About |

Team

Nicole Piggott

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Nicole Piggott

President & Co-Founder

Nicole Piggott, a Jamaican Canadian, has spent her career championing inclusive workplaces. Currently the co-founder of Synclusiv and Chief Operations Officer at Women in Governance, Nicole held leadership positions at Bombardier Aerospace, RioTinto, Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOCC), and FedEx Canada. Nicole has implemented and overseen all aspects of Human Resources, from policies, programs and practices aimed at fostering more inclusive and motivating work environments. She had the privilege of negotiating thefirst partnership agreements between IOCC and various Indigenous communities in Labrador. In 2017, Nicole co-led the development of the Gender Parity Certification at WiG; she has since led the expansion into the United States. This innovative certification assesses the parity at the decision-making level of organizations, as well as the organization’s commitment to putting in place mechanisms that allow women at all levels of its hierarchy to obtain career progression, thus creating a pipeline of female talent. Nicole is Board Chair of Impact (formerly Partnership Africa Canada), the Vice-Chair of Black Academic Scholarship Fund, and a member of the Board of the National Safety Council. She is co-lead for the McGill University Goodman Cancer Research Center Public Lecture Series. Nicole is also an advisor to Global Aairs Canada and the CN-Paul Tellier chair of the University of Ottawa on gender issues.
Nicole Piggott, a Jamaican Canadian, has spent her career championing inclusive workplaces. Currently the co-founder of Synclusiv and Chief Operations Officer at Women in Governance, Nicole held leadership positions at Bombardier Aerospace, RioTinto, Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOCC), and FedEx Canada. Nicole has implemented and overseen all aspects of Human Resources, from policies, programs and practices aimed at fostering more inclusive and motivating work environments. She had the privilege of negotiating thefirst partnership agreements between IOCC and various Indigenous communities in Labrador.

In 2017, Nicole co-led the development of the Gender Parity Certification at WiG; she has since led the expansion into the United States. This innovative certification assesses the parity at the decision-making level of organizations, as well as the organization’s commitment to putting in place mechanisms that allow women at all levels of its hierarchy to obtain career progression, thus creating a pipeline of female talent.

Nicole is Board Chair of Impact (formerly Partnership Africa Canada), the Vice-Chair of Black Academic Scholarship Fund, and a member of the Board of the National Safety Council. She is co-lead for the McGill University Goodman Cancer Research Center Public Lecture Series. Nicole is also an advisor to Global Aairs Canada and the CN-Paul Tellier chair of the University of Ottawa on gender issues.

Jennifer Piccin

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Jennifer Piccin

Director, Programs and Consultancy

Jennifer is the Director of Programs and Consultancy at Synclusiv. Her previous work experience spans sectors from youth entrepreneurship and intercultural health programs in Latin America to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene initiatives in Haiti, to food security in Nunavik. She has also worked in organizational change management with many Canadian and American organizations.​ An avid traveler and world citizen, Jennifer has traveled to over a dozen countries and lived in Bolivia and Peru for three years. In addition to her native English language, Jennifer speaks fluent French and Spanish, in addition to elementary Italian, Inuktitut, and Haitian Creole. ​ Jennifer is a PMI-certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds a Master of Management from the Université Laval, and a Bachelor of Science in International Development from the University of Toronto. ​

Jennifer is the Director of Programs and Consultancy at Synclusiv. Her previous work experience spans sectors from youth entrepreneurship and intercultural health programs in Latin America to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene initiatives in Haiti, to food security in Nunavik. She has also worked in organizational change management with many Canadian and American organizations.

An avid traveler and world citizen, Jennifer has traveled to over a dozen countries and lived in Bolivia and Peru for three years. In addition to her native English language, Jennifer speaks fluent French and Spanish, in addition to elementary Italian, Inuktitut, and Haitian Creole. 

Jennifer is a PMI-certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds a Master of Management from the Université Laval, and a Bachelor of Science in International Development from the University of Toronto. 

Gabrielle Piggott

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Gabrielle Piggott

Consultant

Gabrielle Piggott is a Consultant at Synclusiv. She recently obtained her Bachelor of Arts from McGill University in Gender, Sexuality, Feminist, and Social Justice Studies with a double minor in Art History and Communication Studies. ​ Gabrielle is a fierce advocate for diverse and intersectional representation, which is equally reflected in her work, education, and everyday life. This passion has fueled her projects with multiple non-profit organizations such as the Black Academic Scholarship Fund, Groupe Intervention Vidéo, and Apathy is Boring. ​ At Synclusiv, Gabrielle supports the development of products and tools with a focus on assessments, specializes in policy review and benchmarking, and provides client support on a variety of DE&I initiatives. She also supports all elements of Communication & Marketing, playing a key role in the branding, The Sync newsletter, and the social media presence.​

Gabrielle Piggott is a Consultant at Synclusiv. She recently obtained her Bachelor of Arts from McGill University in Gender, Sexuality, Feminist, and Social Justice Studies with a double minor in Art History and Communication Studies. 

Gabrielle is a fierce advocate for diverse and intersectional representation, which is equally reflected in her work, education, and everyday life. This passion has fueled her projects with multiple non-profit organizations such as the Black Academic Scholarship Fund, Groupe Intervention Vidéo, and Apathy is Boring. 

At Synclusiv, Gabrielle supports the development of products and tools with a focus on assessments, specializes in policy review and benchmarking, and provides client support on a variety of DE&I initiatives. She also supports all elements of Communication & Marketing, playing a key role in the branding, The Sync newsletter, and the social media presence.

François-Xavier Cerci

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François-Xavier Cerci

Intern

François-Xavier is a Junior Consultant at Synclusiv. He recently obtained his Bachelor in Business Administration from HEC Montreal in Marketing and will pursue his studies in a Master of Management at HEC Montreal. His previous work includes supporting the student community as a team leader at the HEC Montreal Foundation and developing marketing strategies to achieve organizational goals. Born in France, raised in Guadeloupe (French West Indies), and currently living in Canada, François-Xavier speaks French and Creole fluently as well as professional English. Attached to the values of fairness and sharing, he devotes maximum involvement to them, both in his personal and professional life.

François-Xavier is a Junior Consultant at Synclusiv. He recently obtained his Bachelor in Business Administration from HEC Montreal in Marketing and will pursue his studies in a Master of Management at HEC Montreal. His previous work includes supporting the student community as a team leader at the HEC Montreal Foundation and developing marketing strategies to achieve organizational goals.

Born in France, raised in Guadeloupe (French West Indies), and currently living in Canada, François-Xavier speaks French and Creole fluently as well as professional English.

Attached to the values of fairness and sharing, he devotes maximum involvement to them, both in his personal and professional life.

Chase Leushner

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Chase Leushner

Office Operations Manager

An accomplished Office Operations Manager with over a decade of experience in administration, Chase has a passion for solving problems and finding inefficiencies.  He is a creative and critical thinker with a talent for project management, logistics and process improvement; specifically, when it comes to technological solutions. Chase understands the importance of creating an inclusive and diverse workplace and has implemented strategies that foster a culture of equity, respect, and inclusion. He is well-versed in identifying and addressing unconscious biases and is committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. He has honed his skills across diverse industries including game development, performance consulting, construction, legal, and logistics. At Synclusiv, Chase oversees office operations and is responsible for the day-to-day administrative duties. Chase excels at identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing effective solutions. He is dedicated to achieving the highest level of performance in all his endeavors and is committed to delivering exceptional results. When he’s not at work, Chase spends most of his time with his family, and enjoys hiking, engineering, economics, reading, learning, gaming, and camping.

An accomplished Office Operations Manager with over a decade of experience in administration, Chase has a passion for solving problems and finding inefficiencies.  He is a creative and critical thinker with a talent for project management, logistics and process improvement; specifically, when it comes to technological solutions.

Chase understands the importance of creating an inclusive and diverse workplace and has implemented strategies that foster a culture of equity, respect, and inclusion. He is well-versed in identifying and addressing unconscious biases and is committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.

He has honed his skills across diverse industries including game development, performance consulting, construction, legal, and logistics.

At Synclusiv, Chase oversees office operations and is responsible for the day-to-day administrative duties.

Chase excels at identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing effective solutions. He is dedicated to achieving the highest level of performance in all his endeavors and is committed to delivering exceptional results.

When he’s not at work, Chase spends most of his time with his family, and enjoys hiking, engineering, economics, reading, learning, gaming, and camping.

Flavie Valentine

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Flavie Valentine

Intern

Flavie Valentine is a Junior Consultant at Synclusiv. She is currently finishing her Master’s Degree in Organizational Development at ESG-UQAM. During her studies, she worked as a Management Consultant and as Vice-President of Human Resources at the Bureau de Conseil en Management de l’UQAM (BCM). She has also worked in human resources as an Internship Program Coordinator. Flavie believes that it’s by targeting organizations and by putting people at the heart of change that we can make a real difference in our society. Committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, she is a passionate advocate of this concept in both her professional and personal life. Indeed, during her studies, she chose to carry out several research projects on the subject.

Flavie Valentine is a Junior Consultant at Synclusiv. She is currently finishing her Master’s Degree in Organizational Development at ESG-UQAM. During her studies, she worked as a Management Consultant and as Vice-President of Human Resources at the Bureau de Conseil en Management de l’UQAM (BCM). She has also worked in human resources as an Internship Program Coordinator. Flavie believes that it’s by targeting organizations and by putting people at the heart of change that we can make a real difference in our society. Committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, she is a passionate advocate of this concept in both her professional and personal life. Indeed, during her studies, she chose to carry out several research projects on the subject.

Oma Sharma

PARTNER & CLIENT MANAGER

Mercer Canada Ltd.

Over her 30+ year consulting career with Mercer in the retirement and investment fields, she held various leadership roles and built a reputation for excellence in innovation and thought leadership, as well as talent management and mentorship. She currently manages several of Mercer Canada’s largest clients and participates in many internal initiatives, which currently include Mercer Canada’s PRIDE Business Resource Group and Talent of the Future strategy initiatives.

Oma holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Finance (B. Com) degree from the University of Toronto and is both a CFA Charter holder and a Fellow of the Life Management Institute (FLMI) 

Behnaz Saboonchi, Ph.D.

Partner, sTRATEGY & TRANSACTIONS

EY-Parthenon

Behnaz is an artificial intelligence strategist and leader, with more than a decade of technology, strategy consulting at McKinsey, academic research, and teaching experience.

 

Romina Morandini

STRATEGIC TALENT LEADER

VPHR Earth & Environment Canada, Wsp

Romina Morandini started her career in the Oil and Gas industry at Shell, where she consolidated her global career working in Argentina, the UK, Brazil, and the Netherlands. Since then, she has increased her impact working in the Agriculture & Manufacturing Food Industries in companies like Cargill and Bunge, FMCG with global and regional roles based in Switzerland, and most recently in Mining with BHP, as VP HR Business Partnership Americas based in Santiago de Chile. She is now Strategic Talent Leader, VP HR Earth & Environment Canada at WSP. Romina has led significant cross-border transformations, operating model deployment, M&A planning, and integrations, and has led teams of professionals across countries.

Working across boundaries and cultures is a trademark of Romina’s career as well as her passion for building more balanced and inclusive workplaces. Romina is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, speaks French, and lives in a multicultural household with strong Latin roots.

Konwatsitsa:wi M. Meloche

FOUNDER

Vista Seminars

A passionate presenter who resides between the Kahnawa:ke reservation in Quebec and New Mexico and was born for the Bear Clan. She is a high school teacher by trade who has a BA and an MA in Educational Studies from Concordia University. As well as conducting V.I.S.T.A. seminars, she also presents on First Nation’s History including educational issues.

Mariama S. Keita

GENERAL MANAGER, FINANCE

Riotinto Aluminium

Chief of Staff for Rio Tinto Aluminium CEO. Senior Executive with over 17 years of global experience in Europe, US, Canada, Middle East and Africa for Fortune 300 companies in extractive industries. Adept at combining her technical/operational background and engineering degree with finance & business knowledge in senior cross-functional management teams for optimum resource deployment across multiple business units.

Camille Isaacs-Morell

Originally from Jamaica and now a Canadian citizen, Camille Isaacs-Morell has a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages from the University of the West Indies, and a Master’s in Business Administration in Marketing and International Business from the University of Miami.

She has served in senior leadership positions in major global organizations in the healthcare, financial services, and non-profit sectors in a career spanning more than 20 years in the Caribbean and North America.

Motivated by a vision of a better world where everyone has the opportunity to be better and do better, Ms. Isaacs-Morell serves as a volunteer, board member, mentor, and donor in organizations that support better health, for women and girls, and marginalized persons. 

Gayle Edwards

FOUNDER

Brand You Consultancy Ltd.

Gayle Edwards is an International, award-winning Global Impact & Brand Strategist, Author and Speaker who empowers and educates conscious and purpose driven entrepreneurs and organisations to build impactful businesses through leveraging their brands and building their identity and authority within their marketplace. Gayle is also an Advocate for the UN Global Goals, in particular Goal No. 5 which is Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women & Girls and centres much of her work around this goal.

Gayle is also a Co-Author of the International No. 1 Bestseller, The Law of Brand Attraction which was published in May 2020 to provide entrepreneurs and business owners with success strategies and hope during the recent global pandemic.

Lynne Coles

Revenue Growth Executive

Sales Readiness, Field Engagement at Fortinet

Lynne’s maternal line connects her to generations of resilient African women of colour. Women whose journeys brought them from Africa to the British West Indies; then to Scotland and finally Canada. Lynne contributes 20+ years’ experience as a business leader and growth strategist as well as her commitment to making the journey more successful for the next generation.

Christopher A. Chen

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Compensation Governance Partners

Christopher Chen advises clients on supporting stakeholder value through effectively aligning organizational strategy to executive pay and governance. As a lawyer and in-house advisor, he provides deep technical and industry expertise in all aspects of executive compensation and governance. He has extensive experience as an advisor to the board and/or management.

Caroline Codsi, ICD.D.

CO-FOUNDER

A passionate and strategic leader, Caroline Codsi has had a stellar career in the corporate world including VP and SVP roles within major organizations.

Caroline is the Co-Founder of Synclusiv and has been passionate about equity ever since her childhood, growing up in the Lebanese civil war. This is why she founded Women in Governance in 2010, leveraging decades of executive experience in the corporate world, she relentlessly worked with her team to propel women through the glass ceiling and help progressive organizations concretely and sustainably close the gender gap in the workplace.

Her passion for equity is also why she has decided to widen the scope of her mission in order to include all under-represented groups, by co-founding Synclusiv with her long-time partner and friend, Nicole Piggott. Caroline’s mission is to help create an inclusive workplace where all employees feel in sync and valued, and where diverse perspectives are encouraged as this is the best way to drive individual and team performance and achieve organizational excellence.

A Citizen of the world, fluent in four languages and having lived on three continents, Caroline was born in Beirut and grew up through the civil war. A graduate in Human Resources from HEC Montréal as well as in languages and foreign civilizations from l’Université de Paris VII (Diderot), Caroline earned a scholarship and was valedictorian, ambassador, and examiner for the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD)’s Program at McGill University.

She sits on the boards of the Quebec Labour Council, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and Alexa Translations.

A highly sought-after speaker, Caroline has addressed audiences across the globe, including two TEDx (100K views). Widely quoted in national and international media, she is the recipient of numerous awards from prestigious organizations such as the United Nations’ Women’s Committee, the Quebec Business Women Network, The Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Femmessor or the New Delhi Women’s Economic Forum, to name a few.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau nominated Caroline on Canada’s National Gender Equality Committee and Mayor Valérie Plante on the City of Montreal’s Business Committee. She was also recognized as a Top 20 Diversity Leading Figure in Quebec, Top 75 Canadian Immigrant, Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada, and Top 100 Entrepreneurs changing the world.

Nicole Piggott

CO-FOUNDER

Nicole Piggott, a Jamaican Canadian, has spent her career championing inclusive workplaces. Currently the co-founder of Synclusiv and Chief Operations Officer at Women in Governance, Nicole held leadership positions at Bombardier Aerospace, RioTinto, Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOCC), and FedEx Canada. Nicole has implemented and overseen all aspects of Human Resources, from policies, programs and practices aimed at fostering more inclusive and motivating work environments. She had the privilege of negotiating the first partnership agreements between IOCC and various Indigenous communities in Labrador.

In 2017, Nicole co-led the development of the Gender Parity Certification at WiG; she has since led the expansion into the United States. This innovative certification assesses parity at the decision-making level of organizations, as well as the organization’s commitment to putting in place mechanisms that allow women at all levels of its hierarchy to obtain career progression, thus creating a pipeline of female talent.

Nicole is Board Chair of Impact (formerly Partnership Africa Canada), the Vice -Chair of Black Academic Scholarship Fund and member of the Board of the National Safety Council . She is co-lead for the McGill University Goodman Cancer Research Center Public Lecture Series . Nicole is also an advisor to Global Aairs Canada and the CN-Paul Tellier chair of the University of Ottawa on gender issues