For over 60 years, we’ve worked to empower healthier Canadians across all the communities we serve. We live by this foundational value daily to foster a team culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and appreciated.
As we conclude Black History Month, we pause to reflect on our shared history and engage in meaningful dialogue. Today, we’re proud to highlight two team members at LifeLabs who demonstrate every day that empowering healthier Canadians means standing together for ourselves and for our communities.
Executive Assistant Marion Lewis and Environment Sustainability Coordinator AJ Francis are proud members of the Multicultural Employee Resource Group (MERG & WOL), which supports employee-led events to raise awareness of diverse cultures. They are proud to make an impact within LifeLabs and beyond, with their influence felt in shaping conversations and amplifying voices.
“An inclusive culture for the Black community means having a seat at the table and having their voices heard,” said Marion. “It’s important to be transparent, and building trust in its employees also increases engagement and a definite sense of belonging.”
AJ echoes Marion’s sentiment about the importance of representation and is proud of how she has made a difference.
“What has stood out most is the intentionality behind creating space. Through MERG and in my role as Co-Chair of Women of LifeLabs (WOL), I have seen how Employee Resource Groups can shape [LifeLabs’] culture in meaningful ways. They create opportunities for dialogue, visibility, mentorship, and shared growth,” said AJ. “Watching our collective effort strengthen belonging across teams has been one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.”
AJ’s participation in MERG and WOL is supported by her leaders throughout the organization.
“We love to see the EHS team participate in MERGs, where there are opportunities to discuss, reflect, communicate, brainstorm, and celebrate community contributions across functional groups. We find that this brings immeasurable value to the EHS team and LifeLabs team as a whole, and AJ is a huge part of that,” said EHS Team Leaders.
AJ’s advocacy comes from her personal experience. After losing her father at a young age, her mother’s resilience and unwavering belief in education shaped who she is today. As she progressed through her academic experience, AJ became aware of a lack of representation of Black and Brown communities in STEM and environmental health spaces. That awareness shaped her commitment to contribute meaningfully to those areas and to lead by example.
“LifeLabs offered the opportunity to apply my background in environmental and occupational health within healthcare, a system that directly affects communities across the country,” said AJ. “Representation continues to matter to me. I hope that by showing up authentically in science, sustainability, and leadership spaces, I help normalize diverse voices in environments where they have historically been underrepresented.”
As chair of MERG, Marion is also driven by her lived experience. Her story began on the vibrant shores of Barbados, where she was born and raised alongside her two siblings. Relocating to Winnipeg at a young age due to her parents’ separation, her mother taught her to stand up for what she believed in and always to be proud of who she is and where she came from.
“My identity is very important to me because it tells me who I am and reminds me of the individuals who came before that sacrificed their identities and lives so that we are where we are today,” said Marion.
Being proud of her roots is an understatement; Marion cherishes the diversity within her culture.
“My heritage is my identity. So, without that, there would be no me,” said Marion.
Marion is a pillar of support and a representation of diversity and inclusion within LifeLabs. She is proud of her ability to amplify voices and foster trust within the organization.
“As someone whose identity is rooted in a rich cultural heritage, being part of MERG allows me to celebrate that history while creating space for others to do the same. It has allowed me to support colleagues in feeling seen and valued, and to bring an inclusive lens to my everyday work,” said Marion. “It influences how I show up in my community and in my own life. It has strengthened my confidence, my empathy, and my commitment to uplifting those around me.”
As for AJ, as an Environmental Sustainability Coordinator, she is proud of her ability to empower healthier Canadians through working at the intersection of environmental sustainability and healthcare operations. She takes pride in the fact that, while LifeLabs continues to make a difference within communities, the organization does so in an environmentally responsible way.
“It is rewarding to contribute to an organization that is committed to strengthening both environmental performance and patient care,” said AJ.
Finally, as Marion reflects on her impact throughout her career, she offers some advice to the next generation.
“Surround yourself with like-minded individuals or mentors. Listen to your inner voice when making decisions on potential opportunities, both personal and professional, because that voice is the truth that will guide you to your success,” said Marion.