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Dr. Marie Bountrogianni

Dean, The Chang School, Ryerson U. Champion for continuing education, accessibility & resolving malemployement. Former ON Cabinet Minister.

Dr. Marie Bountrogianni is Dean of The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario. Prior to joining Ryerson, she was president and executive director of the ROM Board of Governors.

As a former Ontario cabinet minister, Dr. Bountrogianni served as minister of a number of portfolios including Intergovernmental Affairs, Democratic Renewal, Children and Youth Services, and Citizenship and Immigration. During her time in office, she was instrumental in negotiating a number of landmark federal-provincial agreements and in authoring the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), which established Ontario as a world leader in accessibility. In 2015, she was appointed by the Ontario government as Chair of the Selection Committee for the David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility.

Prior to entering politics, Dr. Bountrogianni was the chief psychologist for the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board. Marie has taught at Seneca College, McMaster University and Wilfrid Laurier University. She holds a doctorate in Applied Psychology from the University of Toronto. She is a board member of Northland Power Inc., Skills Connect Inc. and the Human Resources Policy Committee of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. In 2014, the CBC named Marie as one of the top 10 most influential alumni at the University of Waterloo and in 2015, she was further recognized by Her Campus Waterloo as one of five influential women who have graduated from the University of Waterloo.
Thank Your Mom For All The Lessons She Has Taught Getty Images

Thank Your Mom For All The Lessons She Has Taught You

My daughter once said to me, "even if you were not my mom, you would still be my role model." Beyond a doubt, this was the best compliment I could ever receive. Throughout my life, I have been asked many times if I personally have a role model. My answer to this is simple: my mother.
05/11/2017 04:58 EDT
What We Can Learn From 'Hidden Tom Merton via Getty Images

What We Can Learn From 'Hidden Figures'

As we reflect on current events, sociopolitical uncertainty throughout the world seems to have only risen from where it sat at the beginning of the year. Nearly every day brings news of yet another racist, bigotry, or sexist comment from south of the border. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are under serious threat.
03/22/2017 03:52 EDT
Leverage The Office Christmas Party To Build Your Getty

Leverage The Office Christmas Party To Build Your Network

Before you walk through the door, however, create a target for how many new connections you plan to make. Perhaps push yourself to meet 10 new contacts, or exchange 20 business cards. Are you hesitant to approach someone you do not know? Consider asking questions to break the ice.
12/22/2016 07:23 EST
3 Tips For Achieving Job Getty Images

3 Tips For Achieving Job Satisfaction

Canadians are well educated. That's the good news. The unfortunate reality is that many Canadians are "mal-employed" -- working in jobs that do not take advantage of their abilities and that do not require a post-secondary education.
10/05/2016 12:50 EDT
It's Never too Late to Change Getty

It's Never too Late to Change Careers

What does a university dean's resumé look like? I would guess that most have diverse leadership experience in a number of varied roles. My own work history includes stints as a barista, psychologist, professor, corporate executive and politician -- to name just a few of the hats I've worn during my career.
08/21/2015 06:09 EDT
Six Ways Continuing Education Can Close Canada's Skills Getty

Six Ways Continuing Education Can Close Canada's Skills Gap

Ask an employee from just about any industry in Canada, and they'll tell you: there is a huge gap between the training required to move up the career ladder and the training provided by their employers. While 71 per cent of employers agree they have a responsibility to provide career management programs for their employees, only 29 per cent actually offer them.
07/08/2015 12:16 EDT