Category: News

How do we create more inclusive workplaces?

That was the question at the heart of Shifting Gears, where participants came together to have an honest conversation about what helps (and what gets in the way) of creating meaningful change.

The conversation surfaced important questions about fear, uncertainty, competing priorities, workplace culture, recruitment and retention. But perhaps the most important takeaway was that inclusion isn’t a destination. It’s a practice.

We created Shifting Gears: Conversation & Takeaways to capture some of what came out of the room. It isn’t a comprehensive report or a step-by-step strategy. Instead, it’s an invitation to keep thinking, keep talking and take action — because you don’t need a perfect plan to make a difference.

Read Shifting Gears: Conversation & Takeaways

Whether you joined us for Shifting Gears or are joining the conversation for the first time, we invite you to read, reflect and consider what your next action might be.

We’re proud to announce a major new investment in our Educational Resource Centre STEMforGIRLS! The Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC), has contributed $756,136 to support program delivery over the next three years—fueling growth, expanding reach, and strengthening our ability to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders across Newfoundland and Labrador.

STEMforGIRLS engages youth through hands-on STEM learning delivered in classrooms, communities, and through a province-wide network of chapters championed by educators. Participants explore curated STEM kits, connect with volunteer role models, and gain exposure to real-world STEM and skilled trades career pathways. These experiences help build confidence, spark curiosity, and broaden awareness of future opportunities.

Full program and funding details can be found in the press release below.

(St. John’s, NL) Women in Resource Development Corporation (WRDC) unveiled its new name and brand identity at a launch event in St. John’s today. The organization will now operate as Equiforce, a name that reflects its purpose and mission to advance equity and strengthen workforces across Newfoundland and Labrador. The shift signals an evolution of the organization’s long-standing work supporting women and other underrepresented groups to access meaningful careers and participate fully in the labour market.

The rebrand builds on nearly three decades of impact, and marks a renewed focus on equitable workforce development, new programming, and strategic supports for employers and industry.

“Equiforce reflects a strategic shift toward building equitable talent pipelines, supporting employers and industries, and scaling workforce opportunity,” said Abbie Hodder, Chief Executive Officer.

“We exist to support equitable workforce development that benefits people and industry together. We are growing our work with new programming, services that respond to the needs of industry, and deeper collaboration with partners. When we advance equity, we strengthen workforces. That is the purpose behind our name and the direction behind our work.”

A new identity with a focus on impact

The transition to Equiforce marks an evolution in services that respond directly to emerging labour needs. The organization is expanding its program suite with FastTrackHER, an industry-led career readiness pilot for women entering in-demand fields. The pilot will begin on the Avalon with a focus on construction and is designed to expand into additional regions and sectors. It is also introducing Pathways to Place, a province-wide work-integrated learning initiative that connects newcomer women with meaningful, sector-aligned Canadian work experience while also supporting local employers. Equiforce is also updating and expanding its Employer Services portfolio, which includes research and evaluation, customized training and learning experiences, workforce facilitation, and data-driven measurement tools that help employers track progress and strengthen retention.

“The Board is proud to support this next chapter for the organization”, said Nancy Andrews, Board Chair.
“Equitable access to opportunity helps us build a robust, well-skilled workforce that is needed to help us unlock our full potential as workers, employers, and as a province. We are excited to collaborate with industry, government, and partners to support participation and build more resilient labour capacity across Newfoundland and Labrador.”
The brand rollout will continue into 2026 with updated program materials, partnerships, and new announcements. Details on refreshed and newly developed programming will be shared in the months ahead. For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities, visit equiforce.ca.