FORT ST. JOHN, BC -- Northern Lights College has been named as a hub for a national diversity and equity initiative called the 50-30 Challenge.
The challenge asks organizations to aspire to two goals: that 50 per cent of their boards or senior management are women or non-binary individuals; and that 30 per cent of their boards or senior management be equity-deserving groups, including visible minorities, people with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, and Indigenous people.
NLC is now one of five challenge hubs across the country, and is the only one in western Canada. The college has approved funding to hire a 50-30 Challenge program manager and four support staff at the Fort St. John Campus, who will be able to provide information and workshops to help businesses around Northern BC reach their equity goals.
The Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) 50-30 Challenge is an initiative between the Government of Canada, Canadian businesses, and diversity groups to encourage inclusivity and diversity within Canadian organizations. CICan organizes the challenge for various colleges and institutions throughout the country.
“Northern Lights College has a strong history of community leadership in the northeast,” says Karen Mason-Bennett, Fort St. John Campus Administrator. “The 50-30 Challenge is a perfect opportunity to support organizations as we all collectively work towards more inclusive, safe, and diverse workplaces that reflect the changing landscape of our communities and our country. We are thrilled to be a playing a leadership role in this important work.”
