Insights
A 2021 Reflection on Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives at Apply Digital
We've taken important steps to embrace diversity and inclusion, and we're just getting started.
- Article
- 3 MIN READ
- Feb 22, 2022
Staff
Summary
At Apply Digital, we acknowledge that every step taken towards a more diverse, inclusive company culture is part of a larger, ongoing journey. Each step reveals new perspectives, deeper respect for one another, and unexplored potential for the digital solutions we create. It’s not always easy or comfortable, but it’s a necessary journey we’re committed to continuing on as long as we’re working together.
During 2021, we prioritized specialized training, programs, and external consultations to sharpen our understanding of biases and appreciate the immense potential that comes with confronting these together.
We are thankful to Fable for hosting an interactive workshop on actionable ways to create more accessible UX/UI for digital products, solutions, and experiences. This passion for accessible user experiences is team member driven, and continues to be carried forth through knowledge sharing and an internal working group. Elevate Inclusion Strategies also joined us for a deep dive into implicit and explicit bias intercepted with guided peer conversations about the topics at hand. This work came as a larger consultation overseen by the group.
Apply Digital team members drive much of our work in the inclusion and diversity space. Our six offices are home to numerous peer-run groups including social and support groups for LGBTQ+ team members, women and gender minorities, parents, and accessibility allyship, among others. Our Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Group is run by team members from a wide spectrum of backgrounds who help shape our company and cultural policies. Our weekly all-team meetings bring us together to celebrate Pride, Diwali, Lunar New Year, and other diverse holidays, and to mark the passing of Juneteenth and Canada’s National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. We take turns presenting information about our nationalities and cultures because we know that recognizing our unique traditions helps us connect to one another on a deeper level.
Growing as an inclusive and diverse company means engaging the widest group of candidates possible, a focus of our 2021 recruitment efforts. One key step here was partnering with a Toronto non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the economic and social barriers affecting Black youth ages 14+ in seeking employment, education, or training. Another ongoing step supports our gender parity policy through an always open general recruitment posting for candidates who identify as women, participation in women-centered job fairs, and a mini-doc highlighting the women of Apply Digital proudly showcased on our Careers website page.
Our annual Hackathon for Good allows us to amplify our commitment to inclusion and diversity in our communities. The winning idea of this one-day dash is transformed into a real digital product to support marginalized groups and non-profits in our community. Past winners have included the Pacific Immigrant Resources Centre and Twelve, an organization that supports women’s health.
At Apply Digital, we are human first, and as humans we know we’re constantly walking on a journey of growth and awareness both as individuals and as a company. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please reach out to us at hello@applydigital.com.
June 1st, 2021
June is Canada’s National Indigenous History Month.
We acknowledge that we live and work on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations in Vancouver, BC. We acknowledge that we live and work on the unceded territories of Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples in Toronto, ON.
We also acknowledge that we live and work on the unceded territories of Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash in Los Angeles, USA, and on the traditional lands of the Munsee Lenape in New York City, USA.
We mourn the 215 children lost and grieve with the families who suffered at the hands of the Kamloops, BC residential school, as well as those across Canada and the United States. Hearing their stories — and the stories of the survivors — shows how extensive the genocide of Indigenous communities was. We acknowledge the problematic and unacceptable continuation of this genocide in its modern-day forms, including but not limited to pervasive institutional racism across the public and private sectors.
We are dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities. We are also continuing our work to learn about the part we play in colonialization.
So, what can we do? Here are a few of many ways you can learn about the historical and contemporary effects of colonialism and listen to our Indigenous communities.
Donate to the Indian Residential School Survivor Legacy, Urban Native Youth Association, and Native Women’s Wilderness
Learn more about the history of Canada through Indigenous voices, such as Chastity-David Alphonse’s course, “Canadian History Through the Lens of Indigenous Women” or the University of Alberta’s course, “Indigenous Canada”
Read and support Indigenous works, such as “My Name is Seepeetza” written by Shirley Sterling about her experiences at a Canadian residential school
Review the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
Unlearning unconscious biases is not an easy task — but it is not meant to be. We are committed to continuing this work each and every day.
March 23, 2021
Racism, hatred, and discrimination must not be tolerated. We stand in solidarity with the Asian community and condemn the revolting acts of violence and xenophobia that are occurring around the globe. This bigotry extends beyond what we’ve seen in the United States as hate crimes against Asian communities in Canada rose to heights not seen in years.
We at Apply Digital are not experts in battling hate, but we are working diligently toward becoming an anti-racist organization. We will be spending time this year on learning, growing, and undoing implicit biases. We know that diversity is a strength.
We also know there is always more work to be done. Below is a list of resources and organizations that need our support now.
Partner with us
Together, we can deliver innovative solutions and drive your digital change journey.
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