As Chief People & Culture Officer at First West Credit Union, Liz Bailey-Connor champions employee-driven cultural transformation. Under her leadership, First West employees have created seven thriving DEI affinity groups, spearheaded a review of the credit union’s employment systems to identify and initiate removal of employment barriers for equity-seeking groups, provided ongoing organization-wide DEI training (including the board of directors), and established processes for removing hiring barriers, like ensuring inclusive language in all job postings. Liz has also rallied the credit union’s commitment to accessibility, resulting in the creation of inclusive, accessible spaces and workplaces for members and employees, and First West’s ongoing participation in the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ program.
In 2022, Liz was a driving force behind First West’s signing of the Charter for Innovation in Indigenous Employment and Workplace Inclusion Strategies in the Canadian Banking and Financial Sector. As a signatory, First West engages with other organizations to help build a new generation of talent attraction and workplace strategies for current and future Indigenous employees. This collaboration produces insight and research that empowers First West to better connect with Indigenous talent and improve Indigenous persons’ entry into financial services industry careers.
Favorite Quote: Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference. – Jane Goodall