Embracing Global Diversity: Celebrating Cultural Heritage in the Workplace
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BioPharma Services Inc. is a place where diversity truly thrives. It isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the heartbeat of our organization. With team members hailing from all corners of the globe, our workplace is a vibrant mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions. BioPharma is undoubtedly one of the most diverse workplaces I’ve ever experienced, and having grown up in Scarborough in the 70’s, I am no stranger to multiculturalism. This diversity isn’t just something we observe—it’s something we actively celebrate and there’s no better example of this than our annual Multicultural Day Potluck.
In 2002, the Government of Canada designated this date as an annual opportunity for all Canadians to celebrate the diversity of our country, our society, and our communities. How fitting is that? The idea for our Multicultural Day Potluck began in the Spring of 2023. Small staff potlucks popped up randomly to celebrate birthdays and occasions and I suggested that maybe we take it one step further and host a Multicultural Day Potluck where staff would have an opportunity to don their cultural attire, indulge in one another’s dish of choice, and celebrate the diversity that makes Toronto, Canada such a wonderfully unique city. I fondly remember asking a staff member if I could borrow a saree to represent Team India for the day’s festivities. The ladies enthusiastically helped me, pinning the saree with care and adorning me with ornate jewelry. That day, I had the privilege of wearing, not one, but two sarees each tied in authentic South Indian fashion.
Fast forward to June 27 2024, when we hosted our second annual Multicultural Day Potluck. This time we proactively planned for this year’s event, ensuring it was even more inclusive and engaging. We assembled a volunteer committee representing China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Philippines, Syria and Palestine. Staff members dressed in traditional attire, brought in homemade dishes from their homelands, and participated in cultural performances that added a personal touch to the celebration. Two clinical spaces were beautifully decorated by staff, who donned vibrant cultural attire, including Sarees, Kandura, Thawb, and Chakkri. The celebration featured many homemade dishes from around the world, including a full roasted pig, a variety of vegetarian dishes, and many delicious desserts.
Entertainment included a Henna and Karaoke Station, along with captivating performances:
- Indian Group Dance: The team performed Garba, a lively Gujarati folk dance traditionally celebrated during Navratri. Dancers wore bright Chanya cholis and ornate jewelry, embodying the rich cultural heritage of the dance.
- Persian Group Dance: A mesmerizing performance added to the multicultural spirit of the day.
- Chinese Fan Dance: Performed gracefully by Mira Wong, Pharmacy Manager, who was also awarded Entertainer of the Day. The dance was accompanied by the popular song “Commitment of Peach Blossom,” a beautiful love story from ancient Chinese drama. “I learned this dance from the internet on my own. I haven’t learned dance professionally, just as a hobby. My sister is a professional dancer, so when I was young, I learned from her a bit and used to run group dance programs with classmates and perform in school festivals”
But why is this important beyond our organization? I believe that celebrating diversity in the workplace—and beyond—is crucial because it fosters an environment where people feel valued and respected for who they are. When people feel seen and appreciated, they are more engaged, motivated, and committed. This sense of inclusion not only enhances our internal culture but also strengthens how we interact with clients, partners, and the broader community.
When an organization actively celebrates diversity, it sends a powerful message that everyone is welcome, and that different perspectives are not just accepted but are essential to innovation and growth. This approach leads to richer collaborations, where varied viewpoints contribute to more creative solutions and better decision-making. Our clients and partners notice this, too; they see that we are a team that values every individual’s contribution, which builds trust and fosters stronger, more productive relationships.
When we embrace diversity within our organization, it sets a standard for how we operate externally. Our commitment to inclusivity extends to how we conduct business, how we engage with different communities, and how we approach global challenges. In today’s interconnected world, understanding and respecting cultural differences is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity. It allows us to be more empathetic and responsive to the needs of our diverse clientele, ensuring that our services are relevant and accessible to all.
For those outside of BioPharma Services, our Multicultural Day Potluck is a reminder that embracing diversity leads to stronger, more innovative teams and more inclusive communities. When people are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work or any environment, it results in richer collaboration, better ideas, and a more supportive atmosphere for everyone.
The Multicultural Day Potluck at BioPharma Services Inc. is more than just an event; it’s a reflection of the rich diversity that defines our organization. What started as a small idea has grown into an annual celebration that unites our team through shared experiences, cultural pride, and mutual respect. As we look back on our second annual event, we’re reminded that our strength lies in our differences, and our unity is built on the appreciation of each other’s cultures.
Here’s to many more years of multicultural celebrations!

Written By:
Renee John
Executive Vice President, Clinical Operations
BioPharma Services, Inc., a HEALWELL AI and clinical trial services company, is a full-service Contract Clinical Research Organization (CRO) based in Toronto, Canada, specializing in Phase 1 clinical trials 1/2a, Human Abuse Liability(HAL) and Bioequivalence clinical trials for international pharmaceutical companies worldwide. BioPharma Services conducts clinical research operations from its Canadian facility, with access to healthy volunteers and special populations.