Allyship in Action with BIC

 

During Pride Month, BIC comes together to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community and reaffirm our commitment to belonging and acceptance.  

As we reflect on the history of the LGBTQIA+ movement and acknowledge the obstacles still faced by members of the community, we are reminded of the importance of creating a working environment where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to show up as their authentic selves.  

Throughout the month of June, members of Team BIC are coming together to celebrate and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community.  Learn more about these recent events, below:  

 

Global Celebrations: From panel discussions to educational sessions, team members worldwide participated in Pride events to promote awareness, unity, and solidarity. These gatherings provided opportunities for dialogue and reflection, fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance. 

  • Shelton, US: Team members gathered for a panel discussion with the Stonewall Speakers, where Paige McLoughlin, Bliss Kern, and Lia Cestaro shared their personal experiences as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. 
  • Melbourne, Australia: The team gathered in the local office to celebrate Pride, where they learned about the history of the Pride movement, statistics about LGBTQIA+ community and how to show up as an ally in the workplace. Team members also used our pride-inspired Tattly tattoos to show support! 
  • Brazil and Argentina: Brazil created a Diversity Booklet aimed at fostering inclusion and education. The booklet covers a range of topics relevant to LGBTQIA+ issues, promoting understanding and respect within the community. 

 

Allyship Program: At the core of our commitment to inclusivity is our DEI Allyship program. With over 250 team members actively supporting diversity initiatives, BIC strives to ensure that everyone feels empowered to bring their full selves to work.  

  • Jordan Wheeler (She/Her), Senior Legal Counsel, Employment & Litigation, and Pride at BIC Board Member shares her thoughts on allyship, “I chose a career at BIC because the company’s values made me feel that everyone at BIC can feel safe, supported, and celebrated while being their authentic self. We all play a part in creating an environment we want to work in, and I am thankful for a workplace that holds space for our LGBTQIA+ community!” 

 

Creating Safe Spaces: Through initiatives such our new Pride employee resource group (ERG), Team BIC is proud to demonstrate our dedication to fostering open dialogue and understanding. By creating safe spaces, we empower individuals to express themselves authentically and contribute to a culture of belonging. 

Co-Chairs of the ERG David Salisbury (he/him), and Michael Shypski (he/him), Business Process Reengineering, NAM, shared their thoughts about the new ERG below:  

  • “Starting BIC Pride has been one of the most exciting things I have worked on since I started at BIC. The amount of support we have received from leadership and our colleagues has been incredible. We want to make sure that we continue to build an inclusive and supportive space for every team member to be their authentic selves,” shared Michael. 
  • David shares, “Being a part of Pride is genuinely fulfilling and empowering. I am sincerely grateful for the support of the BIC Community where I can bring my authentic self to everything I do and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. I am proud to work for BIC and be an Ally for the LGBTQIA+ community.” 
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Showing Up and Showing Support: Whether it's joining local Pride community walks or organizing events to support LGBTQIA+ causes, BIC team members actively demonstrate their support for the community, reinforcing our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all. 

  • Pride Parades: Colleagues across the globe came together to display their support for the LGBTQIA+ community at local and in-office events, serving as a powerful demonstration of solidarity, advocacy, and celebration of diversity and inclusion.

We caught up with Janet Crawford (she/her), Supply Planner, who shared, “Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community is just one aspect of my identity, not the entirety of who I am. BIC has created an exceptionally accepting and inclusive environment. Upon joining the team, I felt embraced and respected for being true to myself.” 

While Pride Month serves as a focal point for celebration, our dedication to diversity and inclusion extends far beyond the month of June. 

Learn more about opportunities to join our One BIC team at careers.bic.com.