Kanina Blanchard

EDI Advisory Council Member Kanina Blanchard is an Assistant Professor of Management Communications and General Management at Ivey. Embracing diversity of thought and style is not simply a concept for Kanina, it is woven within and through her lived experience - both personal and professional. Middle Eastern by birth, raised by adopted 1st generation immigrants from India and having lived and worked around the world, Kanina's 30-year career includes extensive international leadership experience in public affairs and public policy, issues and crisis management, as well as in the education and development of leaders. Kanina approaches her work mindful of her privilege, including having had mentors who reinforced, through words and action, the critical importance of humility alongside drive and courage in leadership. Committed to reflective practice and learning from failure as well as success, she actively engages students and leaders to recognize the impact and influence of social context as they seek to develop themselves and others as both leaders and followers. With the unique position of straddling the worlds of business and academia, her passion for EDI led Kanina to complete her graduate studies in the critical policy, equity, and leadership stream at Western's Faculty of Education.  Her research focuses on women in leadership and responsible leadership, and she has published numerous cases that focus on topics related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Full Faculty Bio