Melissa Magder is the Advisor of Strategic Initiatives within the Office of
Culture and
Inclusion at the Regional Municipality of Peel. The Office of Culture and
Inclusion leads
work in the areas of organizational culture change, accessibility planning and
diversity,
equity and inclusion. Most recently, the team has elevated its focus on
addressing anti-
black racism and systemic discrimination both in the workplace and in the
community.

Melissa began her career in Human Resources working for organizations such as BMW
Group Canada and PricewaterhouseCoopers. It was during that time she noticed the
individual and organizational biases which seemed to be advancing some, while
disadvantaging others. For the past 12 years Melissa has been working in the
field of
Diversity & Inclusion, driven by the desire to create an inclusive
environment where
individual differences are embraced and valued, and where everyone has the
ability and
support to develop to their full potential.

The Region of Peel is on a journey to becoming a more diverse, equitable and
inclusive
workplace where every person is respected, valued and has opportunity to grow
and
develop. As a municipal government, the Region is committed to ensuring its
programs
and services meet the diverse needs of its diverse community.

Melissa is also a Career Coach with the Rotman School of Management, working with
Internationally Educated Professionals to help them navigate the Canadian
workplace
and achieve their professional goals in Canada.

Melissa has a Master’s Degree and Honours B.A. in Psychology, has traveled to 40
countries and has worked internationally in Melbourne, Australia.