Thanuja Thananayagam (She, her)

Senior Manager, People & Culture

Thanuja is a Sri Lankan-born antiracism practitioner with over two decades of dedicated experience in holistic human resources. She is a seasoned professional expert in various facets of the field and her journey encompasses talent acquisition, talent management, equity, diversity, and inclusion, all centred around cultivating an environment where every individual feels a sense of belonging. Thanuja's passion for fostering inclusivity and fairness has led her to become a prominent advocate for equity and diversity, consistently driving initiatives that bridge gaps and promote understanding.

Beyond her HR expertise, Thanuja holds an MBA and MEd and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. She is a devoted antiracism researcher presently engaged in the research phase of her Ph.D., further exemplifying her commitment to dismantling systemic prejudices and generating knowledge that fosters meaningful change. Her research focuses on challenges faced by immigrant women of colour in navigating the Canadian job market. She hopes that her research findings will shed light on the need for an intersectional approach to federal policy decisions. 

As a mental health advocate, she’s a board member of GenWell, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting human connection. She’s also a member of the advisory council of ElevateHer, a program that advances gender equity and promotes inclusive workplace practices that support women’s career advancement and leadership.