Tyondah Kerr, Loretta Lam, Barry Alexander, Patrick Bhang, and Sara Clodman discuss key findings from the CMA’s 2024 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Study including a look at sentiments surrounding DEI, the impact of polarization for marketing teams, ageism, and Canadian experience biases faced by newcomers.
Sara Clodman
Chief Public Affairs and Governance Officer, Canadian Marketing Association (Moderator)
Sara is a mediator and public affairs executive with more than 25 years of experience in the public and private sectors and association management. Her key skills include a deep understanding of business and communications strategy and execution, stakeholder relations and change management. At the CMA, she works with thought leaders and experts (including marketing professionals and experts in law, compliance, research and more) to guide the development of CMA positions on public policy issues, and advocates to government and regulators on behalf of the marketing profession. In addition, Sara oversees research, and serves as the Association’s corporate secretary, and also as its chief privacy officer. She is a member of the Board of the Digital Advertising Association of Canada, which runs the AdChoices self-regulatory programs, and the Political Ads Program. Sara has an MBA in finance and is a former Vice-Chair of Toronto’s Committee of Adjustment, and a former director of Bridgepoint Hospital.
Barry Alexander
Chief Marketing and Diversity Officer, Canadian Marketing Association
Barry is a passionate, data-driven marketer who has served as a senior marketing and strategy leader on a diverse set of consumer brands. As Chief Marketing and Diversity Officer, Barry is responsible for all marketing, events, thought leadership and media efforts as well as spearheading our DEI impact initiatives and partnerships. Prior to the CMA, Barry held senior marketing roles with Knix, Iovate Health Sciences, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Maple Leaf Foods and Molson and has served as a member of the Humber Business Program Advisory Committee and as a mentor with the Black Talent Initiative.
Loretta Lam
Founder and Chief Strategist, Focus Communications Inc.
With over two decades of professional experience in marketing and public relations, Loretta has formerly held management and consultant positions at leading multinational firms Hill & Knowlton Canada and Ogilvy Asia.
Loretta pioneered 360 Multicultural Marketing and instigated the “recognizing the multicultural market potential” initiative in 1995 when she successfully introduced ethnic marketing to mainstream industry associations and media, including industry’s first special editorial feature on Canadian Multicultural Advertising Awards, which evolves to become the ongoing annual Multicultural Marketing Report and Awards.
Loretta is an active speaker and frequent article contributor in areas of entrepreneurship, diversity and marketing in Canada.
Patrick Bhang
Director, Retail Merchandising, RBC
Patrick currently leads Retail Merchandising at RBC. He is responsible for delivering best-in-class retail experiences and innovation in the physical channel. Patrick is an award-winning marketing leader with a successful track record of delivering business results for brands such as Royal Bank of Canada, President's Choice Financial and Bell Canada.
As a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion advocate, Patrick is the co-chair of CMA's DE&I committee and is actively involved in bringing mentorship opportunities to RBCers, newcomers and students. He also served as the VP of Marketing for Ascend Canada for four years. Ascend is a not-for-profit organization focused on inclusion and helping pan-Asian leaders fulfill their potential.
Tyjondah Kerr
Director, Program Development and Delivery, OLG
While completing her Psychology Degree at the University of Windsor, Tyjondah started her career in gaming in 1994 with Casino Windsor. She began working for OLG in 1999 and has held management positions at OLG Slots at Mohawk Racetrack and OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack. During her 20+ years with OLG, Tyjondah has had progressive leadership roles.
She is currently the Director, Program Development and Delivery, within the Community Sustainability and Social Responsibility Office. Overseeing the delivery of OLG PlaySmart programing to ensure healthy player well-being offering safe gambling practices.
In 2019, Tyjondah received the Vaike Murusalu Empowerment Award at OLG. Her dedication for leadership and empowering people to reach their goals has been her driving force with every position she undertakes.
In 2020, Tyjondah became one of Canada’s 100 Accomplished Black Women by 100ABCwomen authored by the Honourable Jean Augustine.
In May of 2023, Tyjondah was awarded the Canadian Equity Diversity and Inclusion Award from the Women’s Executive Network presented by MLSE. She is also the Board Chair for BGC Peel and sits on the Black Advisory Committee for Kids Help Phone.
Tyjondah is a married mother of 2 and resides in Brampton, ON.
