As we welcome February, we celebrate Black History Month—a time to recognize the achievements, resilience, and invaluable contributions of Black communities in Canada and beyond. Officially recognized in 1995 through the efforts of the Honourable Jean Augustine, this month serves as both a tribute to history and a call to action for continued learning and progress. It is also an opportunity to recognize the diverse experiences within Black communities, including Black women, 2SLGBTQIA+ Black individuals, and Black newcomers. I encourage you to join us for our Black History Month Panel, where we’ll engage in meaningful dialogue, reflect on the past, and explore ways to drive progress together.
At CCDI, we remain steadfast in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), no matter how organizations choose to name or frame this work. With growing social and political challenges—both at home and abroad—it is more important than ever to ensure that DEIA remains a priority. Here in Calgary and across Alberta, I have seen firsthand how shifting policies and workplace priorities have created new challenges for DEIA efforts. These shifts remind us why unwavering dedication to DEIA is essential for lasting progress. In response, CCDI continues to equip organizations and individuals with the tools to uphold and advance these values through education, training, and action.
Looking ahead, CCDI UnConference 2025 is just around the corner! I’m especially excited about the growing list of impressive speakers,thought leaders, and changemakers who bring fresh perspectives and deep expertise to DEIA, and who will challenge us to think critically and take action. This UnConference is a space to learn, unlearn, and build real, lasting change within organizations and communities. Don’t miss out—secure your spot today!
As we continue this work, I encourage you to stay strong and committed, even when challenges arise. Change is never easy, but together, we can push forward, inspire progress, and create lasting impact. Let’s keep learning, advocating, and building a future where inclusion is not just a goal, but a reality
With gratitude,
Anne-Marie Pham
CEO
CCDI UnConference 2025: Meet our speakers
We are excited to announce a growing list of knowledgeable speakers, together with the compelling sessions in which they’ll take part:
Daniel Côté (he/him), Anthropologist and researcher in occupational health and safety, L'Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST). Psychological safety and belonging in workplaces.
Richard Atleo (he/him). Belonging through a global lens.
Nicole Waldron, (she/her), Event Specialist | Speaker | Social Advocate | Producer and Host, Victory Speaks Podcast and Show. Belonging through a global lens.
Lauri Hoeg (she/her), Anishinaabe Artist and Cultural Advisor. Belonging through a global lens.
Yarijey Techer (he/him), Creative Director and Web Developer, Nigra Iuventa. Psychological safety and belonging in workplaces.
Toolkit for developing a strategy to enhance DEI in your organization
A comprehensive roadmap sits at the core of a well-structured organizational DEI strategy. With the CCDI DEI strategy toolkit, organizations of any size and on any leg of their DEI awareness journey can use this step-by-step guide to create a made to measure DEI plan that dovetails and contributes to their overarching business strategy.
CCDI is grateful for the collaborative work with our community of practice participants across Canada which resulted in this renewed 2024 roadmap, replete with further resource suggestions and best practices. Through a focused reflection, a setting of goals, and a benchmarking of the journey, organizations get the satisfaction of having formulated their own custom, evergreen DEI plan. It is our aim that this toolkit support organizations in decomplexifying what DEI can do for them, resulting in growth and engagement, all while taking flourishing businesses to the next level.
Employer Partners can access this toolkit through the Knowledge Repository in English and in French.
This extensive resource is designed to help you understand the language used in the field of DEIA, providing you with accurate and comprehensive definitions of essential terms. As an ever-evolving field, we intend to provide regular updates to reflect changes to the language.
Employer Partners can access the Glossary through the Knowledge Repository in English and in French.
This updated resource guide is carefully constructed as a direct response to the violence of anti-trans and anti-2SLGBTQIA+ legislation that oftentimes leave this community harassed and discriminated in their daily lives and in the workplace. It is meant to support these communities but also support the presence and affirmation allies can provide on they allyship journey.
Together we are shaping more equitable workplaces, schools and communities through our Employer Partners, moving towards a truly inclusive Canada. Join us in extending a warm welcome to our newest Employer Partners.
.png?upscale=true&width=316&upscale=true&name=Pham%2c%20Anne-Marie%20-%20Circular%20(new).png)
.png?upscale=true&width=388&upscale=true&name=CCDI%20Logo%20-%20Horizontal%20-%20White%20(1).png)
