Building welcoming spaces + successful workplaces through a DE&I lens

Through CMLC’s IDEAS commitment, we strive to apply a Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) lens to everything we do, ensuring every perspective is valued and respected in our workplace and in our stewardship of the communities we’re building.

Our commitment to DE&I guides our company culture and extends into our work, shaping how we design, build and activate welcoming spaces where everyone can belong.

We spoke with Kathryn de Guzman, Human Resources Manager at CMLC and Chair of the DE&I Working Group, to share her passion for creating inclusive spaces and learn how taking a DE&I lens shapes our organization and work across the city.

Five Questions with Kathryn de Guzman:

What led you to join CMLC’s DE&I Working Group?

“DE&I is something I’ve always been passionate about, both personally and professionally. As a woman and a visible minority, it’s something I experience firsthand, so being part of the work feels very meaningful to me. Joining the committee felt like a natural fit with my values, the organization’s priorities, and my role in Human Resources.”

How does the DE&I Working Group contribute or influence CMLC's workplace culture and employee experience?

“I believe the work of the DE&I Working Group has a meaningful impact on CMLC’s culture and employee experience. As an organization, CMLC is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment both internally and externally. The working group plays an important role in advancing that commitment by embedding DE&I considerations across all areas of the business—from recruitment and procurement to how we engage with diverse, equity-deserving communities. By ensuring these initiatives are intentional and integrated into strategic planning, it helps create an environment where inclusion feels authentic and where employees are encouraged to learn from and connect with one another.”

Why is it important for organizations to consider DE&I in the work they do?

“I think it’s important because diversity of people and perspectives is what makes organizations stronger and more successful. Just as importantly, it speaks to the human side of work—people want to feel like they belong and that they’re valued. Creating that sense of belonging should be a priority for any organization.”

How has the DE&I Working Group influenced the city building and placemaking work that CMLC does in Calgary?

“Members of the DE&I Working Group represent all functions of CMLC’s business, which allows us to bring an intentional focus to inclusion, representation and accessibility across our city-building work. We work to weave equity into CMLC’s procurement and hiring processes, to promote diversity and inclusivity across programming and sponsorships, and to support staff education and development through lunch & learns and volunteer opportunities. Together, this work helps to ensure the projects we lead and the spaces we create and activate feel welcoming and reflective of Calgary’s diversity."

What are you most proud of accomplishing during your time on the DE&I Working Group?

“I’m really proud of the opportunities we’ve created for staff to both learn and connect with one another. Whether it’s participating in an Indigenous Walking Tour, walking in the Calgary Pride Parade, or hearing a colleague share their experience observing Ramadan, those moments create space for meaningful learning.

What I take the most pride in is seeing those genuine connections happen—where people are learning from each other, building a deeper understanding of the diverse communities around them, and strengthening their relationships as a team

Building inclusive spaces and workplaces is part of CMLC’s commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Sustainability (IDEAS), principles that underpin everything we do. One of our three IDEAS working groups, the DE&I Working Group seeks to deepen our understanding of the vast diversity of human experiences, abilities and viewpoints so we can remain open and give equal voice to all people, groups and viewpoints while upholding our dedication to the betterment of our city. I hope that in five years, together, we’ve effected such meaningful, positive change in our communities that city-builders in Calgary and beyond are able to learn from what we’ve done – the good and the bad – and apply it to their own work, that we have continued to set the precedent for bold, ambitious city-building, that we have redefined how this kind of work can be done.”