Diversity of thought is critical to our success at D2L. With a gender-balanced senior leadership team, I’ve noticed a change in the way we do business – starting with a deeper perspective on the impact of our decisions and the needs of our customers – all of which strengthen our company.
Starting with the interviews for the very first hire at D2L, I have been committed to creating spaces for equality to prevail – in our company and within the education system around the world. In the spirit of continuous progress, my commitment to this is unwavering — because we can always do better.
As an entrepreneur, leader, and father of two girls, I believe I have a responsibility to do my part in the tech industry to make sure that my actions and decisions support equality, today and in the future.
At D2L, we are transforming the way the world learns and a big part of that is ensuring that everyone has access to an education through our technology. When people — including millions of girls and women — do not have access to an education, our entire society suffers. When everyone learns, we all win.
Our technology can bring education into homes and remote schools globally, allowing girls and women to develop the skills they need to grow their communities. Additionally, our solutions can give teachers the tools to personalize education, further enabling their students to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) subjects in a way that’s engaging for them. By making education more accessible and engaging, we contribute to the proliferation of knowledge seekers, free thinkers, and leaders of the future.
The power of education to have a transformative impact on a society is what drives me to focus on our collective mission every day.
I want to thank all the women at D2L who have contributed so much to building an amazing company and for tackling the big challenges to make learning experiences better for millions of people.
On International Women’s Day, D2L stands proudly as supporters of #BalanceForBetter, and I couldn’t be more energized about the future ahead.
John Baker
Founder, President & CEO of D2L
Written by
John founded D2L in 1999, at the age of twenty-two, while attending the University of Waterloo. D2L is a global software company that believes learning is the foundation upon which all progress and achievement rests.
A strong believer in community involvement, John devotes both his personal and business efforts to supporting young entrepreneurs who are developing and applying technology to improve society worldwide.
He was appointed to the Governing Council of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Member (Entrepreneurs’ Circle) of the Business Council of Canada, Business Higher Education Roundtable, Past Chair of the Board of Communitech, and is a board member of Canada’s National Ballet School.
John was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year (Ontario for Software and Technology), Young Alumni Achievement Medal from University of Waterloo, and Intrepid Entrepreneur of the Year in Waterloo Region Hall of Fame.
John graduated from the University of Waterloo with an Honours B.A.Sc. in Systems Design Engineering, with First Class Honours and an option in Management Sciences.
Twitter: @JohnBakerD2L
LinkedIn: John Baker
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