Western Receives Purple Star Designation
We are thrilled to share that Western has achieved the prestigious Purple Star Designation from Western University for our outstanding work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This achievement marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering an accessible and inclusive workplace.
Kristy Rachkowski, Western Financial Groups Chief People & Culture Officer shared that “our commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a workplace that is diverse, inclusive and provides a sense of belonging is a key focus for us. Receiving recognition like this from Western University really means a lot to us and to the work we are doing.”
Western University is a top research institution and global community dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. According to the Center for World University Rankings 2023, Western University ranks among the top 1% of universities globally. As an Accessible Employment Champion with the Purple Star designation, Western receives exclusive benefits, including exclusive promotions and priority for accessibility initiatives.
Emily Branov, Accessibility Coordinator at Western University’s Work-Integrated Learning Student Experience had this to say, “Events like these are made possible and rewarding for students with disabilities thanks to the unwavering commitment of employers like Western Financial Group, who provide new employment opportunities and allow students to foster connections with like-minded organizations. Western Financials’ continued support enriches our students' experiences and contributes significantly to the development of a more equitable workplace. We are grateful for your partnership and dedication to advancing accessibility and diversity in the workforce. Together, we hope to continue to create pathways to success and inclusivity for all.”
Aligning with Our 2024 DEI Theme
Avelia Stewart, Director, Social Impact & Internal Communications, emphasized the remarkable correlation between this accomplishment and our 2024 DEI theme, Building Bridges: Embracing Diversity, Connecting Communities. Avelia pointed out, “One of the tenets of this theme is to create alliances with national and regional organizations to hire under-represented persons.”
What an incredible achievement! Let’s continue our dedicated efforts toward creating an inclusive and diverse workplace at Western.
