Let's Celebrate Diversity Month 2024
Building Bridges: Embracing Diversity, Connecting Communities
In alignment with our 2024 DEI theme: “Building Bridges: Embracing Diversity, Connecting Communities,” and to Celebrate Diversity Month, three members from the Asian Employees Network and Allies Employee Resource Group share what embracing diversity means to them and how they connect with their communities.
I’m Joni, I’m a Commercial Insurance Advisor here at Western! I joined our Asian ERG in order to help provide a space at Western for the people in my community to feel safe, understood and celebrated. As a first-generation immigrant to Canada with my parents, I understand how valuable it is for us (for anyone!) to have that space at work and in our communities that we live in. I felt especially passionate about helping to create this safe space after hearing about and experiencing a lot of the misfortunes that our community faced during and following Covid.
Currently I’ve been connecting with my culture by cooking a lot of the traditional or staples dishes of Korea. My husband is French Canadian and was unfamiliar with Korean culture before we met, so it’s been a true pleasure making these dishes with him! And while we eat these dishes I often tell him a memory I’ve had with my family or traditions that are related to the dish itself. It’s been an absolute joy sharing my culture with him and it really made me feel unconditionally embraced in my culture and where I come from.
My name is Hira Jahangir and I am Assistant Manager at Langley branch in WCIS. I was born and raised in Pakistan and moved to Canada 13 years ago. Embracing diversity to me means fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to contribute. I connect with my community by actively engaging in local events, volunteering for causes that promote diversity and inclusion, supporting minority-owned businesses, and initiating conversations with neighbors to understand their unique backgrounds and challenges. By embracing diversity and connecting with my community, I strive to promote understanding, empathy, and unity, building a stronger and more vibrant society for us all.
In this picture I volunteered to organize an event within my community. I helped raise funds for a new hospital. It feels so fulfilling when one person’s small efforts bring big changes. With Love Care and Inclusivity, we can bring EVERYONE Close.
My name is Suki Sidhu. I am the Regional Manager on the Mainland. I was born in Merritt, BC. My parents immigrated from Punjab, India and always did their best to instill Sikhism culture values.
Embracing Diversity is critical for us to understand and respect everyone regardless of their background. Creating a healthy workplace allowing all to share their potential and strengths.
Vasaikhi is a Spring Harvest Festival in the Punjab region, celebrating the creation of the Khalsa order, promoting justice and equality. Celebrated with a spiritual parade and music along with free ethnic food. Over the years the celebration has embraced those of all backgrounds.
We hope you enjoyed our stories!
