Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: How PMI Toronto Is Making a Difference

Sandy is a project manager in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

  Organizational Culture  

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are not new ideas, yet these words have gained greater meaning in the last few years for so many people. DEI principles have become a focus for many organizations and industries because more and more employees want change to happen—and difficult conversations to occur. 

Historically, there are far too many instances of inequality, racism and exclusion to count. Still, every day is an opportunity to learn, be better, appreciate more, and aim to understand a little of what marginalized groups and communities have experienced—and why they continue to strive to achieve equity.

In May 2020, while the world was trying to survive the uncertainty of a global pandemic, it also witnessed the brutal murder of George Floyd, which impacted several cities and communities around the world to shout once again that Black Lives Matter (BLM).

PMI Toronto (PMIT) Chapter President Jeffrey Thompson was heavily impacted by this tragedy, empowering him to act. He said he knew that “we must do better for ourselves, our chapter, and our community.” So, he created a dedicated committee to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion that would educate current members—and attract new members who wanted a change. A conversation with past PMIT president Marc Blanchette introduced Jeffrey to Roberta Jane Heggie, another former …

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