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A work of heart: Isabelle Ouellette’s decade of dedication and inclusive hospitality

October 18, 2024 | Diversity, equity and inclusion

Creating a welcoming hospitality experience goes beyond great food and excellent service – it’s about the people who make it happen. For over a decade, Isabelle Ouellette has been an integral part of our Toronto-based Dining Services team, turning everyday interactions into unforgettable experiences with her warmth and dedication.

From the moment you step into the dining room at First Canadian Place, Isabelle is there, greeting clients with her signature smile and ensuring that every detail is just right. She elevates the experience of everyone she meets, reminding us that the heart of hospitality is in the connections we create and the moments we share. Last year, Isabelle proudly celebrated her tenth anniversary with BMO – a milestone that reflects her commitment, loyalty and the profound impact she has had on our workplace culture. Her career success corrects misconceptions about individuals living with Down Syndrome and showcases her unique strengths:

By focusing on abilities, we strive to create a more connected team that thrives on inclusivity and shared success. For our efforts, we’ve been honoured with a top score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index® for nine consecutive years and been named among the Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion.

While we celebrate the progress made, we also recognize that significant work remains to remove barriers to disability inclusion. Fostering an inclusive workplace requires ongoing efforts to identify and dismantle obstacles that hinder participation.

Our commitment to inclusivity is guided by BMO’s Accessibility Plan, shaped with insights from our BMO Without Barriers Employee Resource Group. This plan outlines concrete steps to create a more inclusive environment by 2040, including job learning and skill development resources, the launch of an Accessibility Hub for employees and a feedback form for our customers. During Disability Employment Awareness Month – and every month – we remain dedicated to creating an environment that champions inclusivity, values unique perspectives and opens doors for everyone to achieve their full potential.

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