On February 22, 2023, hundreds of team members from the VPFO gathered to recognize our 6th annual Pink Shirt Day, and to support equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Together, we celebrated this year’s theme — “Acts of Kindness” — and reflected on the impact we can all have as individuals when we prioritize empathy and kindness in our day-to-day interactions.
The VPFO’s Executive Director of Safety & Risk Services Rae Ann Aldridge as well as UBC’s Associate Vice-President of Equity and Inclusion Dr. Arig al Shaibah shared moving comments about the importance of gathering and supporting inclusion and empathy. The portfolio’s inbound Vice-President of Finance & Operations Frank Laezza also joined in to share a message via video from his home in Australia before embarking on his move to Canada and UBC next month.
Special thanks to the VPFO EDI Committee for putting together this meaningful event and for the thoughtful emceeing! Visit the VPFO Flickr album for photos from the event.
Pink Shirt Day is an annual event that raises awareness about the negative impacts caused by bullying, and the importance of fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment at work, school, and home. Through the simple act of wearing a pink shirt, people around the world unite, show their solidarity, and celebrate diversity, inclusion and tolerance.
Miss the event or want to review the resources?
- View photos from the event on the VPFO Communications & Engagement Flickr page.
- Read the remarks from Dr. Arig al Shaibah on the Equity & Inclusion Office website.
- Watch the video series “Three Simple Ways to Share Kindness at Work” from the Channel Kindness Project (by the American Psychological Association).
- Watch the message from VP Finance & Operations Frank Laezza (below):