President Elect Amolak presided over the meeting as President Dittie was celebrating her birthday.
Past President John Lomax shared some memories of 2000-2001 his year as president. The international conference took place in Buenos Aires that year. One of his first jobs was to fire the manager of the Glen and look for a catering company to take Rotary Glen in a new direction. The nod went to Bino Dhali, whose father was a long standing Rotarian. John mentioned the Skate-a- thon as a fundraiser for Easter Seals and suggests we bring back the idea as a fundraiser again.
There was also a Blade a thon which was the forerunner for the Rib and Roll. There was only one woman in the club and many men were not in favour of having females in Rotary.
Badar reported that Beruit published a public needs assessment on what is needed. Woodstock Rotary Club has sent supplies in coordination with McMaster.
Sandra, Dittie Willard and Luisa were at Regeneration helping with the Friday barbeque under the 30 degree heat.
Guest Speaker VP of Human Resources at Dyna Care, a company which values diversity and inclusion. Donna Pascal credits her success in attaining her executive role due to her life experience of often being the first and only black female from school age onward.
When hired for a manager and being offered an executive position, Donna was given a mentor and coach on how to be heard at the board table which was a male focused environment at the time. Donna believes if you want the best of the best you have to value diversity, which includes both visible and invisible characteristics. Inclusion allows people to bring their authentic selves to work and Dyna Care works hard to make people feel welcome.
By 2036 34 % with be a person of colour and companies who are not thinking about this now will be left behind.
Due to equity and diversion laws many companies are moving forward with compliance and 20 % are embracing diversity.
People who feel their backgrounds are valued have a higher rate of loyalty and innovation and this creates a better customer experience. IBM is the gold standard for diversity and inclusion a policy which dates back to 1950. Companies who promote diversity and inclusion are 5 % more profitable.
Joy thanked the speaker for bringing us information about a topic which the RC of Brampton takes seriously.
Amolak reminded members that the international Conference for 2021 which be held in Tapai and that he has registered for the conference.