Shobika Shanthakumar
Summary
Personable and driven with deep understanding of diversity and inclusion principles and practices. Knowledge of creating inclusive environments and facilitating diversity training coupled with strong communication and collaboration skills. Committed to fostering inclusive workplaces that drive positive change and promote culture of belonging.
Experienced with developing and implementing inclusive strategies that support diverse populations. Utilizes skills in conflict resolution and team collaboration to create equitable environments. Track record of successfully driving initiatives that promote accessibility and inclusion
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Diversity Inclusion and Talent Specialist
Payments Canada
08.2023 - Current
- Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Development: Spearheaded the formulation and implementation of comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategies aimed at enhancing workforce representation and cultivating an inclusive organizational culture
- Inclusive Recruitment Practices: Partnered with hiring managers to establish inclusive recruitment methodologies, focusing on building diverse candidate pipelines and minimizing bias throughout the hiring process
- DEI Training and Workforce Analysis: Designed and facilitated training programs on diversity, equity, and inclusion for employees and leadership, while conducting data analysis on workforce demographics and DEI metrics to evaluate initiative effectiveness and provide actionable insights to senior leadership
Diversity Equity Inclusion Specialist
WildBrain
10.2022 - Current
- Oversee the management and enhancement of a global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) learning platform, including the development and implementation of self-guided e-learning paths and resources for employees
- Collaborate with the Director of DEI to create training tools and materials, facilitate ongoing DEI training sessions focused on inclusive hiring practices, onboarding, and emerging DEI topics, while conducting research to identify industry best practices and opportunities for program improvement
- Coordinate the global Inclusion calendar, support DEI committees in executing events and initiatives, and partner with Internal Communications to promote DEI programming, ensuring alignment with Talent Development strategies and global learning priorities
Organizational Change and Development Consultant
Pathlight
06.2021 - Current
- Collaborated with Human Resources and Communications to integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives into talent acquisition processes, identifying strategic opportunities and tactical measures for enhancement
- Cultivated and empowered DEI champions across the Board, offering necessary support, training and expertise to reinforce their commitment to inclusive practices
- Established and maintained strong relationships with key internal stakeholders, affinity resource groups, and employee networks while conducting gap analyses and developing DEI surveys to assess organizational needs and identify training opportunities for promoting DEI initiatives
Mental Health Program Advisor
Friends of Ruby
04.2021 - 07.2022
- Offer specialized expertise on mental health trends and the specific needs of LGBTQI2S youth, facilitating both internal and external discussions to enhance program effectiveness
- Proactively assess and mitigate risks that could affect the successful implementation of programs for designated client groups, while identifying and developing new initiatives to address service gaps
- Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships within the sector to further organizational objectives, while supporting leadership and departments in planning and executing targeted learning activities and group facilitation for planning sessions and project teams
Mental Health Coach
Canadian Mental Health Association
09.2017 - 03.2021
- Provided cognitive behavioral therapy-based coaching tailored to individual patient needs
- Offered motivational support and taught coping tools and skills to enhance patient well-being
- Initiated and maintained responsive and accessible services for patients
- Reported patient concerns and safety issues to primary care physicians as needed
- Administered pre- and post-assessments to evaluate patients' quality of life and symptoms of anxiety/depression (e.g., GAD-7, PHQ-9, QLES) and maintained detailed patient progress records in a database
- Worked with patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, postpartum depression, addictive behaviors, eating disorders, trauma-related stress, and substance abuse
- Developed partnerships with community agencies and centers to enhance program outreach and support
Education
Master's Degree - Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Human Resource Management
Adler University
06.2022
BA - Psychology
York University
North York, ON06.2016
Skills
- Talent acquisition
- Job market insights
- Organizational development
- Succession planning
- Compensation analysis
- Labor law compliance
- Global recruitment
- Data-driven decision making
Groups
- Member of DEI Crown Committee, 08/01/23, Present, Collaborated with diverse stakeholders to develop and implement initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization, enhancing cultural competency and engagement among team members., Conducted regular assessments and evaluations of DEI programs, utilizing data-driven insights to recommend improvements and measure impact on organizational culture and employee satisfaction., Facilitated workshops and training sessions to raise awareness and educate employees on DEI principles, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages open dialogue and respect for diverse perspectives.
- Co-Chair of National Collaboration of Suicide Prevention (Common Messaging Group), 06/01/21, 08/31/22, Organize and Facilitate Meetings, Support National Collaboration with common messaging, and social media around suicide prevention, Create content and advise organizations on national statistics
- Chair of 2SLGBTQ+ Committee for CMHA, 05/01/20, 03/31/21, Organize and Facilitate Meetings, Create Mandatory Training for the organization about 2SLGBTQ+ issues, and client support, Create Safe space to ask questions and vocalize concerns, Organize Events to boost employee morale, Organized 5 day virtual Pride celebration which included learnings, games, panel discussions and drag performances
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Tamil
Native or Bilingual
Affiliations
- Member of DEI Crown Committee
- Co-Chair of National Collaboration of Suicide Prevention (Common Messaging Group)
- Chair of 2SLGBTQ+ Committee for CMHA
Timeline
Senior Diversity Inclusion and Talent Specialist
Payments Canada
08.2023 - Current
Diversity Equity Inclusion Specialist
WildBrain
10.2022 - Current
Organizational Change and Development Consultant
Pathlight
06.2021 - Current
Mental Health Program Advisor
Friends of Ruby
04.2021 - 07.2022
Mental Health Coach
Canadian Mental Health Association
09.2017 - 03.2021
BA - Psychology
York University
Master's Degree - Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Human Resource Management
Adler University
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