Creating an Employee Experience of DEI Utilizing Technology
Author : Amy Sikina-Johns
I recently saw the request from CPHR Alberta for blog contributors and jumped at the chance to share a recent endeavour my company took part in over the holiday season.
Prior to a merger with an industry competitor, I was the HR Manager for a Building Systems LP, and I am very proud to share this story about what our team created to include our diverse workforce. Recently, our workforce has expanded, and we have made an intentional effort to honour our diversity, trying to come up with ideas to be more inclusive.
As part of our holiday party planning committee task list, our IT leader found a form builder software to create a more digital experience with our holiday party invitations. We decided to translate our holiday party invite into the most common languages of our workforce. Together with our Human Resources Generalist, I am pleased to share our story and this process:
- We chose holiday graphics and composed the standard holiday party invitation details to build from. The copy was put into a translation application, where we intentionally identified our top six (6) languages representing our workforce. This software provided us with invitation details in each of our people’s six core languages. Simply brilliant!
- We then recruited volunteers from various work areas through a company-wide communication requesting volunteers to help with this endeavour. Our volunteers were required to speak one of the six languages to help with reviewing and editing the translated copy to ensure the message was respectful, made sense, and flowed appropriately. We received great feedback from these volunteers and made the necessary changes to each language’s invitation.
- We communicated the process out in English with the ability to cascade the message out to our workforce in various languages through translation. With the explanation of a drop-down menu on the holiday party invitation, our employees could click on one of the 5 other languages within our company to read and understand the invite in their beautiful language.
In addition, we included a link and a QR code in the same communication strategy along with posters throughout the operations area to raise awareness. We wanted to ensure that our employees could also access the link/QR code anywhere at any time to register for the party on their phone, making sign-up easy. - Each volunteer received a personally written thank you note from me with a gift card of choice to show recognition and gratitude for their time in assisting with this endeavour, as their input was a key piece of this initiative.
We are very proud of this initiative; we received a huge response to attend the party and our employees loved the inclusion we created for our corporate event. Utilizing this software to offer communications in different languages could assist in any language barriers and harbour an environment of inclusion.
Thank you CPHR Alberta for this opportunity to share our story.
Amy Sikina-Johns, CPHR, has been an active member of the HR community for over 28 years. She is a committed volunteer to the CPHR mentorship program.
As an HR leader, Amy loves to build teams both in the HR area and cross-functionally. Her energy, commitment and enthusiasm drive innovative HR solutions, and programs to support the business, culture, values, leaders, and employees.
Amy currently lives in Calgary and enjoys leading an active lifestyle. She loves to network across the world. She also cherishes her time with her close friends.
Find Amy on LinkedIn here.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.
Author: Taia Northrup, 2026 Social Media Committee Member International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women, recognize the barriers that still exist, and renew our commitment to advancing equity in the workplace and beyond. Across industries, women continue to shape organizations, strengthen communities, and lead innovation. In the HR profession especially, women play a vital role in designing inclusive workplaces, fostering culture, and driving meaningful change. Today, we celebrate those contributions — and acknowledge the responsibility we share in continuing to build equitable environments where everyone can thrive. Creating Workplaces Where Women Thrive Celebrating women’s achievements also means creating environments where future leaders can grow. Equity is not about identical treatment; it is about ensuring access to opportunity. It is about removing systemic barriers and fostering workplaces where individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Organizations can take meaningful steps by: Actively monitoring representation across levels of leadership Conducting regular pay equity reviews Encouraging inclusive leadership training Amplifying diverse voices in decision-making spaces Recognizing and valuing different leadership styles Moving Forward Together At CPHR AB, we recognize the important role HR professionals play in advancing equity across Alberta’s workplaces. By embedding fairness into our policies, embracing inclusive leadership, and thoughtfully integrating technology with people-first values, we can continue to shape a future of work that is both innovative and inclusive. Progress happens when intention meets action. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the resilience, leadership, and achievements of women across our profession and our communities. We also reaffirm our commitment to building workplaces where every individual — regardless of gender — has the opportunity to contribute, lead, and succeed.
We’re excited to congratulate the CPHR Alberta 2025’s scholarship recipients! Each year, these awards help us recognize emerging HR talent and support students who are taking meaningful steps toward their future in the profession. CPHR Alberta scholarships play an important role in easing financial barriers, celebrating academic achievement, and connecting students with the professional community that will support them as they work toward earning the CPHR designation. Below, meet this year’s outstanding recipients. CPHR Alberta’s Eldon Emerson Scholarship: Undergraduate Award Created in 2021, the Eldon Emerson Scholarship honours Eldon’s exceptional leadership, contribution, and passion for the HR profession. Eldon received the Fellowship Award in 2013—one of the highest honours in our community, recognizing exemplary service and impact. 2025 Eldon Emerson Award Winner Chine Rajafa CPHR Alberta’s Diploma Scholarship: Undergraduate Award Launched in 2023, the Diploma Scholarship supports student members enrolled in a 2‑year HR diploma program. Recipients show strong academic performance, community involvement, and a clear commitment to the HR profession and the CPHR designation pathway. 2025 Diploma Scholarship Award Winner Mehar Kaur Follow Their Journey We encourage you to connect with Chinenye and Mehar on LinkedIn and support them as they begin their HR careers. A simple follow, message, or connection can go a long way for emerging professionals. Watch for 2026 Scholarship Dates The next intake period for CPHR Alberta’s Scholarship Program opens Fall 2026. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for updates. Become a Student Member Whether you're studying in an accredited HR program or building your skills through part‑time, continuing education, or bridging programs, CPHR Alberta has a student membership option designed to support your path into the profession. Joining as a student member gives you access to resources, events, and a community that can help you take your next step with confidence. Learn more and join
Plan your 2026 professional development in advance and discover what CPHR Alberta has planned for you! Below is a brief overview of the programming coming your way in the months ahead. For full details, visit our new PD Calendar , and check your Member Portal regularly for updates. Signature Events Member Recognition Gala – April 30, 2026 | The Westin Airport Hotel, Calgary We invite you to an evening of celebration, connection, and inspiration. The Member Recognition Gala is a formal event honouring the individuals, teams, and projects shaping the future of HR across Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Inspired by the Aurora Borealis, this redesigned experience replaces traditional awards with Spotlights—a meaningful way to recognize excellence in action. Tickets will go on sale soon. CPHR Alberta 2026 Conference: Future-Ready HR – June 2–3, 2026 | BMO Centre, Calgary Our 2026 Conference prepares human resources (HR) professionals to master the fundamentals, embrace innovation, and build executive-level influence—creating agile organizations ready for economic and workforce change. A future-ready HR community. Registration will be opening soon. Chapter Community Events | Throughout 2026 We’ll be visiting all chapters across the year with popular community events in your region. Stay tuned for event announcements and details. Stampede Breakfast | July | Calgary, AB A member favourite breakfast event is returning! Join us to mingle, connect, and enjoy the energy of Stampede. More information will be shared soon. Certificates Workplace Investigations Training | February 17–19 and March 17–19 Presented in partnership with Veritas Solutions. The Workplace Investigations Certificate is a three‑day program focusing on three core training topics. Participants may register for the full program or select stand‑alone courses. A certificate is awarded upon completion, and no prerequisites are required. Webinars Networking at Noon Join us for one hour each month to explore current and emerging HR topics. With a new focus every session, you'll leave with thought‑provoking questions and earn 1 CPD hour. On February 12, join us for HR Trends & Priorities for 2026. International Women’s Day National Event Join us on March 4 from 10:00–11:30 a.m. for a special fireside chat with Layne the Auctionista and Sheena Russell, founder of Made with Local . This national celebration of International Women’s Day explores the theme “Give to Gain,” highlighting how generosity and purpose‑driven leadership can shape meaningful careers. You’ll hear real stories, bold insights, and practical inspiration you can take back to your HR practice. Details ®gistration: https://cphrns.ca/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2018615&group= Virtual Sessions for Students Students can expect two sessions each month: one dedicated to building skills one offering practical advice from HR professionals in the field These sessions are complimentary for Student Members. Are you interested in becoming a member? Students receive complimentary membership. Learn more: www.cphrab.ca/student-programs Other Events DisruptHR YYC 13.0 will take place in October. More details will be shared in late summer. Plan Your Year With Us Explore the full list of programs and events on our 2026 PD Calendar.
