Q & A Edmonton

Conversation with Doug Piquette and April Zhang

Edmonton was the first community in Canada to adopt the Connector Program when it was made available to Canadian cities, and it has been one of the busiest programs every year since. ERIEC, who houses the program, saw the benefits of the program for their organization and their clients from the very beginning. Not only is the program complementary to their services, it engages those in the community who are interested in giving back, and in concepts like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, but do not have time for intensive programs like Mentorship. We sat down to discuss the program with ERIEC Executive Director, Doug Piquette, and Connector Program Coordinator, April Zhang.

Interview by Alida Campbell.

Alida manages the National Connector Program and continues to be inspired by the stories of connection and growth that participants share across the country.

Alida:

How does the Connector Program bring value to your organization?

April:

The program is very important for newcomers to build their networks, learn, be inspired, and achieve success, and we are able to support them. The Connector Program is a very efficient way for a newcomer to grow and learn. For the organization, the larger Connector program community is very important for our organization because the community shares insights and learns from one another, and I, as the coordinator, am learning from everyone else. I can develop as an employee and better contribute to my organization. I am also always learning from Connectors, and I gain industry knowledge that I can pass onto Connectees – making the program stronger.

Doug:

The Connector Program helps to fulfill our mission. It’s a way for us to engage with those that are interested in DEI, and it gives them a way to get used to the idea of engaging with newcomer talent.

Alida:

That’s great. It’s so important that the organization is gaining in multiple ways from the program. Often, people assume a program is just benefitting clients, but there is so much more behind the scenes that makes a difference for an organization. What about Edmonton as a whole? How is this program impacting your larger community?

April:

If newcomers are successful, the entire community benefits. They use their skills and knowledge to make the community better. ERIEC wants to see the whole community thrive, and newcomers coming through the Connector Program help to attain this goal.

Doug:

The concept of the program is to provide connections. Connectors help to anchor Connectees in the community faster, and their relationship continues, even after the program ends. The program also allows people in the community to practice the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Alida:

It really is amazing what an impact a simple program can have in a community. April, what does the program mean to you, and your career?

April:

I’m doing a job that is very meaningful. I’ve supported so many people, and I’m always learning from everyone – especially connectors, whom I gain industry knowledge from that I can pass on to Connectees. This is a valuable experiential learning process. I have an opportunity to know and connect with so many amazing people who are so dedicated and passionate at what they do. It’s an enjoyable feeling, being able to know, connect and learn from Connectors. I really enjoy the Connector Program community – there is so much to learn from one another, and to get support from everyone is wonderful.

Alida:

Thank you so much for sharing, it is very encouraging that you feel so much support from your colleagues, and you gain so much from your position! Now, one more question for you Doug -what would you say to communities who are considering beginning a Connector Program?

Doug:

Do it. Make sure you do an assessment of what your community needs and the population you want to work with, and if you find it’s of use, and is useful, then do it. It’s effective and efficient , and you are also part of a broader community. There are supports and exchanges of information. You aren’t doing this in isolation. The sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll see how to design the Connector Program to fit your community. Go and do it, and then discover how to tailor it to fit your community. It’s not complicated, but the strategic convening of people is the zen and beauty of it.

Alida:

Thank you both so much for taking the time to chat with me. It’s so uplifting to hear your success story with the program- that it is making such a positive impact on your community, your organization, and you as individuals too! Edmonton is such a great example of what the program can and does do, and we thank you for continually being leaders in the program across the country.