How To Celebrate Pride at Work
What These 11 Companies Are Doing to Celebrate Pride & Support The LGBTQ+ Community
With Pride Month in full swing, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the LGBTQ+ communities at PowerToFly and our partner companies.
Here's how 11 of our partner companies are fostering inclusivity and celebrating Pride - this month, and all year round.
1. Build a Culture of Belonging & Authenticity - Autodesk
Why are you proud to work at Autodesk?
"At Autodesk, our culture is built around a sense of belonging and authenticity. I am proud to work here because there is no expectation to fit into a box, and endless support for being your truest self in all aspects of your life."
- Charlotte Hollingsworth, Autodesk LUMA Program Specialist
How does Autodesk's Pride Network support LGBTQ+ employees?
Autodesk Pride Network supports a positive working environment in which LGBTQ+ employees feel comfortable and valued, and can contribute to their full potential.
Learn more about Autodesk and their open roles here.
2. #BeYourself - Dell
Why are you proud to work at Dell EMC?
"I am proud to work at Dell because working here provides the environment to be open about who I am. Dell has given me the strength and empowerment to stand up, have a voice, and be a leader in our Pride Employee Resource Group. This is the first employer in my career that I have been able to be totally comfortable and feel supported." #beyourself #Iwork4Dell
- Gabe Rodarte- Miller, Talent Acquisition Sales Recruiter and North America Dell Pride ERG Culture Lead
How is Dell celebrating Pride?
"Diversity is the fabric of Dell Culture Code. It's not what we do, but it's who we are. Dell Pride is celebrating Pride Month, not just as an ERG, but as a company. A company that wants to empower everyone to #beyourself, creating a culture where all team members belong and encouraging innovation in new ways."
Learn more about Dell EMC and their open roles here.
3. Show Compassion and a Desire To Learn - Symantec
Symantec Employees Marching in the Pride Parade in Pune, India
Sudhanshu Pandit, VP of HR, Sandeep Kanabar, Principal Software Engineer, and C Moulee, Principal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialist
Why are you proud to work at Symantec?
"As a queer transgender man I am proud to work at Symantec because I am valued for who I am and what I bring to the table – not any of my identity labels (real or assumed). Because when I transitioned on the job 10 years ago they embraced me fully and were committed to making my process as smooth and easy as possible. Because they have shown compassion and a real desire to learn so that they can do the right thing. Because I started in this company as an antivirus phone technician and am now a Global Program Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This type of internal career change is only possible when a company sees value in developing an employee's natural skills and interests – creating a culture where people can truly feel like they belong. I have pride in Symantec because Symantec has pride in me."
- Cass Averil, Global Program Manager
How is Symantec celebrating Pride?
Symantec has pride and we're excited to let our employees show you how. Our active and engaged LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group is celebrating pride across the globe this year through activities such as: having LGBTQ+ movie screenings, hosting fireside chats with LGBTQ+ leaders, organizing LGBTQ+ history informational campaigns, partnering with local organizations to host workshops around LGTBQ+ inclusion, and walking in pride parades around the globe. We don't just say we have pride, we act on it.
Learn more about Symantec and their open roles here.
4. Celebrate Uniqueness - BuzzFeed
Why are you proud to work at BuzzFeed?
"Celebrating individuality and personal identity is built into the DNA of BuzzFeed. I see it every day when I get to work with a diverse group of brilliant creatives who make content that not only connects with a massive global audience, but also represents and celebrates their uniqueness."
- Tommy Wesely, executive sponsor of OUT NY
How is BuzzFeed celebrating Pride?
BuzzFeed's OUT ERGs in LA and NY are sponsoring Pride Month happy hours for the office and are coordinating meet-ups at various citywide parades and festivities. OUT NY is also sponsoring a party with Twitter & BuzzFeed to celebrate AM2DM's weekly Pride Episodes throughout June.
Learn more about BuzzFeed and their open roles here.
5. Take Pride in Yourself - L3 Technologies
L3 lives by the motto, "Pride in ourselves. Pride in our company. Pride in our community."
How Does Pride3 Support LGBTQ+ employees?
"Pride3 unifies and celebrates L3 CSW's LGBTQ+ employee base by providing a safe and welcoming environment through education, development, recruiting, and resources to advance our personal and corporate success."
Learn more about L3 and their open roles here.
6. Bring Your Authentic Self to Work - Yelp
Why are you proud to work at Yelp?
Because I can bring my authentic self to work every day.
- Shannon S., Technical Recruiter at Yelp
Yelp supports the LGBTQ+ community year round with their OUTburst ERG.
Learn more about Yelp and their open roles here.
7. Build a Community of Tolerance, Acceptance, and Education - Zynga
Why are you proud to work at Zynga?
"My time at Zynga is spent driving marketing moments for one of our largest forever franchise games in the Zynga portfolio. While marketing is a passion of mine, being able to lead the zPRIDE ERG at Zynga has allowed me to focus on driving change for my community and lead initiatives that can improve the experience for all LGBTQ+ Zyngites. An additional win is the ability to drive conversation and assist in educating allies on the LGBTQ+ topics that often aren't discussed and how they affect the community. The ability to be involved and provide value outside of my day to day role is why I love working at Zynga!"
- Giuliano Formilan
Can you tell us more about zPRIDE and how you're celebrating?
zPRIDE is an inclusive LGBTQ+ employee resource group at Zynga focused on building a community of tolerance, acceptance, and education around LGBTQ+ topics that support the Zynga workforce. Activities zPRIDE is currently working on are building community relations with organizations such as Equality California and HRC, professional development and internal policy opportunities, along with education for allies of the community around LGBTQ+ topics.
Learn more about Zynga and their open roles here.
8. Express Yourself & Speak Up About What Can Be Done Better - Vrbo
Why are you proud to work at Vrbo?
"I'm proud to work at a company where I feel comfortable to express myself and encouraged to also speak up when I feel like there are ways we can continue to improve our culture."
– Juliana Leon, Software Engineer
Can you tell us more about the Vrbo Pride affinity group?
Vrbo Pride is an inclusive group of employees who identify with or are supportive of LGBTQ+ issues. The Vrbo Pride affinity group encourages employees to bring their full, authentic self to work, allowing for a safe and inclusive working environment that enables people to perform at their best. This group gives a voice to, and advocates for, the LGBTQIA+ members of our workplace and welcomes allies. Vrbo Pride also creates possibilities for networking and community within a safe and supportive work environment
It aims to:
- Foster an environment of inclusion, safety, and understanding at Vrbo.
- Provide an anchor in the community to advocate and educate our colleagues at Vrbo and in those in our local communities.
- Promote diversity and recognize the value each person brings to the Vrbo team.
- Attract and retain a diverse workforce.
- Give back to the Austin community through service projects, hosting events at our offices, and other inclusive activities.
What are some of the activities that the Vrbo Pride affinity group participates in?
- Partnered with Maven, a non-profit that empowers LGBTQ Youth through tech, to host 20 students at Vrbo to introduce them to a career in technology
- Hosted the Startout HackOut Hackathon, one of the only LGBTQ hackathons in the country
- Participates in the Austin Pride Parade annually
- Organizes and participates in panels and important discussions about diversity
What's something the Vrbo affinity group has done that you're really proud of?
The group worked with our Facilities team in the planning and design of our new office. There are gender neutral bathrooms available on every other floor to provide a better experience for our transgender and non-binary employees.
How is Vrbo celebrating Pride?
- Vrbo Pride is displaying historical LGBTQ+ figures and facts around the office to educate and inform employees
- Expedia Cares, Expedia Group's global philanthropy and corporate social responsibility program, declared June Pride month with double-matching on LGBTQIA donations
- Vrbo has updated our social media avatars with a rainbow Vrbo logo to celebrate Pride
- Vrbo will once again participate in the Austin Pride Parade that takes place in August
9. Provide an Inclusive Space - Fidelity Investments
Why are you proud to work at Fidelity?
"I am proud to work for Fidelity Investments, a company that not only values employees' individual differences, but celebrates diversity and authenticity. The Fidelity Pride ERG has provided a network and space of inclusivity for both me and my family."
- Jacqui Lucero, Fidelity Pride Employee Resource Group - National Co-Chair
Can you tell us more about Fidelity Pride?
Fidelity Pride is more than a connection to other lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allies at Fidelity. Our work impacts the entire business, providing guidance on reaching new LGBTA markets and influencing our consumer campaigns. We're an engine of change, a force for continuing acceptance and a powerful light, helping members gain visibility for developmental and leadership opportunities. Here, you can network, support other LGBTA organizations, mentor and reach your full potential – all while being uniquely you. This is the very definition of pride.
Learn more about Fidelity and their open roles here.
10. Make Respect a Core Company Value - Raytheon
Why are you proud to work at Raytheon?
"I'm proud to work for company that values its employees and has shown visible support of LGBTQ people again and again, not only within the company but out in the communities where we live."
- Sr. Mgr
"I love working for Raytheon where leadership and company values require that you treat all people with respect. I'm judged based on my work, not who I am married to. Working for Raytheon has enabled me to be very productive and much more successful in my career because I can bring my whole self to work."
- Director
"I am proud to work at Raytheon because of the importance of the work we do, the commitment our senior leadership demonstrates regarding diversity & inclusion, and the personal support I feel in bringing my entire self to work every day."
- Vice President
Learn more about Raytheon and their open roles here.
11. Do It Every. Single. Day. - Cloudflare
Why are you proud to work at Cloudflare?
"The best part of working at Cloudflare is that I get to be myself at work, not just during Pride, but every day of the year."
- Elisa Durrette, Head of Legal - Commercial Transactions, Cloudflare
Can you tell us more about Proudflare?
Cloudflare's LGBTQIA+ group is Proudflare. This group supports and provides resources for the LGBTQIA+ community both within and outside of Cloudflare to ensure the company is a welcoming and an inclusive place for all. Some activities include:
- Organizing and hosting discussion events, monthly lunches, external mixers, and pride celebrations at its headquarters in San Francisco as well as offices around the globe.
- Publishing LGBTQIA+ stories on Cloudflare's blog.
- Participating in pride celebrations and marches.
- Volunteering at local LGBTQIA+ community centers.
- Sponsoring events and conferences such as Lesbians Who Tech (LWT) San Francisco, and LWT Austin.
Learn more about Cloudlfare and their open roles here.
- LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group At Cloudflare - PowerToFly ... ›
- How These 20 Companies Are Celebrating Pride (Virtually!) in 2020 - PowerToFly Blog ›
- Supporting Transgender Employees - PowerToFly Blog ›
Growing Your Career in Technical Support: 4 Tips for Getting Hired at Elastic from Support Director Heidi Sager
Heidi Sager loves math, but she also loves working with people.
She always has, which is why she enjoyed her part-time job working at the IT department of the University of Colorado while she was studying electrical engineering. (She'd started in computer science, but explains that it "wasn't for her" and switched her major.) She helped students and professors with word processors, basic programming, and software checkout, and took a full-time job after graduation as a UNIX system administrator.
3 Women, 7 Lessons: What These Relativity Leaders Learned in 2020
Working at Relativity—the global tech company that equips legal and compliance professionals with a powerful data-organizing and discovery platform—looked different in 2020. The highly collaborative environment of their Chicago headquarters transitioned to a virtual setting, and just like companies around the country, Relativity adapted their goals and major projects to a completely remote environment.
8 (Virtual) Diversity Conferences to Attend in 2021
Diversity Reboot 2021: The One Hundred Day Kickoff
<p><strong>When</strong>: February 1-5, 2021</p><p><strong>Where</strong>: Virtual</p><p><strong>Price to register:</strong> Free!</p><p><strong>Where to register: </strong><a href="https://summit.powertofly.com/" target="_blank">Here</a></p><p>We had to include our own Diversity Reboot on our list of the best diversity and inclusion events to attend in 2021 because we know firsthand how the quality of 100+ expert speakers, the enthusiasm of 10,000 participants, and the cutting-edge tech that enables meaningful virtual networking and job fairs combine to create a truly epic five-day experience. This year, the theme 100 Day Kickoff harnesses the energy of the new government's first 100 days in office to help jump-start personal and professional plans to build more diverse and inclusive workplaces. </p><p>Following the February summit, we'll have a monthly series of smaller virtual summits on topics spanning everything from returnships to LGBTQ+ advocacy, so be sure to stay tuned for updates!<br></p>The Future of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 2021
<p><strong>When</strong>: February 3-4, 2021</p><p><strong>Where</strong>: Virtual</p><p><strong>Price to register:</strong> Free</p><p><strong>Where to register:</strong> <a href="https://www.hr.com/en/webcasts_events/virtual_events/upcoming_virtual_events/the-future-of-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-2021_kcxf8glq.html#detail" target="_blank">Here</a></p><p>This virtual conference put on by HR.com focuses on how social movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter have pushed DEI at work beyond legal compliance and into a major factor of any company or brand's culture, employee engagement, and performance. Topics include how to uncover and resolve pay gaps across your team and hire top-level diverse talent.</p>Workplace Revolution: From Talk to Collective Action
<p><strong>When</strong>: March 8-12, 2021</p><p><strong>Where</strong>: Virtual</p><p><strong>Price to register: </strong>$820</p><p><strong>Where to register:</strong> <a href="https://cvent.me/ZQ4BbE" target="_blank">Here</a></p><p>The Forum on Workplace Inclusion's 33rd annual conference includes 12 session tracks, from DEI Strategy to Social Responsibility, along with 59 workshops and daily networking sessions. This year's theme focuses on one question: "What will it take to start a workplace revolution that moves us from talk to action?"</p>Diversity: How Employers Can Match Words With Deeds
<p><strong>When</strong><strong>: </strong>May 19, 2021</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> Virtual</p><p><strong>Price to register</strong><strong>: </strong>Early bird registration is $49 and general admission is $149</p><p><strong>Where to register:</strong> <a href="https://hopin.com/events/may-virtual-conference-diversity-how-employers-can-match-words-with-deeds" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Here</a></p><p>From Day One is hosting monthly conferences in 2021 focused on different ways for companies to foster strong relationships with their customers, communities, and employees. May's half-day virtual event is focused specifically on how companies can make diversity promises that don't fall flat and features workshops, panels, and a fireside chat.</p>Hire with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
<p><strong>When:</strong> August 18, 2021</p><p><strong>Where: </strong>Virtual</p><p><strong>Price to register: </strong>$195</p><p><strong>Where to register:</strong> <a href="https://www.hci.org/conferences/2021-virtual-conference-hire-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-august-18-2021" target="_blank">Here</a></p><p>This conference put on by the Human Capital Institute is one of 12 virtual conferences that HCI has planned for 2021. This one focuses on fair and inclusive talent acquisition, including how to attract diverse talent, implement inclusive hiring practices, and addressing bias in employee selection. Other conferences will focus on optimizing talent strategy, engaging employees, and developing your workforce.</p>Virtual Grace Hopper Celebration 2021
<p><strong>When:</strong> September 26-29, 2021</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> Virtual, broadcast from Chicago, Illinois</p><p><strong>Price to register:</strong> Was $799 for regular access to the virtual conference in 2020; 2021 pricing hasn't yet been announced</p><p><strong>Where to register:</strong> <a href="https://ghc.anitab.org/attend/registration/" target="_blank">Here</a>, though 2021 registration wasn't live at the time of writing</p><p>Grace Hopper might be the best-known conference for women in tech. Through keynote presentations, networking sessions, job fairs, and community-building activities, vGHC reached over 30,000 women for their 2020 conference and are expecting even more in 2021! While not a conference focused exclusively on diversity and inclusion, many speakers plan to focus their talks on creating environments for women to thrive in the male-dominated tech field.</p>Inclusion 2021
<p><strong>When:</strong> October 25-27, 2021</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> Virtual and in person in Austin, Texas as of now</p><p><strong>Price to register:</strong> Hasn't yet been announced</p><p><strong>Where to register: </strong><a href="https://conferences.shrm.org/inclusion" target="_blank">Here</a>, though 2021 registration wasn't live at the time of writing</p><p>The Society for Human Resource Management's biggest conference of the year saw 1,200 DEI leaders participate last year; SHRM hopes to see even more come to learn, be inspired, and to walk away with a playbook of implementable strategies to create truly inclusive workplace cultures.</p>AfroTech 2021
<p><strong></strong><strong>When:</strong> November 8-13, 2021</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> Virtual</p><p><strong>Price to register:</strong> Early bird pricing is $149 for individuals and $249 for corporate attendees; regular pricing hasn't yet been announced</p><p><strong>Where to register:</strong> <a href="https://experience.afrotech.com/" target="_blank">Here</a></p><p>AfroTech is a conference hosted by Blavity, a tech media platform for Black millennials. It focuses on emerging tech trends, connecting Black talent with top tech recruiters, and providing networking and educational opportunities, with an overall goal of building a strong Black tech community. Over 10,000 people participated in 2020. While the conference isn't focused specifically on DEI, its main audience of Black tech talent is an important one to understand and to engage at work and beyond, and several speakers plan to focus on issues of race and inclusion at work. </p>Finding Her Sport: Being Part of the Team in a Startup Environment
A Conversation with Vouch's Lead Designer Carrie Phillips