Advocating for Diversity and Inclusion in Fintech

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 D&I 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 endeavour 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.