Sema Burney is a bilingual consultant and seasoned professional in the areas of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), with over 20 years of experience in the field. Born and raised in Quebec, with parents from South East Asia, Sema has always had a passion for diversity. In 2010, she founded Burney Consulting, a boutique-style firm offering services to organizations seeking to build a more inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Armed with an MBA and a background as a former CPA, Sema has collaborated with executive teams and leaders to develop and implement DEI strategies that drive organizational growth and innovation. She has worked across Canada and globally in a wide array of industries and sectors and with employees at all levels.
As a thought leader and sought-after speaker, Sema captivates audiences with her wealth of knowledge and engaging storytelling. She has facilitated over 500 hours of training on topics such as diversity and inclusion, anti-racism, unconscious bias, psychological safety and allyship. Throughout her career, Sema has been renowned for her positive attitude, her energy and her passion for people. She prides herself on her authenticity and her ability to make others comfortable when tackling sensitive topics.
In addition to her professional experience, Sema is dedicated to giving back to her community. She currently serves on the Board of the South Asian Women's Community Center, advocating for equity and inclusion, and volunteers with Meals on Wheels in her local community. With a personal history of cancer in her family and a volunteer for cancer research, Sema is deeply committed to supporting this cause. She is thrilled to join the Board of Directors for the Terry Fox Research Institute and looks forward to contributing her passion and expertise to advancing cancer research.