RISE 2010

RISE 2010 Employer Awards is the first annual RISE Employer Awards recognizing employers who create diverse and inclusive workplaces.

Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Date: Thursday, April 29th, 2010
Venue: Sutton Place Hotel, 2nd level, Banquet Room,10235–101 St, Edmonton

Keynote Speaker: Angela Santiago, CEO of the Little Potato Company, Woman of Vision, July 2009

The luncheon featured award presentations:

Jefferson Humphreys, Alberta Primetime, MC
Kelly Sloan, Executive Director, Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers
Councillor Amarjeet Sohi on behalf of the Mayor and City Council
Wayne Shillington, CEO, NorQuest College

Recipients of the RISE 2010 Employer Awards

Cosyn Technologies – Strategic Leadership Award

Innovative practices and programming in diversity management has resulted in positive outcomes for Cosyn and all of its employees. Cosyn recognized the value of hiring and retaining foreign trained professionals. Their vision is to become the employer of choice for newcomers. Over the past 5 years they continue to develop a strategic plan to attract and retain newcomers to fill the skilled job market.

Over 50% of the staff is born outside of Canada
Partnerships with organizations such as the Edmonton Mennonite centre for newcomers and NorQuest College result in training, language, and culture programs
An internal committee, and intercultural training provides information to guide staff, leaders, and newcomers with the tools to negotiate differences, and receive advice, intercultural training, and information
Access to their workers experience and insights has benefited other organizations, and research efforts regarding inclusive business practices
Developmental programs include language and culture, mentoring and performance management, Town Hall Meetings, and Star Recognition
Social occasions such as the annual Diwali lunch and the multicultural potluck lunch offer opportunities to appreciate diversity

KPMG LLP, Chartered Accountants – Community Engagement Award

KPMG has integrated diversity into their vision, mission and strategy to provide an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment for immigrants. The overall success of the company and its employees is the result of understanding that each person is involved, and everyone is a valued and important component of the team. The contributions of their diverse workforce give them a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Understanding how and why diversity, equity, and inclusion are important factors in the workplace is provided through web-based training program entitled Diversity In the Workplace
Other means for learning on line include topics on diversity strategy and completing the Diversity Profile tool
Networks and clubs as well as “reflection” rooms allows employees to be themselves, interact, find support, information and mentors
Staff members engage in community outreach through the EMCN, ERIEC, and NorQuest to help immigrants with work and social related skills
Financial support is offered for continued education through the program Learning for All
Diversity awareness and the continued efforts to be inclusive are evident in the outlook calendars and feedback surveys offered by KMPG

WorleyParsons – Outstanding Workplace Award

The rich, creative environment is a significant contributor to the success of WorleyParsons. With over 50 countries represented in their staff, the company recognizes the importance of supporting the needs of its workforce. Through the creation, implementation, and cultivation of innovative practices and programs, WorleyParsons have cultivated an environment of mutual respect, understanding, growth and achievement for their staff. The company, clients, and staff appreciate the diversity of its professionals within the workplace and out in the world.

Programs such as Workplace Language Solutions & ESL Programs aid foreign workers with language skills
The Edmonton office has been pro-active in identifying the need for cultural bridging through workshops that help immigrants through transition to another workplace; explore behaviours and attitudes in the workplace; Utilize experience and case studies to apply knowledge learned from the workshops
The Cultural Awareness Committee provides the opportunity to initiate social and educative occasions for learning about other cultures
Community outreach with organizations such as the EMCN and NorQuest College has enabled Worley Parsons to facilitate the learning, support and success rate of foreign employees
Through international recruitment, the company has acquired valuable skilled employees who have contributed to the success of the company and provided valuable multicultural experiences and learning to all staff

OMNI TV, Edmonton – Diversity Impact Award/Community Engagement Award/ERIEC Mentoring Award

OMNI Alberta is the first-ever ethnic television service in Alberta that has offered multilingual/multicultural programming since 2008. With 95%of the staff born outside of Canada, the station offers 75 hours of community programming in approximately 20 languages. It is committed to the positive portrayal of diversity through inclusive and accessible programming. Newcomers have played a key role in the development, implementation and sustainability of the station.

Reflection of the ethno-cultural communities in Edmonton is served through 3 locally produced newscasts each workday
A daily community calendar provides information about local events of interest and relevance
Viewer feedback helps the station assess their priorities and maintains accountability
Expansion of languages, number of hours, and choice of programming, as well as a production team consisting of newcomers has produced positive outcomes
OMNI has hired newcomers who might otherwise not have found work in their areas of expertise
Working at a grassroots level, OMNI strives to provide a forum and a voice for ethno-cultural expression
Individuals are hired from ethnic specific communities as correspondents to offer an authentic voice to the events and issues
Through diversity practices, newcomers working in the OMNI station are encouraged to utilize their native language and skills
Entering the broadcast industry through OMNI allows immigrants the opportunity to work in their native language
For newcomers interested in careers in journalism and broadcasting, OMNI provides mentorship programs that allows them to work in their field helping them and the station to achieve success

Photographer : Sam Pratoomporn