For the past decade, The Untapped Workplace Inclusion Awards has been recognizing businesses of all sizes and individuals that are leading the way in workplace diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
I had the pleasure of attending the event as a nominee on behalf of AndHumanity, which of course landed on BC’s Disability Employment Month.
Let me tell you the story of my day at the event through photos:
When I first arrived, I realized I was actually quite late because nominees were supposed to arrive 30 minutes earlier than the start time (oops!). The hosts were so kind about it though, and handed me a couple of booklets along with a boutonniere which I thought was an excellent touch to highlight the nominees.
I was then seated at my table – table 24 – near the back of the room where I could see a full view of how grand this event was. Everything was professionally put together and I immediately noticed the large screens with real-time transcriptions – something you rarely see at other events.
I think I most appreciated the fact that I was completely surrounded by folks that valued inclusion. In a time where this topic is often – unfortunately – divisive, it was nice to be in a psychologically safe space.
The panel event and speakers were also excellent – here are 3 quotes that stuck with me from the event:
🗣️ “Privilege doesn’t need to be a scary word”
🗣️ “When it comes to DEI, don’t ask ‘why?’, ask ‘why not?'”
🗣️ “Nothing about us, without us” (of course!)
At one point in the event, organizations committing to the Pledge to Measure were highlighted. Accountability is so important when it comes to inclusion, especially in the midst of many major brands and organizations publicly reducing their spend in this space.
By tracking and measuring inclusion, you’ll create a culture of transparency and accountability that benefits everyone on your team.
I encourage other businesses to sign up for this as well https://pledgetomeasure.org/
The event ended off with the awards show – where nominees and winners were featured by category. Although AndHumanity didn’t win our category, I’m still so honoured to even be invited to represent us. I met and reconnected with so many wonderful people and also got to eat from a delicious buffet.
All in all – a great day!
Matthew Tsang
2nd Generation Canadian Born Chinese Settler.
Youngest Child of a Single Mother.
Grandchild of a rich man that lost it all to greed.
Childhood experience of inundation, abandonment, and Chinglish.
Dog Dad, Human Dad, Husband, Son, Brother and Friend.
Born Reader and Writer. Fiction over non-fiction.
Learned Entrepreneur, Strategist, and Relationship Builder. People over profits.
Resourceful, analytical, and efficient – but not robotic.
Lover of films, hockey, and night time.
