Mississauga, Ontario — Yesterday Cox Automotive Canada’s Black Employee Network (BEN) hosted more than 500 team members from Canada, Brazil, England, Europe, and the U.S. for its inaugural event.
Guided by BEN’s three pillars, the event celebrated the employee resource group’s (ERG) achievements thus far, educated team members on anti-black and systemic racism, and inspired everyone to take action towards a more inclusive workplace and society.
“Today I had the honour of opening an event that I hope will inspire more than 500 additional colleagues to stand with us in our effort to continue to combat anti-black and systemic racism within our workplace, industry and communities,” said Maria Soklis, president, Cox Automotive Canada & Brazil.
Hosted by BEN co-chairs Pako Tashiamala and Emiliano Void and featuring insights from local and global leaders from the Cox Automotive family, the inaugural event was part of the organization’s efforts to officially kick off the launch of Cox Automotive Canada’s newest employee resource group, open to all and beginning during Black History Month.
“We hope that the spirit of the conversations and actions we are taking will also inspire others within our industry and communities to help drive this much-needed change, in their corner of the world” added Soklis.
Inspired by the organization’s Women With Drive (WWD) employee resource group that developed early last year, the BEN is a Cox Automotive Canada’s resource group for any team member interested in better understanding and combating anti-black and systematic racism.
Through BEN’s three pillars of Education, Celebration and Inspiration, the group will provide a safe and positive environment to discuss ideas and thoughts around inclusion and equality, and to play an active role in creating a better and more inclusive workplace and society for future generations.
With a structure and goals now in place, more than 50 team memes are already contributing to BEN’s efforts with several initiatives launching in the coming months.
While Cox Automotive Canada is proud of these efforts, the organization and its leaders realize and there is still much to be done where it relates to overall inclusivity and encourages all Canadians to drive positive change in their own way, however big or small.
