Thriving in your career without barriers

Embracing inclusivity and empowerment at CGI

I've been with CGI for almost 15 years and am currently a Director on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Team. My role primarily focuses on fostering an inclusive culture and ensuring a sense of belonging for all employees. With a background in business psychology, my work involves educating our workforce on the importance of inclusion and empowering them to live their best lives at work.

Every day in my role is unique. I engage in various conversations and initiatives to help people understand what it means to be inclusive and how they can empower themselves and others. My primary motivation, my "why," is to ensure that more people feel grateful for their careers at CGI by the end of their professional journeys. This has been a guiding principle for me, especially after my personal triple-negative metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, as it deepened my commitment to this work.

What Pride Month means to me

 Pride Month, for me, is fundamentally about love – being loved by family, colleagues, and oneself. It’s about self-compassion and accepting who we are in every aspect of our lives. Pride is a time to reflect on and celebrate our journey, our identity, and how we show up in the world. At CGI, we foster this spirit through open conversations, supportive benefits, and inclusive practices that ensure everyone can thrive as their full selves.  

Supporting the LGBTQ+ community at CGI

CGI has demonstrated strong support for the LGBTQ+ community through various initiatives. We host panel discussions with external partners to discuss thriving as our full selves, provide inclusive benefits for same-sex couples and employees transitioning, and maintain a robust support system. Our Member Resource Group, Pride@CGI, plays a crucial role in raising awareness and funds for organizations like the Trevor Project, showing our commitment to supporting queer youth. 

Building relationships and impact

One of my proudest moments was helping a potential client start their own Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG). We shared our experiences and best practices, fostering a meaningful relationship. This effort exemplifies how our DEI initiatives not only support our own employees but also extend our impact into the broader community, building dynamic and inclusive relationships with clients.

A culture of trust and growth

I’m deeply grateful for the trust and support I receive at CGI. Our inclusive policies and proactive approach to benefits make a significant difference. My personal experience has shown that being part of the queer community has no bearing on professional growth. This openness and acceptance are what set CGI apart, making it a place where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work and flourish. 

Looking forward

As we continue to grow and evolve, my vision is to ensure that CGI remains a place where everyone can be accepted and celebrated for who they are. I want our work environment to be marked by excellence and inclusivity, paving the way for future generations to thrive without barriers. My journey at CGI has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to contributing to a more inclusive and empowering future for all.