2017 Marquee Event Recap: “Advancing Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace”
This year, BWT put on its 7th Annual Marquee Event. The buzz surrounding the event started earlier this year when the intrepid line-up of panelists and keynote speaker was announced, leaving everyone in anticipation of March 9th.
This year’s event featured the very topical theme, Advancing Diversity and Inclusion Within the Workplace. There were over 250 attendees from our seven sponsor companies, BC Hydro, LifeLabs, McCarthy Tetrault, SAP, Sodexo, TELUS and Vancity, selling out our event and making it one of the most successful to date!
Our keynote speaker Tej Singh Hazra, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, HSBC Bank Canada, moved the crowd with a very personal story that depicted his experience with racism, immigration and disability. Tej left the audience (literally) singing out loud to Fleetwood Mac, but most notably, reminded us that we are all involved in the fight for diversity and inclusion. He urged us to get involved and noted that although Canada sees far less discrimination than other nations, we should not rely on our reputation or accept the current status quo since we still have a very long way to go.
The event did not stop there! The three panelists wowed the crowd with examples of how their respective companies are furthering change and moving the needle on diversity and inclusion. The audience participated by eagerly addressing their questions to panelists Katherine Power, Vice President of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Sodexo,Seema Dhanoa, Vice President Business Integration Services, Digital Solutions & Business Technology, Vancity, and Donna Wilson, Senior Vice President of People and Partner Relations, LifeLabs who motivated the crowd with their audacious answers.
Key leaders and representatives from all seven sponsor companies came in from around the Lower Mainland and beyond for this opportunity to network and #BeBoldForChange in support of International Women’s Day.
To quote some of the attendees,
“This was my first event and I really enjoyed it! It was just the right length. The key note speaker delivered his information on a serious topic in a fun way. Keep up the great work BWT!”
“The location was perfect. I would like to see events at that location again. Very accessible.”
“Inspiring and engaging stories from Tej Singh Hazra. Awesome networking opportunities to connect with motivated women in tech industry.”
“The panel was inspirational. It was great to hear the different perspectives and approaches each company takes to help promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.”
A BIG THANK YOU goes to the BWT Marquee Event team who produced (once again) an amazing event this year!
For future events and to learn more, follow us on Twitter @BWTvancouver.