talks monthly panels are an open, comfortable series that invite student entrepreneurs to come listen to experts share stories and tips on a particular subject. This month, we are excited to host Inclusivity in Business.

Join us on Wednesday, Oct 27 at 6:30pm ADT as we hear from two amazing experts in the field of inclusivity.

Register: https://smu-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqceyvpz8sHdy4aJ6HudETqZN-r2h4QNnx

April Howe, EMBA ’18, Saint Mary’s University
Founder, Crayon Strategies Inc

With over 20 years experience of corporate, government, and community leadership, I have recently been appointed Deputy Minister of Fish and Aquaculture. Prior, I was with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice as Senior Executive Advisor to the Deputy Minister with oversight for policies and initiatives that span the full range of the Ministry’s mandate. Previously, I was with the Public Service Commission for three years overseeing the People & Culture Division’s five corporate units: Corporate Diversity & Engagement, Recruitment Services, Internal Communications, Organizational Development, and the Corporate Learning Center. Formerly I was a Partner with Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette for 16 years leading their Career Solutions practice.

In addition to serving the Province of Nova Scotia, I am Owner & CEO of Crayon Strategies, a Diversity & Inclusion consulting practice working with organizations to support and guide them on their journey to be diverse and equitable employers. I work with organizational leaders to help them create the conditions for true inclusivity in the workplace.

I completed an Executive Masters of Business at Saint Mary’s University – Sobey School of Business. As well, I’m a Certified Career Coach.

As a community volunteer, I have had the pleasure of serving as a Board Director with the North End Community Health Center and chair the HR Committee. Formerly, I sat on the boards of the IWK Foundation, the Halifax Partnership, United Way Halifax, and the Black Business Initiative. As a descendant of Africville, I was a founding board member and then went on to chair the board of the Africville Heritage Trust.

Tanya Sieliakus, BA, Dalhousie University 
Founder and CEO. Innovator. Champion of sustainable HR and safety practices. Advocate for diversity and inclusion.

I am a results focused professional with a penchant for exceeding stakeholder expectations. I am passionate about what I do and it shows!
I am a true human resources generalist with experience in all functional areas of HR, within both union and non-union environments. I have extensive experience building strategic, best-practice HR, safety, and training-compensation systems that are easily sustained and which meet legislated obligations.
I am a certified diversity and inclusion champion; having developed and delivered training and programming in Canada, the US, and Europe.
I possess strong project management, communication, interpersonal, organizational, and visionary skills. I’m a skilled trainer, storyteller, moderator, and facilitator.
I have worked and / or consulted in all industry sectors and and valued for my eclectic problem solving style.