Our commitment

Diversity, Inclusion, and Advancement (“DIA”) is very important to our culture and makes our people, companies, and communities stronger. At Dream, we take a holistic approach to promote DIA and ensure it is at the forefront of everything we do.

Lunar New Year, 2024 - Dream head office - Toronto, ON

Our DIA team

Diversity, Inclusion and Advancement is managed by the DIA Committee. The committee includes employees from multiple levels, including Executives, Directors, and Managers. The DIA Committee’s mandate is to listen, learn and develop best practices to enhance diversity and inclusion at Dream, as well as build accountability for advancing DIA across the business.

The DIA Committee was established in 2020 with a mandate to elevate and build expertise across the business and instill a culture of inclusivity and belonging.

Diversity, inclusion, and advancement are an integral part of who we are and how we do business. We believe in making our work environment and the communities we build places where all individuals can be their authentic selves. This is best reflected through our engagement in 4 areas: Education, Advancement, Recruitment and Community.

Education

We believe that education is a key factor for us to understand our differences and commonalities. It sparks conversations for people to be accepting of one another by taking time to share their experiences, stories, opportunities, and opinions. We offer workshops and training for our employees to openly share and learn from each other and experts in the Diversity, Inclusion and Advancement space.

Advancement

With direct access to our leadership team, employees are empowered with the ideal platform to advance their knowledge and skills while learning from the best. We also offer our full-time employees financial support to grow and develop their skills through professional memberships, designations, and continuing education.

Recruitment

We believe that innovation thrives in a diverse and equitable environment. We recruit candidates of all backgrounds, identities, experiences and skill sets, providing every employee with the resources they need to be successful leaders. Through referral programs, our career and networking events, and secondary education partnerships, we look to cast wider nets to uncover diverse talent whilst maintaining accessibility to everyone.

Community

We are focused on creating communities that generate positive social outcomes for under-supported groups, taking action to provide equal access to homes and opportunities for people who have traditionally faced barriers to access. From supporting career development programs to partnering with minority owned businesses and not-for-profits, we continuously seek innovative, new ways to make our communities more integrated, inclusive, and collaborative.

Events

Dream’s Pride Celebration 2024

Employee Engagement

Women’s Day 2025

Giving Back

Food Bank 2024

Employee Engagement

Lunar New Year 2025

Giving Back

Furniture Bank 2024

Employee Engagement

Diwali 2024

Events

Dream’s Pride Celebration 2024

With the backdrop of inclusivity, we hosted a lively gathering featuring drag performances, music, games, a live bbq, and a special acknowledgment of Indigenous Awareness Month. Our aim was not just an event, but a shared experience, fostering connections among our tenants to create a stronger, more tightly knit community. Together, we celebrated diversity and embraced the spirit of togetherness that defines our vibrant Dream community.

“Being a part of the journey for the Pride event at Dream was an enriching experience. It provided a unique opportunity for community building, allowing us to forge connections with every tenant in the building. Beyond the festivities, the event served as a platform to encourage the genuine essence of pride. Emphasizing inclusive actions and leading with kindness ensured that the celebration extended beyond the event, fostering a lasting impact on our community.”

Nikola Syhatheb
Corporate Concierge & member of DIA Inclusion team

Employee Engagement

Women’s Day 2025

In 2025, Dream transformed its annual Women’s Day event from a traditional panel discussion into a dynamic networking social, aiming to foster inclusivity and interaction. The event saw a remarkable turnout of female leaders from Dream, alongside employees from various levels. Attendees were encouraged to engage with these leaders, ask questions, and network in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The theme for 2024 is #AccelerateAction, which urges swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality and address the systemic barriers women face.

“The 2025 event provided an opportunity for me to engage with female leaders in a more relaxed setting. I was able to ask questions that genuinely interested me, rather than relying on those posed by panel moderators. Everyone seemed very comfortable and I was happy to see both men and women in attendance.”

Meera Patel
Graphic Designer

Giving Back

Food Bank 2024

Volunteering with the Food Bank gave us a chance to directly support individuals affected by food insecurity. At the DIA, we aim to shine a light on the struggles of underserved communities, cultivate a spirit of giving, and develop initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen neighbourhoods. Whether it’s offering our time to the Food Bank or coordinating food drives, addressing the needs of those facing adversity is integral to our mission.

“For me, learning about the number of people in our communities dealing with food insecurity was staggering. This reality became clear to me that it is not just charity, but our shared responsibility to extend compassion and support to those struggling.”

Joyce Lau
Manager, Development

Employee Engagement

Lunar New Year 2025

Celebrating Lunar New Year provides a unique opportunity to honour cultural traditions while supporting our community. At the DIA, we are committed to recognizing the richness of diverse backgrounds, raising awareness about the needs of underrepresented groups, and nurturing a spirit of inclusion and generosity. Whether through participating in Lunar New Year celebrations or organizing community initiatives, our mission is to foster unity, celebrate cultural heritage, and create positive impact for those who need it most.

“Serving on the Lunar New Year committee provided a valuable opportunity to both share my own cultural heritage and learn from others. It was a rewarding experience that fostered inclusivity and recognition, allowing us to come together and celebrate the diverse traditions that enrich our community.”

Sunghee Kim
Manager, Graphic Design

Giving Back

Furniture Bank 2024

Founded in 1998, Furniture Bank helps individuals and families turn their house into a home through donations and support from the community. They support families and individuals experiencing furniture poverty through homelessness, individuals and/or families escaping abusive situations or those dealing with a crisis, as well as refugees and newcomers to Canada.

“A truly eye-opening experience in understanding the prevelance of furniture poverty. Furniture Bank’s mission needs to be shared with anyone who is willing and able to help as such noble organizations ensure that vulnerable individuals are not left behind in this great city.”

Anand Kukreja
Analyst

Employee Engagement

Diwali 2024

Diwali, or the “festival of lights,” brings together over a billion people across the globe, embodying the triumph of light over darkness and wisdom over ignorance. The Dream Inclusion Network’s goals include fostering a space for everyone to learn and celebrate the diversity of our communities. By joining in Diwali festivities, we create an opportunity to strengthen our team connections, uplift morale, and enhance awareness of the cultural traditions that inspire and unite us. Together, we strive to attract prosperity, health, and love for our peers, and promote a spirit of understanding, generosity, and shared joy.

“To have the opportunity to share a part of my community with my colleagues is a unique experience. It’s heartening to see the enthusiasm and joy from everyone who participated, and I was able to develop new and valuable relationships with my peers. Our business is centered around building community, and there’s no better way to do that than through good food and conversation!”

Meera Patel
Graphic Designer

Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Professional designation

Leading on Diversity Owner/Client Award

Award for Women Lead here from Report on Business

Women Lead Here