Canada's Best Diversity Employers (2025) - Flipbook - Page 12
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CANADA’S BEST DIVERSITY EMPLOYERS (2025)
In their own words
Employees from Canada’s Best Diversity Employers (2025) share
how diversity and inclusion has affected them personally and at work
Through an awakening of my Indigenous spirit and
rekindling of the sacred 昀椀re, I decided to [publically
embrace] my Indigenous identity [...] I immediately looked
for a community within Air Canada and was very happy to 昀椀nd
this within the Indigenous employee resource group (IERG).
There I have made strong bonds with my colleagues, learned
more about myself and our Indigenous communities, and
through the empowerment and support from Air Canada, have
been able to advance the voice of Indigenous communities and
people throughout the organization and across the country.”
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– Craig O.
Captain A-319/320 and Indigenous ERG Co-Chair at
Air Canada
– Musrat M.
Talent Acquisition Advisor at
BASF Canada
My desire to build a supportive network and learn from
experienced women led me to seek out Bell’s community
of career-driven women. This was particularly important
in addressing the challenges of imposter syndrome early in
my career. My involvement in Women at Bell has facilitated
collaborations with women from di昀昀erent business areas,
providing leadership experience on several projects and
enhancing my understanding of career progression within
the organization. The value of diversity and inclusion lies
in the opportunity to collaborate with people from various
backgrounds, leveraging their unique perspectives to enhance
our collective work.”
“
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– Emma B.
Project Manager, Bell Business Markets Business Unit at
Bell Canada
– Saoudiatou G.
Campus Recruiter at
BNP Paribas
“
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UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA
After a lifetime of adapting to others, it never occurred to
me that an employer would be willing to adapt to my needs.
Throughout my decades-long working life, ICBC has been
the first employer to allow me to work in a way that enables me
to achieve my objectives. I’ve been able to thrive and grow in
ways I once thought were impossible.
Today, I encourage others to speak up and express what they
need to reach their full potential. No disability — whether
visible or invisible — should be a barrier to achieving personal
or professional goals.”
– Mike
Senior Business Analyst Support and Analytics at
ICBC
Through BASF’s employee resource groups,
I have participated in programs and events
that provide invaluable mentorship and
networking opportunities. Connecting with
colleagues who share similar experiences
has inspired me to discover new strategies for
overcoming challenges and has enhanced my
leadership skills. These connections have opened
pathways for professional growth, allowing me to
thrive in a supportive environment.
Ever since I joined the Black Heritage
employee resource group (ERG) [...], I have had
the chance to connect with inspiring people
and work on exciting events for the employees at
the bank. I have developed project management
skills and gained insight from senior members of
the Black diaspora on how to manage my career as
a young Black woman in Montreal. [...] To me, this
is what diversity is about — cultivating a space
where we feel included and represented, and
where we can all grow as individuals and learn
from each other.”
The Equity-Focused Leadership Mentorship
program has been an invaluable experience
for me — both as a way to give back and as a
chance to learn. Having always been supported by
great mentors, it was rewarding to connect with
other diverse leaders and gain fresh perspectives.
The program also allowed me to learn from my
mentee, who brought unique experiences and
insights that challenged me to grow in new ways.
– Fatima Q.
Regional Stroke Program Director at
Unity Health Toronto