A Year in Review - Diversity and Inclusion

Monday, December 13, 2021

The last 18 months have been challenging to say the least, for individuals as much as it has been for organizations and businesses. By December 2020, Canada and much of the world were optimistic that communities and businesses would be transitioning back to some semblance of a pre-pandemic environment come 2021. In anticipation of a return to normalcy, the SAF launched a weekly alumni story series to celebrate and acknowledge our alums for their leadership in pivoting their teams and organizations through and beyond the pandemic.

Reflecting on this past year, the stories we’ve told of the successes of our alums have not only celebrated their leadership, adaptability, and courage, but the stories have also served as inspiration and benchmarks for the resiliency of human nature and what can be done when you’re given the right tools, opportunities, and education to meet and surpass uncertainties and challenges head-on.

I invite you to peruse the SAF Alumni Story Series to find insight and your inspiration to make a positive impact, regardless of how small or big, for yourself, your team, and your organization.

Patty Mah
Associate Director, Communications & External Relations

Diversity and Inclusion

For the week of December 13th, we’re revisiting stories of alums who push boundaries and go above and beyond to extend diversity and inclusion for all. In this round-up are stories of alums who faced and surpassed adversity, alums who transcended their humble career goals, and alums who are leveraging untapped talent to even the playing field.

Diversity and inclusion are more than employment policies and headcounts. It is an ambition to create an environment that embraces all perspectives and leverages the skills, knowledge, and talent of all to enhance a culture that empowers all.

The courage and consideration showcased in these stories offer inspiration and motivation for everyone to propel positive change within the world of their influence to create a world where everyone is equal and treated without bias. Connect with SAF to share your story of diversity and inclusion.

Photo of Chester Dawes
Wednesday, February 24, 2021

From humble beginnings to finance leader

Before his start at Waterloo, Chester Dawes (BMath ’99, PDAcc ’99) didn’t know what a high-powered career in finance could look like. To begin with, his parents emigrated from Jamaica in the early ‘70s to start a new life; Chester and his two brothers grew up going to schools in Canada where most kids did not look like them. As a child growing up in an immigrant family environment, Chester’s career goals were quite humble: “My measure of success was a career where I could go on a vacation and not worry about where the money came from.”  

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

International experience leads SAF alum back to Hong Kong

Boris Bong (MAcc ’94, MSc Finance (UK), CPA), like many of his peers completed co-op work terms in the field of accounting throughout his undergraduate career. After attaining his CPA designation, Bong sought a career path beyond accounting and pursued a Master of Science in Finance at the London Business School (UK). He then built his finance career by working in Canada, the UK and Hong Kong for EY, Barclays Capital, Prudential plc, Search Investment Group, and JP Morgan Asset Management. SAF caught up with our accomplished alum to learn more about his career path and his insights and observations of the financial industry in Asia, where he now resides.

Thursday, November 4, 2021

The 2021 Women in Accounting and Finance: Global Summit

The Women in Accounting and Finance: Global Summit is an event that celebrates our female leaders and showcases their accomplishments in the field of accounting and finance. This year, though virtual, was a great opportunity to hear the unique and empowering stories of the panelists from around the globe.

Image of Siddhi
Thursday, July 8, 2021

The Importance of a Winning Company Culture

For many, gone are the water cooler and lunchroom conversations that while mundane, were important in staying connected with colleagues. Workplace rituals we’ve long taken for granted have been removed by the pandemic. You would expect that these changes could be detrimental to every company’s culture, however, employees like Siddhi Purohit (MAcc’08) are currently very impressed with their employer’s culture and the values exhibited during the pandemic.