Advocating for Diversity and Inclusion in Fintech: Ablaze Collective's Journey Embracing "Dream. Wake. Innovate."
3 MIN READ
APRIL 6, 2024
In the fast-paced world of financial technology, Ablaze Collective not only strides towards innovation but also deeply embeds the principles of diversity and inclusion (D&I) into our ethos. Our journey, driven by the aspiration to be pioneers in the fintech industry, is encapsulated in our slogan "Dream. Wake. Innovate." This motto is not just a call to action but a philosophy that underpins our D&I initiatives, undertaken in partnership with prestigious Canadian institutions: the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), George Brown College, and the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University.
"Dream": Envisioning an Inclusive Future with CCDI
Our adventure began with a dream to create an inclusive fintech ecosystem. The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) played a pivotal role in transforming this vision into actionable strategies. Through the CCDI's Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP™) program, the Ablaze Collective team gained invaluable insights and tools to cultivate an inclusive workplace. This step marked the beginning of our journey towards making the fintech sector more accessible and representative of the diverse society we serve.
"Wake": Mobilizing Knowledge and Skills through George Brown College
Awakening to the complexities of implementing D&I in a dynamic industry, we engaged with George Brown College's "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Program." This educational endeavor equipped us with a comprehensive framework to weave D&I into our business strategy effectively. It reinforced our commitment to ensuring our fintech solutions and workplace are reflective of the diverse world around us, aligning perfectly with our "Dream. Wake. Innovate." philosophy.
"Innovate": Driving Change with the Diversity Institute
Innovation in D&I came from our engagement with the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University. Although the institute doesn’t offer a specific certification, its research and programs have been instrumental in inspiring our approaches to breaking down barriers to inclusion. The institute's focus on leveraging diversity as a key driver for economic growth and innovation mirrors our belief in the transformative power of diverse perspectives in fostering fintech advancements.
Living Our Slogan Through D&I Initiatives
The slogan "Dream. Wake. Innovate." is at the heart of our D&I initiatives. It represents our journey—from dreaming of a more inclusive fintech sector, waking up to the realities and challenges of implementing such a vision, and innovating through strategic partnerships and learning. This philosophy encourages us not only to imagine a more inclusive future but to actively create it through thoughtful, actionable steps.
As Ablaze Collective continues to grow and evolve within the fintech industry, our commitment to diversity and inclusion remains steadfast. By embedding D&I principles into our operations, products, and services, we aim to contribute to a financial ecosystem that is truly inclusive. We believe that our journey, inspired by our slogan "Dream. Wake. Innovate.", will not only make Ablaze Collective a leader in fintech innovation but also a beacon for diversity and inclusion in the industry.
We invite other fintech companies, partners, and stakeholders to join us in this important endeavor. Together, we can dream of a more inclusive world, wake up to our collective responsibility to create it, and innovate our way towards a more equitable and diverse fintech future.