Today's expert advice to business from NorQuest College: diverse and inclusive workplaces pave the way to a respectful and profitable future.
"Organizations that invest in diversity and inclusion (D&I) not only transform their culture, but attract top talent, and maximize that talent through respect, a feeling of belonging, equity, and growth," says Dr. Lori Campbell, principal of NorQuest's new Colbourne Institute for Inclusive Leadership, officially launched today (9/27) at a special ceremony at the college's Edmonton Downtown campus.
NorQuest has been a proven leader in diversity and inclusion for many years. The Colbourne Institute for Inclusive Leadership provides a broad range of training services that encourage and support organizational capacity in developing and sustaining inclusive cultures.
Earlier this year, Dr. S. Ann Colbourne, chair of the NorQuest College Board of Governors made a generous $1 million donation to the college.
"I have a deeply-held passion for the agenda of diversity," says Dr. Colbourne. "As a college, NorQuest really helps shape the mosaic of the communities it serves. It honours and respects where individuals come from, but still creates a cohesive whole."
In today's world, companies operate in an increasingly complex and global context. Studies show that inclusive workplaces boost employee engagement, profitability, and brand recognition. The Colbourne Institute for Inclusive Leadership will provide services and training to organizations of all sizes that want to unleash and maximize the potential of their diverse workforces and work better together.
In 2017, NorQuest's own excellence was singled out as an example to others when it was recognized as one of Canada's Top-10 Corporate Cultures. Creating an environment where employees and students can study and work in a place of integrity, respect, empowerment, and acknowledgement, is a core value of the college.
"We live in a multicultural, multifaceted world where we all have unique backgrounds, experiences, stories, and talents," says NorQuest President and CEO, Dr. Jodi L. Abbott.
"These extend to our communities, our schools, and our workplaces. With this in mind, we must do more than recognize these differences. We must understand that inclusive organizations have a powerful competitive advantage."
