Varni Tayalan

Varni Tayalan has a diverse work experience spanning multiple industries and roles. In 1998, they worked as a Senior Program Manager for the Rural HealthCare and Education Centre, managing programs and services related to healthcare promotion and women economic development. From 2002 to 2005, they were a Project Manager at Cubic Transportation Systems, overseeing technical support and logistics for London Underground ticketing systems. Varni then moved on to easyhome Furnishings in 2006 as a Senior Manager, responsible for business operations, marketing, and collections.

From 2007 to 2018, they worked at Skills for Change as a Supervisor, leading strategic project management and overseeing various aspects of project planning and management. In 2019, they joined ACCES Employment as a Project Manager, managing entrepreneurship programs and stakeholder engagement. At Toronto Community Benefits Network from 2020 to 2022, they held various roles, including Manager of Community Benefits Programs, where they led diversity and inclusion initiatives in the construction industry and spearheaded the planning and development of projects.

In 2021, Varni founded Inspire Change Canada and served as its Chief Executive Officer. Currently, they are with Aecon Group Inc. since 2022, working as a Communications and Public Engagement Lead. Prior to this role, they held positions such as Community Relations Manager and Community Relations and Community Benefits Specialist, responsible for oversight of community engagement initiatives and diversity and equity initiatives for large infrastructure projects.

Varni Tayalan has a diverse education history. In 1998, they obtained a Bachelor's degree in B.Sc. Computer Science from North South University. Later, in 2004, they earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the London School of Business Administration.

Since then, Varni has pursued various certification programs to further enhance their skills and knowledge. Some of their certifications include a Certificate in Business/Corporate Communications from the University of Toronto, a Certificate in Communications and Public Relations from Western University, and a Certificate in Indigenous Canada from the University of Alberta.

Varni has also obtained certifications in Project Management from the University of Virginia, Diversity Equity Inclusion-Intention to Impact from the Society for Human Resource Management, and Diversity and Inclusion from the Canadian Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI). Varni has completed a Certificate in Understanding Systemic Racism from BuildForce Canada and a Certificate in Writing Effective Funding Proposals from George Brown College.

Additionally, Varni has acquired several certifications through different institutions. These certifications include Speaking Confidently and Effectively from LinkedIn, Leadership, Strategic Planning and Policy from the Professional Development - Harvard Division of Continuing Education, Fierce Conversations from Aecon Group Inc., Working in a Respectful and Inclusive Workplace from BuildForce Canada / ConstruForce Canada, Occupational Health and Safety for Supervisors from NORCAT, Diversity and Inclusion - Influencer Certificate from Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), and Creating Communication Strategy from LinkedIn. Varni is continuously expanding their skills and knowledge through ongoing educational pursuits.