Creating an inclusive and diverse boardroom, one candidate at a time.

At the Board Diversity Network, we know you have the executive experience, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities that boards need. What you may lack is access to the networks and formal credentials that open boardroom doors.

That’s exactly what we provide. Our program equips you with three essential elements for board success:

1. Rigorous board-readiness education culminating in the Accredited Board Director (AccBD) designation
2. Direct connections to board members and executive recruiters; and
3. Ongoing support as you navigate the board appointment process.

We’ve built the structured pathway that diverse executives deserve, transforming your qualifications into board opportunities.

What Sets This Program Apart

Whether building on existing governance experience or pursuing your first board appointment, this isn’t theoretical governance training—it’s practical board readiness designed by directors, for aspiring directors. You’ll learn directly from sitting board members, governance experts, and leading executive search professionals who share real-world insights on what actually gets candidates appointed to boards.

The program comprises four in-person modules delivered through interactive lectures, case studies, and panel discussions. You’ll gain clarity on director responsibilities, board recruitment processes, risk management, and the unwritten rules that govern boardroom dynamics.

What You’ll Gain

By the end of the program, graduates will:

• Master governance fundamentals: board and committee roles, boardroom process and etiquette, and how to assess and strengthen board effectiveness
• Build your board pathway: Develop a compelling board résumé, strengthen your personal brand, and learn proven strategies for accessing board opportunities.
• Navigate complexity with confidence: Understand board risk, liability, fiduciary duties, and how to lead through crisis situations
• Expand your network: Connect with fellow executives, experienced directors, and executive recruiters actively seeking diverse board candidates

Program Details

1. Format | Four in-person modules
2. Locations | Toronto and Vancouver
3. Credential | Upon successful completion, you’ll earn the Accredited Board Director (AccBD) designation, a recognized credential that signals your readiness to serve with integrity, insight, and impact in Canada’s boardrooms.

Beyond the Designation

Graduates join an active alumni network and gain ongoing access to board opportunities, networking events, and continued professional development, because earning your AccBD is just the beginning of your board journey.

What Sets This Program Apart

This isn't theoretical governance training, its practical board readiness designed by directors, for aspiring directors. You'll learn directly from sitting board members, governance experts, and leading executive search professionals who share real-world insights on what actually gets candidates appointed to boards.

The program comprises four in-person modules delivered through interactive lectures, case studies, and panel discussions. You'll gain clarity on director responsibilities, board recruitment processes, risk management, and the unwritten rules that govern boardroom dynamics.

What You'll Gain

By the end of the program, graduates will:

• Master governance fundamentals: board and committee roles, boardroom process and etiquette, and how to assess and strengthen board effectiveness
• Build your board pathway: Develop a compelling board résumé, strengthen your personal brand, and learn proven strategies for accessing board opportunities.
• Navigate complexity with confidence: Understand board risk, liability, fiduciary duties, and how to lead through crisis situations
• Expand your network: Connect with fellow executives, experienced directors, and executive recruiters actively seeking diverse board candidates

Program Details

1. Format | Four in-person modules
2. Locations | Toronto and Vancouver
3. Faculty | Meet Our Faculty
4. Credential | Upon successful completion, you'll earn the Accredited Board Director (AccBD) designation, a recognized credential that signals your readiness to serve with integrity, insight, and impact in Canada's boardrooms.

Beyond the Designation

Graduates join an active alumni network and gain ongoing access to board opportunities, networking events, and continued professional development, because earning your AccBD is just the beginning of your board journey.

Who Should Join

Membership is open to:

• Diverse executives and board directors
• Executive recruiters
• Governance or Nominating Committee Chairs seeking access to board-ready talent

Joining the BDN Networking Membership offers access to an influential community of leaders and decision-makers advancing representation and governance excellence across Canada.

Membership Benefits

Four Annual Events:

• Two Emerging Trends in the Boardroom educational sessions
• Two Executive Networking Forums focused on connection and collaboration

Access & Opportunities:

• Exclusive networking with executives, board directors, and governance leaders
• Insights from seasoned board members and experts on emerging governance trends
• Direct introductions to board recruiters and Nominating Committee Chairs
• Access to board opportunities, quarterly newsletters, and member-only updates

Annual Investment

• $400 — BDN graduates
• $575 — Non–graduates

In an era where visibility, influence, and representation matter, this membership provides the platform to strengthen your network, elevate your profile, and position yourself for board opportunities.

Lori-Ann Beausoleil

Lori-Ann Beausoleil co-founded the Board Diversity Network to create meaningful pathways for talented diverse executives to access board opportunities and transform corporate governance across Canada.

With 36 years of experience at PwC, including leadership of the firm’s Ethics, Compliance and Governance practice, National Real Estate practice, and National Forensics practice, Lori-Ann brings deep expertise in risk management, regulatory compliance, and ethical business conduct to Board Diversity board readiness program.

She currently serves as a board director across multiple sectors in Canada and the United States, including Lead Director and Audit Committee Chair of Brookfield Real Estate Income Trust Inc.; Lead Director and Finance and Audit Committee member of Cboe Canada; Board member and Audit Committee member of Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust; Board member and Audit Committee Chair of GO Residential Real Estate Investment Trust; and Board member of Metro Inc., where she serves on the Audit Committee and Chairs the Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee.

Lori-Ann has been recognized as a “Director to Watch” by Directors & Boards magazine and named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 by WXN for her leadership in corporate governance. She holds her FCPA and FCA designations and earned her degree from the University of Toronto.

Through BDN, Lori-Ann is committed to “lifting as we climb”—leveraging her experience and networks to ensure that qualified diverse leaders have the support, training, and connections they need to succeed in the boardroom.

Oliver Jordan

Oliver Jordan is a senior finance, governance, and strategy professional with board and executive experience across regulated financial services and public institutions in Canada and the Caribbean.

He is Managing Director and Co-Founder of Caribbean Strategic Advisors (CSA), advising boards, governments, and institutions on governance reform, capital markets transactions, and organizational transformation.

Oliver serves as Chair of the Financial Services Commission of Barbados, providing leadership on regulatory governance, risk oversight, and institutional transformation across insurance, pensions, securities, and credit unions.

Previously, he held senior roles with PwC (Partner, Advisory Services) and CIBC Caribbean (Managing Director) with responsibilities spanning governance, enterprise risk management, capital planning, and cross-border operations.

He is a Co-Founder of the Board Diversity Network (BDN) in Toronto.

Oliver holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business (York University) and is a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA), Ontario.