#GrowTogether works with
global companies to support the engagement, advancement and
retention of women leaders through
the lens of equitable inclusion.
Growth Circles
Growth Circles are carefully curated peer groups of ten colleagues who possess different lived experiences and intersecting identities who meet monthly to enable personal growth, deep connection, and impactful career development. Led by an experienced professional facilitator, Growth Circles provide a safe place for colleagues to network, share challenges and ideas, form communities, and develop meaningful relationships outside of their immediate departments.
The Program
1
Assistance to carefully curate your Growth Circles with 10 high potential employees in each, wanting to advance their career and who are committed to the process.
2
Collaboration on customized KPIs and Survey questions to meaningfully measure the impact of the program.
3
The skilled delivery of a crucial 3 ½ hour Best Practices Launch Workshop for the group.
4
Professional leadership of the monthly 2 hour
meetings for the year.
5
A final report to management, measuring the impact and engagement.
Participants’ Feedback
Overall, I am extremely satisfied with the Growth Circle Program.
I have a network of coworkers that I can reach out to for support or assistance.
I would recommend Growth Circles to a colleague and encourage them to attend.
I feel comfortable and safe being open and honest with my Growth Circle Group.
I learned something new or took away something that can help me in my career.
I set a concrete personal or professional goal and worked towards it during my participation in my Growth Circle.
Who are we
Jo Ann Dizy and Jodi Kovitz
#GrowTogether was founded by Jo Ann Dizy and Jodi Kovitz in 2021. They together previously led research-based peer circles for leaders of tech companies at Peerscale and then along with a fantastic team built #movethedial - a global movement to advance the participation and leadership of women in tech - through pioneering research, creating partnerships, hosting innovative events and development programs.
After #movethedial was forced to pause operations in 2020 due to the pandemic, Jodi and Jo Ann found inspiration in continuing to pursue their joint passion for advancing the participation and leadership of all women through offering growth circles to a few companies to help them continue to engage, advance and retain women through the lens of equitable inclusion.
The impact and results have been incredible, and the demand for these circles increased so significantly that they decided to form a new company which Jo Ann leads and operates day to day as CEO. Jodi moved on to an exciting new role in 2023 that demands all her attention, but continues to believe strongly in the impact these #GrowthCircles have on the participants, and supports the mandate of #GrowTogether in spirit from the sidelines.
Jo Ann Dizy,
Co-Founder and CEO
Jo Ann Dizy has spent the last 13 years building community, network and support to enable personal and professional growth. This journey began in her role as Executive Director of Peerscale, where she was responsible for the successful leadership and management of this members-based organization. The backbone of this organization was Peer Circles, and Jo Ann spent over 10 years researching best practices for these highly successful groups, and developing successful training programs, operational expectations, and facilitation techniques to provide high value to the C-suite members.
Jo Ann then became Vice President, Global Events & Partnerships at #movethedial, and led the Global Events Team, Partnership Team, and Community Programming. Jo Ann brought her knowledge of the power of peer-to-peer mentoring to #movethedial and developed the Peer Circles program specifically for women, and successfully launched this program inside large organizations to promote engagement, advancement, development and retention of their high potential women.
Jo Ann is now thrilled to be working with organizations that are serious about engaging, advancing and retaining their high potential women, and attracting ambitious change-makers to their organizations. As Lead Facilitator, she personally launches and leads the Growth Circles, quickly building an atmosphere of trust and confidentiality, leading to strong commitments and openness among members which fosters personal and professional growth.
Jo Ann earned her MBA at the Schulich School of Business with a double major in Finance and Strategy, and her Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts in Vocal Performance from York University. Jo Ann more recently became a Certified Counselling Practitioner and Certified Life Coach.
Shavonne Hasfal‑McIntosh,
Lead Facilitator and DEI Advisor
Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh is a transformational change agent and global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) expert. As the founder of SHM Consulting, Shavonne partners with organizations to implement forward-thinking DEI strategies, fostering environments of inclusion and belonging. With over a decade of experience working with leading companies like Red Bull Canada, Shopify, and Wealthsimple, she has worked across HR, employee culture, people analytics, employee experience, learning and development, coaching, and facilitation.
Through her consulting work, Shavonne has collaborated with brands such as Mejuri, Endy, Benchsci, and Mozilla, supporting them in embedding DEI into their organizational fabric. Her work is rooted in the belief that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to building inclusive cultures, which is reflected in her tailored strategies that help organizations attract and retain top talent.
In addition to her consultancy work, Shavonne is a conference speaker and serves on boards and advisory committees focused on creating accessibility and innovation in technology, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Recognized as a community builder, disruptor of oppressive systems, and a champion for marginalized voices, Shavonne continues to lead with purpose and passion.
Workshops and Keynotes
Workshop: How women can benefit from mentorship in their early careers
Keynote: How mentorship and sponsorship can move the dial in your early career
In The News
Peer groups help high-potential women build confidence, excel in careers: Dizy
The goal is to create empathy and trust in a community environment and establish what she called “trusted advisors” the women can lean on for support in their careers. It’s about creating a safe space, particularly in areas where they are drastically outnumbered by men, she said. — TALENT CANADA
What People Are Saying
I’ve loved learning from colleagues across our company and sharing our experiences. Many of us are on different teams and would never cross paths, but our Circle allowed us to build new connections. I really appreciate that our company has invested in our professional development by providing us with this opportunity. It has been great to work with Jo Ann, her coaching helped us all to challenge ourselves and grow!
The best part for me is the ability to have the space to be comfortable and honest with myself and each other. Coming into the meetings with one feeling or concern, and leaving with hope and suggestions has been so rewarding. I have been in business for years and really think this has made a huge benefit to me. Will miss them so much when this is over.
The connections we are making are invaluable. Being able to bring topics to these meetings and get the advice on my approach from my peers has helped me navigate difficult conversations with ease. Everyone is willing to share what works for them, which allows me to hear various perspectives and approaches that help me grow as a professional.
The best part about the program is the ability to speak freely and be supported. There is no judgement, and everyone is so authentic. My Growth Circle has been one of the highlights of my 2022 and in all my 17 years with the organization, I have never experienced anything quite like it.
It was a great opportunity to be part of the fruitful and insightful discussions. Thanks Jo Ann for leading us with empathy, respect, patience, and an open mind. I am almost done with my executive certificate at MIT. I give you credit for pushing us to be intentional with our goals and take ownership of our future.
I had plateaued in my career, I felt stuck. Growth Circles gave me the confidence and tools to set clear goals and level up within a year. My peers in the group held me accountable for my goals and encouraged me to shoot high. Discussions on sponsorship and salary negotiations were especially helpful in getting an interview and getting a fair pay bump with my new role. I’m proud to say that I have met my goal of becoming a people manager, while also moving up to a director’s level. I would highly recommend the Growth Circles program for anyone who is looking to take the next step in their career.
