Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
At Welch, we are proud of our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Program (EDI), which is guided by an advisory board of staff and partners.
We are dedicated to taking concrete steps to better everyone’s work life and career aspirations at Welch.
When we make equity, diversity and inclusion a priority in our workplace, we support our vision by fostering:
- An inclusive environment where our people feel valued (CARE)
- A positive difference for our people, clients, and communities (IMPACT)
- Collaboration that develops passionate people from different backgrounds to deliver creative solutions (EMPOWER)
The goals of this program are to ensure we have an inclusive space throughout the firm at all levels, and that our commitment to inclusiveness is reflected in our partnership group. Welch has embraced this journey, knowing it will take time and dedication to achieve.
Welch’s equity, diversity and inclusion promise
The importance of equity, diversity and inclusion in our hiring and day-to-day business practice is a priority. What does EDI mean to us at Welch?
What is equity? Equity is distinct from equality. While equality means giving everyone the same resources and treatment – no matter their gender, race, sexual orientation, or other characteristic – equity goes a step further. Equity is about giving individuals the same access to opportunities, regardless of the resources required in each instance. Equity levels the playing field by giving more to those who need it.
What is diversity? This is the practice or quality of recognizing people’s differences, and respecting and including those who do not share the same characteristics, values, ideas and opinions as us.
What is inclusion? Inclusion is about fostering an environment where all individuals feel welcomed and appreciated, and where their contributions and perspectives are valued.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Community Alliance EDICA
At Welch, we believe the presence of equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace is essential to our firm’s long-term success. To fully commit to our EDI Promise, and encourage others to follow suit, we have teamed up with like-minded professional service firms and organizations in Ottawa. This new community, called the EDI Community Alliance, was founded on October 28, 2021 to foster a space for support and improvement in our EDI practices.
Women of Welch
The Women of Welch (WoW) initiative began in June 2021. It stemmed from a brilliant idea brought up by our very own Kayla Cavanagh, along with the other founding members of the WOW Committee: Jessica Zhang-Chapman, Nicole Rogers and Caroline Proulx.
WOW’s mission:
- To establish and maintain a social platform where Welch women can connect and support each other in all aspects of life – not just work
- To make Welch a more rewarding workplace for our female colleagues so they can reach their maximum potential
Our values: Respect. Inclusion. Support.
WoW has gained tremendous attention amongst female colleagues within the firm. It has also received
continuing support from Welch leadership, who encourage their teams to attend meetings, share great resources with the WoW committee and participate as guest speakers. WoW continues to grow, and is now an integral part of Welch LLP.
Related resources
The HIO Ambassador Awards Crystal
June 29, 2023 – Welch LLP has been awarded the Ambassador Awards Crystal at the virtual 2023 Employer Awards and Learning Forum on June 29, 2023, hosted by Hire Immigrants Ottawa.
EDICA at the Carleton University Inclusion Workplace Forum
November 08, 2022 – Our Welch EDICA team members at the inaugural Carleton University Inclusive Workplace Forum, this past October 2022.
National Indigenous History Month
June 21, 2022 – Every June we celebrate National Indigenous History Month to recognize the history, heritage, diversity, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada.
Celebrating Diverse Women in Leadership
March 03, 2022 – International women’s day is a great opportunity for us as a firm, to both celebrate our women in leadership as well as acknowledge the barriers still prevalent to women in the workplace.
The Importance of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in the Workplace
October 25, 2021 – The importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in organizations’ hiring practices is rapidly becoming a priority for many organizations, and rightfully so. In this blog, we will provide a few reasons as to why EDI should be at the forefront of an organization’s strategic planning.
Mina’s Story of Immigration to Canada
July 26, 2021 – What is it like to arrive in a brand new country and start a new life? What can make the transition less bumpy? Staff member Mina Al-rubaye recounts her immigration story with CBC in a recent article to give advice to the incoming wave of newcomers to Canada:
Every Child Matters
June 01, 2021 – A Message from Welch LLP Managing Partner, Jim McConnery:
Welch LLP Indigenous People’s Day Celebration
July 18, 2018 – On June 22nd, Welch LLP partnered with Gowling & Orbis to hold a private screening of “Indian Horse” at the […]
Welch Hosts Women’s Networking Breakfast for Staff
July 17, 2018 – On Thursday, July 12, the Welch Women in Leadership Committee hosted a networking breakfast for all women working at Welch. […]
Leah Grandinetti Partners With Hire Immigrants Ottawa
June 20, 2018 – Leah Grandinetti, Welch’s HR Generalist, has recently taken the initiative to become involved with Hire Immigrants Ottawa (HIO). Leah will […]
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