Diversity & Inclusion for the Technology Sector

TAP Network (formerly HR Tech Group) was tasked with a sector-wide initiative to improve equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in British Columbia.  The initiative’s goal was to increase the attraction, retention, and advancement of under-represented groups in skilled occupations in the technology sector.  Refinery continues to deliver this program focused on Inclusive Leadership and Change Agents.   This program has also recently been submitted to the Federal Government to be offered nationally.​

‘Refinery focused first on the individual, and helping them understand their own unconsciousness biases, how privilege has shown up in their life, and how that has not necessarily been the same for underrepresented groups. They created space for the participants to the hold up a mirror and see and understand these difficult realities. Many people express discomfort and fear of having conversations about barriers and challenges faced by underrepresented groups. Refinery created opportunity for important dialogue with people from underrepresented groups and the participants told us that this experience removed the fear for them and increased their confidence in facilitating future conversations. Participants walked away with the understanding that in order to make change in their organizations and society, we need to have these conversations. Refinery then focused the training on organizations and their systems. ​

We chose Refinery because of their excellent reputation for providing deep experiential learning and their previous experience developing and delivering inclusive leadership training. They have proven to be a very professional and flexible partner, open to input and adjustments as we moved through the pilots.​

Refinery delivered profound learning experiences.’ ​

Stephanie Hollingshead, CEO​