TORONTO, January 15, 2018 – BDO Canada LLP has appointed Patricia Gonsalves as its first Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer (CIDO), effective immediately.
To bolster BDO Canada as a champion of inclusion and diversity (I&D), Patricia will lead the firm’s I&D activities. This includes establishing a national I&D Advisory Council and raising awareness within the firm. She will also represent BDO’s I&D leadership in the market and build relationships with established organizations that promote inclusion and diversity.
“This role will help our firm cultivate a work environment that encourages and supports inclusion and diversity. Inclusion and diversity are about giving value to every one of us, no matter what our differences are,” says Patricia Gonsalves, BDO’s CIDO. “I look forward to planning and implementing initiatives that work towards enhancing our firm's success by coming together and sharing our unique perspectives.”
Patricia has more than 20 years of professional experience in public accounting and will continue her client work as an Assurance & Accounting partner in the Greater Toronto Area, as well as act as the firm’s CIDO. She volunteers with Zonta, a women’s advocacy group, and mentors new Canadians through the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership.
“BDO is committed to creating an environment where every person has opportunities to participate and succeed. The firm’s talent experience is designed to position our people for firm, professional and personal success,” says Sean McConkey, BDO’s National Human Resources Leader. “With proven passion and great skill, we are confident Patricia will support the success of our people by encouraging diverse voices and empowering us all to champion inclusion and diversity at BDO.”
The firm is proud to provide a fully inclusive working environment that values and respects every person. We recognize, respect and celebrate the valuable differences among each of us, including age, gender, ethnicity, physical and mental abilities, sexual orientation, race, nationality, marital and/or parental status, lifestyle, religion and education.
We believe that diversity and inclusiveness is a long-term commitment. Our goal is to eliminate all barriers, creating an environment that maximizes the contributions of everyone at BDO. In recognition of the value that people from different backgrounds and experiences bring, the firm constantly evaluates its policies and procedures to ensure diversity initiatives are incorporated fully – and seamlessly – into all aspects of our organization.