OUR EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION (EDI) WORK
THE GENEROUS SPIRIT
To demonstrate our dedication to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), we are making the following commitment statement public:
We lead with humanity. We strive to create an inclusive culture where expressing our authentic selves is not just safe but celebrated. Where it’s a reflex to amplify the best in each other—our unique skill sets, viewpoints and experiences—because everyone has inherent value, and we understand that diversity spurs innovation, strengthens teams, and drives results. To get there, we’re taking concrete steps: applying an EDI lens to all our policies, practices and behaviours, making necessary changes to lower barriers; building skills, knowledge and awareness of diversity and inclusion across our Foundation and with external stakeholders; and fostering a safe, accessible and positive working environment. Though we are all different, we are united by the same fierce commitment to our Mission and a shared belief that we can advance faster, and be more engaged in the pursuit, if we foster a greater sense of belonging.
EDI COMMITTEE
Our EDI Committee works with four Working Groups made up of team members from across the Foundation. These colleagues help drive change by fostering an environment that celebrates individuality and embraces diversity so everyone can bring their authentic selves to the workplace.
EDI COMMITTEE WORKING GROUPS
Our Working Groups consist of EDI Committee members as well as other colleagues from the Foundation who are focused on different aspects of our organization. Our Working Groups include:
BlackNorth Initiative Working Group
Our purpose is to fulfill our commitment to the BlackNorth Initiative CEO Pledge to build a more diverse and inclusive workplace. We aim to create and foster a trusting, psychologically safe and inclusive workplace to increase our representation and retention of our Black colleagues. You can read more about our work here.
People Working Group
Our purpose is to build skills, knowledge and self-awareness to address EDI and foster mutual understanding, respect and growth to enable everyone to foster a sense of belonging. Our priorities focus on promoting and increasing internal awareness of EDI through extensive training opportunities and other communication channels.
Place Working Group
Our purpose is to cultivate a safe and positive physical and emotional environment for all that facilitates a culture of EDI. We maintain an organizational presence through Foundation-wide events, including listening circles, and by providing resources focused on mental well-being. We also build community partnerships, implement survey feedback from staff and remove identified barriers in physical and digital spaces.
Practice Working Group
Our purpose is to fully integrate EDI into the fabric and framework of our Foundation through policies, procedures and practice. We support employee retention and remove identified barriers during recruitment, implement guidelines to review our Foundation’s policies with an EDI lens and encourage the use of inclusive language.
Shared Resources
Our journey toward a more equitable, diverse and inclusive Foundation requires ongoing learning. As part of this collaborative process, we are sharing some resources that our Foundation has found helpful:
Inclusive Meeting Guidelines
Gender Inclusive Language Checklist
BlackNorth Initiative Playbook
Contact Us
Questions, concerns or compliments. We’d love to hear from you.
