Nicole Shokoples, a former executive at Alberta Innovates, has joined Toast as its new Chief Operating Officer. This move is notable because it highlights Toast’s commitment to expanding its influence in the tech recruitment and diversity space. As Shokoples steps into her role, she brings with her valuable experience in operationalizing complex programs, which is expected to bolster Toast’s mission of supporting women in STEM fields.
## What Toast Actually Does
Founded in 2022, Toast is a Calgary-based recruitment platform that focuses on bridging the gender gap in STEM fields. The company is dedicated to helping women secure roles in tech and innovation while promoting diversity and inclusion. Unlike traditional recruitment platforms, Toast offers mentorship, growth opportunities, and employs a “blind hiring” process to minimize bias in recruitment. This approach not only aids in diversifying the workforce but also addresses the gender pay gap prevalent in tech industries.
Recently, Toast launched the Toast Institute, a not-for-profit division aimed at increasing women’s participation and leadership in tech through research and development initiatives. This strategic move reflects Toast’s broader ambition to enact systemic change within the industry.
## Competitive Context
The recruitment industry, especially within tech, is crowded with platforms claiming to offer unique solutions. However, Toast sets itself apart by its targeted focus on women in STEM and its holistic approach to career development. While competitors like LinkedIn and Indeed dominate the general recruitment space, Toast’s niche focus on diversity and inclusion and its recent expansion into workforce development via the Toast Institute gives it a distinct edge.
Moreover, the addition of Shokoples, known for her strategic planning and stakeholder engagement skills, could position Toast to better navigate the complexities of scaling a mission-driven tech startup. Her experience at Alberta Innovates, where she managed stakeholder relations and complex programs, is expected to provide Toast with the necessary leadership to expand its impact.
## Real Implications for Founders and Engineers
For founders and engineers, Shokoples’ appointment signals Toast’s readiness to scale and potentially expand its service offerings. As Toast continues to grow, there could be opportunities for collaboration with other tech companies and startups looking to diversify their teams. Engineers, especially those interested in fostering inclusive workplaces, might find new opportunities to engage with or develop tools for Toast’s platform.
The focus on blind hiring processes and mentorship also underscores an industry trend towards more equitable workplace practices. Startups and tech firms looking to improve diversity and inclusion may need to reconsider their own recruitment and retention strategies, adopting similar practices to remain competitive in attracting top talent.
As Toast aims to expand its influence, the industry may witness a shift where diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but integral components of a company’s value proposition.
## What’s Next?
With Shokoples now at the helm as COO, Toast is poised to further its mission and possibly explore new territories in workforce intelligence and tech community building. The company’s focus on systemic change through the Toast Institute could lead to new partnerships and initiatives aimed at reshaping the landscape for women in tech.
For founders, engineers, and investors, Toast’s developments suggest a growing acknowledgment of the importance of diversity in tech. Keeping an eye on Toast’s trajectory might offer insights into successful strategies for integrating inclusivity into scalable business models.
