The nearly 200 Penticton Valley First employees have now become part of the Minerva pledge following its recent signing by First West Credit Union CEO Launi Skinner.
Valley First is one of four local brands of First West, Envision Financial, Island Savings and Enderby and District Financial are the others.
The Minerva pledge is a public commitment that organizations undertake to show their support of gender parity.
“This is a great way for us to put a stake in the ground to show our commitment to gender equality and to help everyone in our organization understand their role in making this happen,” said Skinner in a news release. “Throughout 2018 and beyond, First West is rolling out a strategy aimed at fostering a healthy and inclusive workplace culture that reflects the diversity of our local communities as well as creating an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive.”
Related:Valley First donation to Penticton Salvation Army
In total, First West has more than 1,700 employees which are 76 per cent female. Within the Valley First region, there are a total of 476 employees 80 per cent are women.
Currently half of the First West leadership are female.
Minerva BC is a registered, non-profit charitable organization that supports women and girls throughout the province to gain the confidence and skills they need to reach their leadership potential.
From leadership programs to education awards and culturally-relevant programming developed in partnership with Indigenous women, Minerva BC elevates the visibility, influence and contribution of women to change the face of leadership in B.C.
“First West has been moving towards diversity without the pledge, but the signing signals that this is something that they are committed to and we’re thrilled to have them take this important step,” says Minerva BC CEO, Tina Strehlke who was at the First West signing. “We have made great strides in gender equality, but we’re not there yet. As a society, we’re missing out on talent, wisdom and opportunity if we don’t have diverse perspectives at the table.”
Twenty-six organizations have signed the Minerva pledge since it launched in 2015.
Skinner added: “We recognize that there is work to be done in regards to inclusion and diversity at First West. By joining forces with Minerva and 25 like-minded organizations, we are ensuring that we’ll have the support and accountability necessary to create an inclusive and more diverse workplace.”
