Ralph Kellogg Lutheran Family Services
Voices of Change ‘
LGBTQ+influencershavemoreswayintheworld
todaythaneverbefore.Theybelongtodifferent races,gender,faiths,andsexualorientations.Those voicescarryinfluenceformillionsofpeople,encouraging acceptanceandunderstandinginahighlydividedworld. StatisticsdoindicatetheimpactofLGBTQ+influencers.
Forexample,onerecentstudyshowsthat70%ofthe AmericanLGBTQ+youthfindthemselvesmore empoweredwhentheyhearorseesimilarpeople representedinthemedia.Thiskindofrepresentationnot onlyencouragesself-acceptancebutalsoencouragesallies tostandwiththecommunity Theseinfluencersincrease visibility,whichthendiscreditsnegativestereotypesand antidotesprejudices.
Moreover,socialmediaplatformshavebecomeapowerful toolforLGBTQ+influencerstosharetheirstoriesand experiences.ThroughplatformslikeInstagramandTikTok, theyconnectwithaudiencesworldwide,spreading messagesofloveandinclusivity.Infact,astudyshowed that63%ofLGBTQ+individualsfeelmorecomfortable expressingtheiridentitiesonlinecomparedtooffline.
TheintersectionalitywithintheLGBTQ+communityis vital.Influencerswhoembracetheirmultifacetedidentities challengesocietalnormsandinspireotherstodothesame. Bycelebratingdifferencesinrace,gender,religion,and sexuality,theyremindeveryonethatatthecore,weareall humanbeingsdeservingofrespectanddignity Asthe societycontinuestoevolve,thecontributionsofLGBTQ+ influencersplayacrucialroleinshapingamoreinclusive future.Theirstoriesnotonlyupliftmarginalizedvoicesbut alsoinspirechange,fosteringasenseofbelongingforall.
Thelatestissueof The Most Inspiring LGBTQ+ Influencers to Follow by The CIO World featuresleaders whoarenotonlymakingwavesintheirrespectivefieldsbut alsoadvocatingforbroadersocialchange.These influencersutilizetheirplatformstoeducate,empower,and upliftothers,creatingarippleeffectthatextendsfarbeyond theirimmediateaudiences.
Haveagoodreadahead!
08. Ralph Kellogg
Creating Positive Workplaces
20.
28.
34.
Brad Baumoel
Championing the Cause for Inclusivity and Equity
Julien Brain
Taking the Lead in Promoting LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Representation
Manda Hatter
Making an Impact on Million Lives
ARTICLES
16. 24.
38.
Celebrating Love: LGBTQ+ In uencers Who Advocate for Acceptance
From YouTube to TikTok: The Diverse Platforms of LGBTQ+ In uencers
Workplace Discrimination: 5 Types of Discrimination Employees Should Be Aware Of
- Anand Mahindra
Editor-in-Chief
Deputy Editor
Managing Editor
Assistant Editor
Visualizer
Art & Design Head
Art & Design Assitant
Business Development Manager
Business Development Executives
Technical Head
Assitant Technical Head
Digital Marketing Manager
Research Analyst
Circulation Manager
David
Richard
THE MOST INSPIRING LGBTQ+ INFLUENCERS TO FOLLOW
Featuring
Andrew Yoshimura Director of Opera ons
Antonia Belcher
Director Julien Brain
Global Director Karen Haycox
CEO
Manda Ha er Head of Opera ons
Ralph Kellogg Vice President People and Training
Pride Resource Partners Company
MHBC Cumming www.cumminggroup.com Wipro www wipro.com
Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester County www.habitatnycwc.org
Australian Broadcas ng Corpora on (ABC) www.abc.net.au/
Lutheran Family Sevices www.onelfs.org
Descrip on
Andrew Yoshimura is commi ed to op mizing opera onal efficiencies and fostering collabora ve environments at Pride Resource Partners.
Antonia Belcher is a strategic thinker, driving project success and opera onal improvements at MHBC Cumming.
Julien Brain excels in driving global strategies and innova on, significantly impac ng Wipro's interna onal opera ons.
Karen Haycox is a visionary advocate for affordable housing, leading impac ul ini a ves at Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester County.
Manda Ha er is a transforma ve leader known for championing diversity and opera onal excellence at the Australian Broadcas ng Corpora on.
Ralph Kellogg is a dedicated professional focused on enhancing organiza onal culture and employee development within Lutheran Family Services.
Ralph Kellogg Lutheran Family Services
“ The Most Inspiring LGBTQ+ Inuencers to Follow
People spend a third of their
lives at work. I can't think of a more rewarding profession than helping make those lives better,” says RalphKellogg,SeniorHuman ResourcesExecutiveatLutheran FamilyServicesinOmaha,Nebraska. Thissimpleyetprofoundstatement summarizeshismissionandthe drivingforcebehindhisimpressive careerinhumanresources.
Asanintrovertedextrovert,Ralphhas foundhisnicheinafieldthatallows himtomakeasignificantimpacton people'sliveswhilemanagingthe delicatebalancebetweensocial interactionandthoughtfulstrategy.His approachtoHRgoesbeyond traditionalboundaries,focusingon creatinginclusiveandsupportivework environmentsthatbenefitboth employeesandtheirfamilies.
Ralph'spassionforworkplacemental healthadvocacysetshimapartinthe HRlandscape.Herecognizesthata positiveworkenvironmentisnotjust aboutproductivityandprofitability,but alsoaboutnurturingtheoverallwellbeingofemployees."Mygoalin embarkingonanHRcareerwasthe opportunitytocreatepositivework environmentsforpeople,"Kellogg explains,highlightinghispassionfor holisticemployeesupport.
AtLutheranFamilyServices,hehas implementedhumancapitalstrategies thatgobeyondthetypicalHR playbook.Hisinitiativesfocuson supportingemployeesboth professionallyandpersonally, recognizingthatahappy,healthy workforceisthecornerstoneofa successfulorganization.
Ralph'simpactextendsbeyondthe officewalls.Activeinhiscommunity, hefrequentlyparticipatesinspaces whereconversationsaboutinclusive
andsupportiveworkenvironmentsare celebrated.Thiscommunity engagementnotonlyenricheshis professionalperspectivebutalso allowshimtosharehisinsightsand learnfromothers.
Astheworkplacecontinuesto progress,particularlyinthewakeof recentglobalchanges,Ralph's approachtoHRservesasanalarmfor organizationslookingtoprioritize employeewell-being.Hiswork remindsusthatwhenweinvestin creatingpositiveworkenvironments, we'renotjustimprovingjob satisfaction;we'reenhancingquality.
Let us explore his journey:
ALegacyofSupportand Empowerment
LutheranFamilyServices(LFS), foundedin1892,isoneofNebraska's largestnonprofitorganizations.Ithas earnedaccoladesliketheBetter BusinessBureauIntegrityAwardand theHumanResourcesAssociationof MidlandsIDEALAwardforits leadershipindiversity,equity,and inclusion.LFSoffersawiderangeof services,includingfamilypreservation, individualandfamilysupport, economicempowerment,education, health,andwellnessservices.
LFS'scomprehensiveofferingsinclude pre-andpost-adoptionservices,foster care,casemanagement,crisis intervention,workforcedevelopment, ESLassistance,mentalhealthservices forchildrenandadults,andspecialized supportformilitaryveterans.Witha focusoncreatingpositive environmentsandempowering individualsandfamilies,LFS continuestoupholditslegacyof communityserviceandsupport.
IllustriousCareerinHuman ResourcesandTraining
Ralph'sjourneyinHumanResources beganunexpectedlybutquickly evolvedintoapassionforleadership andcoaching.Earlyinhiscareer,he assumedhigh-levelleadershiproles, allowinghimtoleadindividuals, teams,anddepartments.His commitmenttocreatingsupportiveand thrivingworkenvironmentsbecame evidentthroughhisvariousinitiatives andaccomplishments.
Amonghismostnotableachievements, Ralphimplementeddomestic partnershipbenefitspriortothe legalizationofgaymarriageand playedapivotalroleinsecuringthe IDEALAwardbywritingits application.Hehasbeenavocal advocatefortransparentand compassionateworkenvironments, particularlyconcerningmentalhealth andwellbeingissues.
Ralphalsointroducedpaidparental leaveandmentalhealthdaysfor employees,demonstratinghis dedicationtoemployeewelfare. Additionally,hehasservedasamentor forBraven,supportingfirst-generation collegestudents,andhasgraduated fromboththeLeadershipDiversityand LeadershipOmahaprograms.
LeadershipApproach
Ralphapproacheshisroleasaleader inhumancapitalandorganizational developmentwithastrongsenseof curiosityandempathy.Herecognizes that,despitehisextensiveexperience, hemaynotfullyunderstandthelived experiencesofhiscolleagues.
Thisawarenessdriveshimtotake actionthoughtfully,balancingitwith theneedtoslowdown,listen,and exercisepatience.Ralphenjoys
Emphasizes the belief that people are "perfectly imperfect," and by embracing this, Ralph fosters a more inclusive and supportive workplace.
creatingenvironmentsthatsupportand fosterpositivechange,thoughhe acknowledgesthatnoteveryonewill immediatelyembracesuchchanges.
Hehaslearnedthatincrementalchange canbemoreeffectiveinsupporting boththeorganizationanditspeople. Understandingthataimingfor perfectioncandemotivateand demoralizeemployees,hefocuseson findingcompromiseandcommon groundtosupporttheworkforceand theorganization.
CommitmenttoNurturing
Ralph'spassionforcreatingand facilitatingspacesforlearningand conversationonequity,diversity, inclusion,andbelongingisdeeply personal.Asagayman,hehas navigatedsituationsinvolvingcoded language,discrimination,andthepain ofhearingdisparagingremarksabout theLGBTQcommunityfromtrusted individualsunawareofhisidentity Theseexperienceshavefueledhis desiretocreateenvironmentswhere peoplefeelsafeandcourageous enoughtobetheirauthenticselves.
Ralphvaluesone-on-oneconnections andensuresconfidentialitywhen
someonesharesprivatethoughtsor information.Hefocusesonlistening ratherthanproblem-solvingandworks diligentlytoacceptpeopleastheyare, ratherthanhowhethinkstheyshould be.
Whenencounteringhesitation,he reassuresindividualsoftheirsafety andhissupport.Whilethisapproach doesnotguaranteelifelongfriendships, heensuresthatduringtheirtime together,individualswillfeelhonored, safe,andsupportedtothefullestextent possible.
ExpertiseatConnectionsPoint Consulting
AsaPrincipalConsultantat ConnectionsPointConsulting,Ralph leverageshisextensiveskillsand credentialsinemployeerelations, strategicHRmanagement,anddispute resolutiontosupportandempower individualsandteams.
Hisgoalwitheveryclientistodeliver exceptionalhumanresourcesservices transparentlyandprofessionally.Ralph collaborateswithclientstoassessrisks anddevisesolutionsthatbolsterboth theirbusinessandtheirleadership capabilities.
andprofessionalexperiences.One significantexampleishisdecisionto comeoutatworkasamemberofthe LGBTQcommunityin2013.
Despiteatraumatizingexperiencein 2005whenhewasoutedbyhis manager,whichledtodevastating personalandprofessional consequences,hechosetocomeout againwhenhewasnamedManagerof theYear
Hisdecisiontoattendthecorporate celebrationwithhishusbandhada profoundimpact,inspiringothersin theorganizationtofeelsafeand supportedintheirownidentities. AnotherkeyexampleisRalph's opennessabouthisstruggleswith mentalhealth.DuringtheCOVID-19 pandemicin2020,hewasapproached byhumanresourcescolleaguesseeking waystoaddresstheisolation,anxiety, andfearexperiencedbyemployees.
HedevelopedtheACTmodeltocoach andsupportemployeesandmanagers dealingwithmentalhealthissues.This initiativeledhimtodeliveraTEDx Talk,whereheemphasizedthe importanceofaddressingmentalhealth andwellbeingintheworkplace.
Ralph's decision to attend the corporate celebration with his husband had a profound impact, inspiring others in the organization to feel safe and supported in their own identities.
Whenaddressingspecificchallenges, suchasemployeerelationsordispute resolution,Ralphlistenstoallparties involved,servingasaneutralthird partytohelpdefusetensions.He providesclientswithtoolstoengagein constructiveconversations, emphasizingcommoninterestsand deeperissuesratherthansurface-level conflicts.
ACatalystforChange
Ralphhasservedasacatalystfor changemanagementandorganizational transformationthroughhispersonal
SharingKnowledgeandInsights AcrossRoles
RalphplaysessentialrolesatLutheran FamilyServicesofNebraska,Inc.,the UniversityofNebraskaatOmaha,and BellevueUniversity,whereheshares hisexpertiseinHR,retail,contact center,andtechnologyservices.He activelyengageswithpeerlistservices withintheHRandnonprofit communities,usingtheseplatformsto shareinsightsandstayupdatedon industrytrends.
Ralphalsocontributestothefield throughamonthlyblogfocusedonHR
topics,offeringpracticaladviceand thoughtleadership.Additionally,he leveragespublicspeaking opportunitiestoshareideasand providevaluablefeedback,signifying hiscommitmenttoadvancing knowledgeandbestpracticesinthese domains.
NurturingGrowthand Collaboration
Ralphfindsdeepmotivationin witnessingothersgrowandsucceedin theirroles,stemmingfromhispersonal journeytofindfulfillmentinhuman resources.Havingexperiencedthe indecisionofsearchingforhis professionalniche,Ralphempathizes withthosenavigatingsimilarpathsand delightsinseeingindividualsthrive andfindhappinessintheirwork.
Whentacklingcomplexproblemswith teamsandindividuals,Ralphadvocates foramethodicalapproach.Hebelieves inbreakingdownchallengesinto manageablecomponents,emphasizing smallstepstowardsachievinglarger goals.
Thisapproachnotonlyoverwhelms butalsocreatesamorethoughtfuland respectfulenvironmentforproblemsolving.Hisvowtousecollaborative andmeasuredstrategiesunderscores hisdedicationtosupportingothersin achievingimpactfulandsustainable outcomes.
EvolvingLeadershipwithaFocuson RespectandGrowth
Ralph'sleadershipjourneyhasevolved meaningfullythroughouthiscareer, shapedbyexperienceandreflection. Startingout,hewasdrivenbyafearof makingmistakesandsought perfection,oftenexpectingothersto sharehisintensityanddedication.Over time,helearnedvaluablelessonsfrom
bothsuccessesandfailures,humbling himandpromptingashiftinhis leadershipapproach.
Today,Ralphprioritizessettingclear expectations,providingcoaching,and followingupwithhisteammembers. Hehasabandonedthepursuitof perfectioninfavorofencouragement inanenvironmentwherehumilityand gracesucceed.
Identifyingthecomplexityof individualsbeyondtheirprofessional roles,Ralphhighlightstreatingpeople withrespectanddignity.Thisapproach notonlybuildsstrongerrelationships butalsosupportspersonaland professionalgrowthamonghisteam members.
StayingCurrentinHRandTraining Fields
Ralphisdedicatedtostayingup-todatewiththelatesttrends,best practices,andinnovationsinhuman resourcesandtraining.Heavidly engageswithresourcesfromthe SocietyforHumanResources Management(SHRM),whichprovides himwithvaluableindustry information.
Hisinterestinpoliticsandcurrent affairsalsokeepshiminformedabout changesintheemploymentarena. Additionally,hisrolesasaneducatorat BellevueUniversityandtheUniversity ofNebraskaatOmahaensurethathe remainsawareofthelatest developmentsinhumanresources, qualifyinghimtoofferarichand currentteachingexperience.
NavigatingtheChallenges
Ralphfacedasubstantialchallenge whenhisprofessionalandpersonal responsibilitiescollidedin2013.Asa newleaderinthehumanresourcesand trainingfunctionatafinancialservices firm,hewasalsograpplingwithhis mother'sdiagnosisofearly-onset Alzheimer'sdisease.Living1,110 milesawayfromherandbeingher onlychild,hehadtomanagehercare fromadistance,whichincluded findingasuitablenursinghomewith memorycareservices.
Thisperiodwasmarkedbyintense emotionalandlogisticalstruggles. RalphhadtolearnaboutMedicare, Medicaid,andcarefacilitieswhile managingthedemandsofhisjob, whichincludedworkingwithalabor union.Theconstantworryandguilt overhismother'ssituation,coupled withthepressuretoperformwell professionally,ledtoatimeof frustrationandanger
TheFutureofHumanResources
RalphseesthefutureofHuman Resources(HR)transforming significantlythroughtechnology, remotework,andafocusondiversity, equity,andinclusion(DEI).AIand machinelearningarestreamlining recruitment,enablingdata-driven decisions,andenhancingemployee engagement.Theshifttoremotework, acceleratedbytheCOVID-19 pandemic,requiresnewstrategiesfor onboarding,teambuilding,and maintainingcompanyculture.
HRprofessionalsareprioritizing employeewell-beingandmentalhealth support,whileDEIinitiativesare becomingcentraltocreatinginclusive workplaces.Continuouslearningand developmentarealsocrucial,withHR fosteringacultureoflifelonglearning throughongoingtrainingand upskillingopportunities.
RalphbelievesHRisevolvingintoa strategicpartnerinorganizational successbyleveragingtechnology, supportingremotework,prioritizing DEI,andpromotingcontinuous learning.Heplanstostayaheadof thesetrendstocontinuecontributing effectivelytothefield.
Ralph believes in breaking down challenges into manageable components, emphasizing small steps towards achieving larger goals.
Hedirectedthischallengingtimeby learningtoaskforhelp,trustingthe caregiversathismother'sfacility,and givinghimselfgrace.Thisexperience taughthimvaluablelessonsabout resilience,perspective,andthe importanceofmovingforward,even whencircumstancesarebeyondone's control.
Celebrating Love: LGBTQ+ Influencers
Who Advocate for Acceptance
Thehardeffortsofwell-known
individualswhosupportlove andinclusivityhavehelpedthe LGBTQ+communitymake tremendousprogresstoward acceptanceandequality.These LGBTQ+influencersusesocialmedia andpublicforumstospreadtheword aboutissues,dispelmyths,and motivatechange.Someofthemost significantLGBTQ+leaderswhoare loyaltopromotingacceptanceand honoringloveinallitsformsare includedinthisarticle.
LGBTQ+Influencers'Function
InfluencerswhoidentifyasLGBTQ+ arevitalininfluencingpublicopinion andpromotingacceptance.Theyactas rolemodels,raisingtheprofileof underrepresentedgroupsand establishingsecureenvironmentsfor communicationandcomprehension. Theseinfluencerscontributetoamore widespreadacceptancecultureby makingothersfeelnoticedand acknowledgedbysharingtheir personaltalesandexperiences.
Astudyfoundthat62%ofLGBTQ+ peoplethinksocialmediainfluencers aredecisivetotheirabilitytodiscover andexpresswhotheyare.Thisstatistic showsthesignificanceof representationandtheeffectthese influencershaveontheiraudiences.
Theirimpactgoesbeyondamusement sincetheytakeanactivepartin communitydevelopment,education, andactivism.
ProminentLGBTQ+Advocates:
Jonathan Van Ness (JVN)
RenownedforhisworkontheNetflix seriesQueerEye,JonathanVanNessis awell-knownsupporterofLGBTQ+ rights.JVNutilizeshispositionto advocateformentalhealthawareness andself-acceptance,inadditiontohis popularityontelevision.
Hiscontagiousoptimismandsolid dedicationtoinclusivityhavetouched millions,solidifyinghisstatusasa reveredfigurewithintheLGBTQ+ community Throughhishonest remarksabouthispersonaldifficulties withidentityandmentalhealth,JVN hassparkedvitaldialoguesthatinspire otherstograspwhotheytrulyareand gethelpwhenneeded.
Ariel Ross
ActressandTransTechSocialfounder AngelicaRossisastrongadvocatefor racialandtransgenderequality.She becamewell-knownforherpartinthe televisionseriesPose,andsincethen, shehasbeenavocalsupporterofthe rightsoftransgenderpeople,especially
blacktranswomen,whoexperiencea disproportionateamountofviolence anddiscrimination.
Rossclimaxesonthevalueof representationandusesherpositionto informothersaboutthedifficultiesthe transcommunityfaces.Heradvocacy alsoincludeseconomicempowerment, assheseekstoplacetransgender peopleintech-relatedjobs.
Ingrid Nilsen
PopstarandbeautyinfluencerIngrid Nilsencreatedwaveswithhercomingoutvideo,whichhasreceivedover17 millionviewsonYouTube.Shehas nowdevelopedintoastrongvoicefor LGBTQ+rights,speakingouton issueslikesocialjusticeandmental health.Throughhercontent,Nilsen mayengagewithawiderangeof peoplethankstoherplatform.Her openconversationsabouther experiencesasaqueerwomanhave encouragedalotofotherstoaccept whotheyareandstandupfor themselves.
Mason Nicolette
NicoletteMasonisacreative consultantandbrandstrategistwho supportsinclusivityanddiversityinthe fashionindustry.Shehascollaborated withwell-knowncompaniesto
advanceLGBTQ+inclusionandsize diversity
Masonisrenownedforheradvocacy efforts,whicharefocusedonnurturing anatmospherethatismoreaccepting ofeveryone,regardlessofidentity.She urgesfirmstoincorporatediversityin theiradvertisementsanddefies industrystereotypesbyusingher influenceinthefashionindustry.
Tanya Compas
London-basedactivistandyouth workerTanyaCompasiscommittedto elevatingthevoicesofthe underprivileged.Compasisafounding memberofExistLoudly,agrassroots groupthatsupportsblackLGBTQ+ adolescents.
Sheisanadvocateformentalhealth awarenessandsocialjustice.Herwork highlightshowcrucialitisforyoung LGBTQ+peopletohaveasupportive community.Compas'sservices,like workshopsandmentorshipprograms, offeradolescentsimportantresources astheynavigatetheiridentitiesina hostilesociety
SocialMedia'sEffect
ThewayLGBTQ+influencersengage withtheiraudiencesandpromote changehasbeencompletely transformedbysocialmedia.Through socialmediasiteslikeTwitter,TikTok, andInstagram,theseinfluencersmay telltheirstories,informtheirfollowers, andrallysupportfordifferentcauses. Thesurgeindigitalactivismhas resultedinheightenedinvolvementin LGBTQ+rights,mostlythroughsocial mediacampaigns.
Buttheemergenceof"rainbow capitalism,"inwhichcompaniesfeign supportforLGBTQ+causesduring PrideMonth,hassparkedworries. Customerswantauthenticityfrom influencersandbrandsalikeasthey
becomemoreconsciousofthese strategies.
Accordingtoasurvey,67%of customersthinkPrideMonthhas gottentoocommercialized,which stressestheimportanceofongoing activismandsinceresupportallyear round.
HashtagsandMovements:Their Power
TheLGBTQ+communityhasadopted hashtagslike#LoveIsLoveand #TransRightsAreHumanRightsas rallyingcallstoraiseawarenessand promotetogetherness.Thesehashtags arefrequentlyusedbyinfluencersto spreadtheirthoughts,creatingviral campaignsthatmotivatepeopletotake action.LGBTQ+advocacyand movementslike#BlackLivesMatter haveintersected,underscoringthe significanceofintersectionalityinthe struggleforequality
FutureProspectsforLGBTQ+ Advocacy
Inthefuture,LGBTQ+influencerswill playanincreasinglyimportantrolein promotingloveandacceptance. Authenticrepresentationanddiversity mustbegiventopprioritybybrands andinfluencersasyoungergenerations growincreasinglyoutspokenabout theirbeliefs.BecausetheLGBTQ+ communityhas$3.7trillionin combinedpurchasingpower,itis importantforbusinessestomatchtheir policieswiththeidealstheyuphold.
Additionally,thestruggleforLGBTQ+ rightscallforconstantawarenessraisingandcampaigning.Influencers havetheabilitytousetheirplatforms toinformtheiraudienceabout importanttopicslikementalhealth, prejudice,andthevalueofallies. Theseinfluencershavethepowerto encourageotherstojointheequality
movementbypromotingan atmosphereofacceptanceand tolerance.
CreatingAlly
AnessentialelementofLGBTQ+ activismisallyship.Influencers frequentlyurgetheirfollowersto supportLGBTQ+businesses,educate themselvesonLGBTQ+topics,and speakoutagainstdiscriminationin ordertobecomeallies.Thisgroup efforthasthepowertodrasticallyalter societyandusherinanerawhenlove ischerishedinallofitsmanifestations.
ThecoreofwhatLGBTQ+influencers doiscelebrateloveandfightfor acceptance.Bymeansoftheir platforms,theycontestpreconceptions, advocateforinclusivity,andestablish secureareasfordiscourse.
Thevoicesofthesepeoplewillbevital intheongoingstruggleforLGBTQ+ acceptanceandrightsassociety changes.Wecanallstrivetowarda moreacceptingandlovingworldfor everyoneifweencourageandmagnify theirmessages.Althoughtheroadto acceptanceisstilllong,abetterfuture isattainablethankstothecommitment ofthesepeopleandtheirsupporters.
Leadership is not about being in charge, Its about taking care of those in your charge.
- Simon Sinek
The Most Inspiring LGBTQ+ Inuencers to Follow
Navigating Finance and Technology in a Three-Decade Career!
Intheworldoffinanceandinvestments,whereprofit
marginsoftenovershadowethicalconsiderations,there areleaderswhoaredeterminedtoredefinethe industry'scorevalues.
BradBaumoel,theManagingDirectorandGlobalHead ofLGBTQ+AffairsatJPMorganChase&Co.,standsas ashiningexampleofavisionaryleadercommittedto promotinginclusivity,diversity,andequalityinoneofthe world'slargestfinancialinstitutions.
Brad'sjourneyintotheworldoffinanceandtechnology beganwithapivotaldecisionduringhiscollegeyearsin 1985.Whilehispassionforbusinesswasunwavering,he facedthedilemmaofchoosingaspecialization.Ashe steppedintothehallowedhallsofhisuniversity'sbusiness school,henarrowedhisfocustotwofields:Financeand Technology.Unabletomakeadefinitivechoice,heboldly embarkedonapathofdoublemajors,adecisionthatwould laythegroundworkforhisexceptionalcareer.
Brad'sacademicjourneymirroredhisunwavering determinationtoexcelinbothFinanceandInformation Systems.Ashehonedhisskillsandknowledge,itbecame apparentthathepossessedauniqueblendofexpertisethat couldbridgetheworldsoffinanceandtechnology seamlessly.
Whenthetimecametotakehisfirststepintothe professionalworld,Brad'sdualexpertisepresentedhim withachallengingdecision.Undeterred,hechoseto embarkonacareerinAccenture'sFinancialServices consultingsector,specificallyintherealmoftechnology Forfouryears,hedelvedintotheintricaciesofthe FinancialServicesindustry,layingastrongfoundationfor theremarkablejourneyahead.
Threedecadesago,BradBaumoelmadeacareer-defining decisionthatwouldshapethecourseofhisprofessional life.HejoinedJPMorganChase&Co.,aglobalfinancial powerhouse,andneverlookedback.Hisenduring commitmenttothecompanyanditsvalueshasfueledhis risethroughtheranks,ultimatelyleadingtohiscurrentrole asManagingDirector.
AstheGlobalHeadofLGBTQ+Affairs,Bradisnotjusta financialleader;he'sadrivingforceforchange.Inthis pivotalrole,hespearheadsinitiativesthatpromote
inclusivity,diversity,andequalitywithinthecompanyand beyond.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Canyoutellusaboutyourjourneytobecomingthe GlobalHeadofLGBTQ+AffairsforJPMorganChase?
Asofthisyear,I’vebeenwithJPMorganChasefor30 years!Duringmytimehere,I’veheldmanyrolesacross ourbusinesses.It’salsoimportanttonotethatIwasnotout forthefirst10yearsofmycareer.BeforeIcameoutat work,Iwastheoppositeofmyauthenticself—aliteral wallflower.Forthefirsttenyearsofmycareer,Iwasthe kidinthecornerwithallthegreatideas,butIneversaida word.Ispentwaytoomuchtimeinmyheadprocessingand filteringtomakesureIdidn’tshareanythingthatwould “out”me.Itwasexhausting,andIknowitheldmeback professionally
OnceIwasfinallyabletobreakdownthosewallsandbring myfullselftowork,Iquicklybegantothriveandadvance. Ialsofoundthatsomanyofthethingsthatmademespecial outsideoftheofficecouldbeusedaspowerfultoolsatwork aswell.IquicklybecameengagedwithourLGBTQ+ initiativesthroughourPRIDEBusinessResourceGroup (BRG),helpingsetuponeofourfirstchaptersin1996.I wasalsodeterminedtopayitforwardforotherLGBTQ+ colleaguescomingupbehindme.
Now,fastforward25yearsofmybeingdeeplyengagedin ourLGBTQ+agenda,andI’mherebeforeyouasthehead ofaglobalbusinessdedicatedsolelytoadvancing LGBTQ+equityandinclusioninsideandoutsideofthe firm.
Whatinspiredyoutotakeonaleadershiprolein LGBTQ+Affairs?
So,havingbeeninvolvedinJPMorganChase’sLGBTQ+ initiativessincethe1990s,whenIdidstepintotheagenda, Inoticedthatitlackedthestructureandorganizationit reallyrequiredtomateriallymovetheneedle.Giventhat creatingstructurewasaprofessionalstrengthforme,I threwmyselfdeeplyintothisworkasavolunteerand helpedleadcomponentsofthenetworktowardgreater impactforover25years.
Iwasalsodeterminedtobuildupontheseeffortsandtake bothwhatI’dlearnedinmydayjobandmypassionate volunteerwork,leadingtheBRG,tomakeamorematerial
impactonthecommunityoutsideourfourwallshereat JPMorganChase.Ihadactuallymadeplans(atleastinmy head)toleaveJPMorganChaseatsomepointtodothis workfull-time,likelyrunninganLGBTQ+nonprofit.
WhileIneverdreamedthatIcoulddothisworkfull-timeat JPMorganChase,IliketosayIinterviewedforthisrole throughoutmyentirecareer.
HowhasyourexperienceinGlobalFinance,Asset WealthManagement,andConsumerandCommunity BankinghelpedinformyourworkastheGlobalHeadof LGBTQ+Affairs?
Havingworkedacrossourbusinessesfor30years,Ihave builtanextensiveprofessionalnetworkatalllevelsinthe organizationatJPMorganChase.Ihaveseenanysmall differencesinculturefirsthandandknowwhatthings requiremorefocusineachareaofthefirm.Ialsocallupon mynetworkatalllevelstoengagemoredeeplyinour strategyandagenda,toprovideadditionalfundingsupport whenit’srequired,andtopartneronasuiteofbothinternal andexternalinitiativesbenefitingourLGBTQ+employees, consumerclients,businessowners,andthecommunitiesin whichweoperate.
Ialsolearnedhowtoruncomponentsofabusinessinmy variousrolesacrosstheorganization,andnowIgettorun anentirebusiness,end-to-end.So,I’vetakenthebestof whatI’velearnedoverthepast30yearstostandupand propelmynewbusiness.
Whatinternalinitiativeshaveyouimplementedorbeen involvedinsincebecomingtheGlobalHeadof LGBTQ+Affairs?Canyousharesomeexamplesofthe impacttheyhavehad?
Firstofall,wedevelopedandimplementedaglobal frameworkandstrategywithclearobjectives,metrics, controls,andaccountabilitiesfortheLGBTQ+agenda.This hasenabledmetoformalizethewaysinwhichmyteam andIaredrivingprogressonLGBTQ+DEImattersacross ourbusinessandintohowwehelpouremployeesgrowand develop,aswellashowweservecustomers,clients,and communities.Atahighlevel,thishasstrengthenedour businessesandourculture,whileinparallelbroadeningthe programmingandbenefitswecanprovidetoourLGBTQ+ employees.
Forexample,wehavebeenmoreintentionalinbothselfimprovementandpromotion.Inthisspace,I’veseen
materialprogressandgrowthinrepresentationsincemy OfficeofLGBTQ+Affairswasestablishedin2021.Since then,JPMorganChasehasseenincreasesinthenumberof employeesself-identifyingasLGBTQ+,includinga35% growthyear-over-yearin2022anda50%growthyearover-yearin2021.Tome,thisdemonstratestheimpactof beingmorevisibleandintentionalwithyourdiversity initiatives.
Additionally,in2022,wegreatlyexpandedthecovered benefitsofferedunderourU.S.MedicalPlantosupport healthoutcomesforLGBTQ+employeesandfamily members.ThisincludesadedicatedLGBTQ+health conciergeservicetohelpemployeesidentifyin-network LGBTQ+affirmingproviders;enhancedtransgender benefitstobettersupportemployeesandcovered dependentsfromthegender-expansivecommunitywith accessingabroadersetofgender-affirmingservicesand procedures;andfamily-buildingbenefitstoincrease flexibilityinouremployees'journeysofconsideringwhen tostartafamily
Mentorshipisanotherareainwhichwe’vedeeplyinvested. Sinceestablishingtheoffice,wehavelaunchedLGBTQ+ NavigatorCircles,aprogrambuiltaroundsmalldiscussion groupshostedbyanLGBTQ+seniorleader Theyhavean opportunitytosharetheirperspectivesoncareer developmentandtopicsrelatedtobeingoutandauthentic intheworkplace.Thesepocketsofintimatedialogueina safespaceprovideascendingtalentwithdirectionand support,whichhelpsthemseenewpossibilities,takeaction intheircareers,andfindvalueinbeingoutatwork.
Whatadvicedoyouhaveforothercompaniesand organizationslookingtocreateamoreinclusiveand supportiveenvironmentfortheLGBTQ+community?
• Speakupandcondemnthehomophobiaand transphobiathatsadlyexistthroughoutour communities.
• Implementpoliciesandprogramsthathelpall underrepresentedemployees,customers,clients,and communitiesthrive.
• Beintentionalaboutdeveloping,promoting,and retainingyourLGBTQ+workforce.
• CreatepartnershipswithLGBTQ+nonprofitstohelp yourcommunitiesthrive.
• Pressuretestproductsandservicestoensuretheyare fullyinclusive.
Joinourfight!Wecan’tdothisalone.Tocreateatruly inclusiveandsafeworld,weneedeverybodytoengageand takeonarole.Themorevisiblealliesthereare,theeasierit willbeforLGBTQ+peopletolive,work,andthrive.
Howdoyouseeyourroleevolvinginthefuture?
Myteamandbusinessarestillintheirinfancy.We’veonly justbegunaswestooduptheofficeinmid-2021.Iseemy teamofdedicated,full-timeglobalresourcescontinuingto growandourimpactbothinsideandoutsideofJPMorgan Chasegrowingatcommensuratelevels.Iseeourwork leadingtomoreandmorepeoplearoundtheglobefeeling theytoocanlivetheirlivesauthenticallyandthrive,andin doingso,Icanconnectwithmoreandmoreemployees, clients,businessowners,andcommunitiesaroundtheglobe toprovideeveryonewithequitableopportunitiestoreach theirpersonalandprofessionaldreams.
Awardsorrecognitionthataccuratelyhighlightyour achievementsinthecorporateniche
• Crain’sNewYorkBusinessNotableLGBTQLeaders andExecutives(2022,2023)
• LGBTGreat-Top502023ExecutiveAlly
• PoliticsNY2023LGBTQ+PowerPlayers
• PinkNewsBusinessTrailblazeroftheYearNominee
,, ,, The Internet is becoming the town square for theglobal viage of tomorrow.
- Bill Gates
From YouTube to TikTok: The Diverse Platforms of LGBTQ+ Influencers
TheupsurgeofLGBTQ+
influencersacrossvarious socialmediaplatformshas significantlytransformedthescenery ofrepresentationandadvocacywithin thecommunity.FromYouTubeto TikTok,theseinfluencersexploittheir platformstosharepersonalstories, educatetheirfollowers,andcreatea senseofcommunity.
Historically,LGBTQ+representation inmediahasbeenlimitedandoften stereotypical.However,theadventof socialmediahasprovidedaspacefor authenticvoicestoemerge.YouTube wasoneofthefirstplatformswhere LGBTQ+influencersfoundafoothold.
Creatorsgainedpopularitybysharing theircoming-outstories,lifestyle content,andadvocacyforLGBTQ+ rights.Theirsuccesspavedthewayfor anewgenerationofinfluencers,who nowthriveonplatformslikeTikTok, Instagram,andTwitter
YouTuberemainsasignificant platformforLGBTQ+influencers.It allowsforlong-formcontent,whichis idealforstorytellingandin-depth discussions.Influencershaveleveraged theirplatformstodiscussimportant issueslikegenderidentityand representation.
Theircoming-outvideo,which garneredmillionsofviews,notonly showcasedhermakeupskillsbutalso servedasapowerfulmessageof acceptanceandbravery
OthernotableYouTubeinfluencers knowthattheirabilitytocreate detailedcontentallowsthemtoengage deeplywiththeiraudienceandneglect astrongsenseofcommunityand support.
TikTokhasquicklybecomeadominant platformforLGBTQ+influencers, particularlyamongyoungeraudiences. Theplatform’sshort-formvideoformat encouragescreativityandspontaneity, allowinginfluencerstoconnectwith followersinamorepersonaland relatableway
Influencersapproachnotonly entertainsbutalsoeducatesviewers abouttransgenderexperiences, developingidentificationand understanding.
ManyLGBTQ+influencersusetheir platformsnotjustforentertainmentbut alsoforadvocacyandeducation.This blendofadvocacyandpersonal storytellingiscrucialincombating stereotypesandmisinformationabout theLGBTQ+community
InfluencerslikeBlairImani,abisexual Muslimactivist,highlight intersectionalitywithinthecommunity, addressingissuesofrace,gender,and sexualityintheircontent.Bydoingso, theycreateamorenuanced understandingofthediverse experienceswithintheLGBTQ+ spectrum.
Socialmediaplatformshaveenabled LGBTQ+influencerstobuildvibrant communities.Throughlivestreams, Q&Asessions,andinteractivecontent, influencersfosterasenseofbelonging amongtheirfollowers.
Thisisparticularlyimportantfor LGBTQ+youth,whomayfeelisolated intheirexperiences.Forexample,the AustraliancomedicduoHannah-Rae MeeganandMoniqueTerrycreate contentthatcentersaroundqueerjoy andself-expression,providinga refreshingcounter-narrativetothe often-negativeportrayalsofLGBTQ+ livesinmainstreammedia.
Moreover,thecollaborativenatureof platformslikeTikTokallows influencerstosupportoneanother, creatinganetworkofalliesand advocates.Thissolidarityisvitalto amplifyingvoiceswithinthe communityandpromotingacultureof acceptanceandlove.
Despitethepositiveimpactof LGBTQ+influencers,challenges remain.Manyfacebacklashand discrimination,particularlywhen discussingsensitivetopicsrelatedto genderidentityandsexualorientation.
Theupsurgeofcancelcultureand onlineharassmentcancreateahostile environmentforinfluencerswhodare tospeakout.However,manycontinue topersevere,usingtheirplatformsto advocateforchangeandeducatetheir followers.
Additionally,thecommercializationof LGBTQ+contenthassparkeddebates aboutauthenticity Asbrands increasinglyseektopartnerwith LGBTQ+influencersformarketing purposes,questionsariseaboutthe potentialdilutionofgenuineadvocacy infavorofprofit.Influencersmust navigatethissitecarefully,ensuring thattheirmessageremainsauthentic andtruetotheirvalues.
ThediverseplatformsofLGBTQ+ influencers,fromYouTubetoTikTok, playakeyroleinshapingthenarrative aroundLGBTQ+identitiesand experiences.Throughstorytelling, education,andadvocacy,these
influencersfostercommunity,promote acceptance,andchallengestereotypes.
Associalmediacontinuestoevolve, theimpactofLGBTQ+influencers willundoubtedlygrow,pavingtheway foramoreinclusiveandunderstanding world.Theirvoicesarenotjust important;theyareessentialinthe ongoingfightforequalityand representation.
Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.
- Winston Churchill
ulien Brain
Taking the Lead in Promoting LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Representation
Thesedays,important
discussionsaboutidentity, representation,andsocial justiceareshapedbyLGBTQ+leaders. Throughinterestingmaterialcovering fashion,beauty,travel,andactivism, theydispelmisconceptions,educate thepublic,andmotivateothers. Keepingupwiththeseinspirational peoplebeyondPrideMonthbroadens yourperspectiveontheLGBTQ+ communityandgivesvoicetovoices thatmatter.
JulienBrain,DirectorofGlobal AWSProgramsatWipro,leadsthe GlobalLGBTQ+Charterand championsdiversity,equity,and inclusionwithinthecompany With nearlyadecadeatWipro,hehas implementedinitiativeslikeacalendar withyear-roundevents,pronouns featuresinkeysystemsglobally,and ane-learningmoduletodrive LGBTQ+awareness.
Julien'sdedicationtofurthering inclusiveworkenvironments encouragescreativityandteamwork whileempoweringpeopletoaccept theiridentities.Giventheconsiderable impactandpurchasingpowerofthe LGBTQ+community,companiesneed toactasalliesandchampionLGBTQ+
inclusion,toremainrelevantand reflecttheevolutionofsociety
Below are the interview highlights:
Canyoupleaseintroduceyourself andyourmotivationtoembarkon thissector?
Hello!I'mJulienBrain.Igrewupin France,workedinSiliconValley,and movedtotheUKin2019.Asaglobal directoratWipro,ImanageAWS PartnerFundingprogramsandother strategicinitiativestosupportourAWS cloudpartnership.
Myinterestinhowtechnology transformsdailylifedrivesmeinthis role.IalsoserveastheGlobal
LGBTQ+CharterLead,promoting respectandvisibilitywithinthe company
Couldyoupleasegiveabrief introductiontoyourcompanyand itsinceptionstory?
Wipro,headquarteredinIndia,isa globalsystemsintegratorofferingIT, consulting,andbusinessprocess servicesinover60countrieswithover 230,000employees.Celebrating75 yearsin2020,Wiprohasevolvedfrom afamily-runvegetableoil manufacturertoaleadingtech consultancy
Uniquely,66%ofWiproisownedby theAzimPremjiFoundation,which supportsvarioussocialimpact initiatives.
Education
JulienBrain (he/him) Wipro
Canyoutellmemoreaboutyour 15+yearsofITindustryexperience andhowthathasshapedyourcareer path?
Greatquestion!Ibeganmycareerin translationandlocalizationatMagellan inFrance,whereIhandledUIand documentationforEuropean languages.Afterearningamaster’sin TranslationandLocalization,Imoved toCaliforniatoworkate2f,a translationstart-up.
Istartedasatranslatorandprogressed toprojectandproductionmanagement asthecompanyexpandedglobally, includingofficesinMauritius,France, andMadagascar,plusapartnershipin Vietnam.
Ialsostayedcurrentwithtranslation technologyandmachinetranslation advances.IcompletedanMBAatUC Berkeleywhileworkingfull-time(by thenIhadbecometheCOOate2f.)I joinedWiproaspartoftheGlobal100 leadershipprogram.AtWipro,I initiallyworkedinconsultingon projectsinvariousindustriesbefore joiningtheAWSPartnershipteam.
Whataresomeofthekey responsibilitiesandfocusareasin yourroleasaglobaldirectorat WiproleadingAWSPartner Programs?
Inmyrole,Ilookafteraportfolioof strategicinitiatives,includingAWS PartnerFundingandothercloud migrationprogramsglobally,actingas anexusbetweenourtechnicaldelivery, sales,andclientaccountteamsand partnershipdevelopment.
Thisincludesbothonboardingnew programsandmakingcertainongoing portfoliomanagementdecisions.Ina nutshell,myjobisamixofstrategy anddeepoperationalexpertise,whereI
gettointeractwithcolleaguesfrom manyfunctionsaroundtheworld.
Asapassionateadvocateforcreating aninclusiveanddiverseworkplace, whataresomeofthekeyinitiatives youhaveledthroughtheLGBTQ+ CharteratWipro?
LGBTQ+inclusionatWiprogoes beyondPridemonth.I'veworkedon ourDiversity,Equity,andInclusion strategybydevelopingaglobal LGBTQ+calendarwithkeydateslike InternationalNon-BinaryPeople’sDay andTransgenderAwarenessWeek. Thiscalendarsupportsyear-round discussionsthroughERGmeetings, blogposts,andwebinars.
Wealsolaunchedane-learning module,“ChampioningLGBTQ+ InclusionintheWorkplace,”andhave featuredLGBTQ+experiencesonour intranetandWipro’sDEIwebpage. Pronounusagehasbeenintegratedinto ourintranet,ouremailsignatures (publiclyavailableontheWiproBrand Toolkitwebpage)andMicrosoft365 tools,withsignificantprogressmadein awarenessandadoption.
IntheUK,wepartneredwiththe GaydioAcademyandthePrince’s Trustforapodcastingcoursefor youths,andwecelebrateour communitygloballythroughsocial media(#PrideAtWiproonLinkedIn).
Collaborationwithallieshasbeenkey tocreatingasupportiveenvironment andachievingnewmilestones.
HowhasreceivingtheBest LGBTQ+ERGLeaderawardfrom AvtarGroupimpactedyourwork andcommitmenttofosteringa cultureofrespectandbelonging?
It’sagreathonortoberecognized, muchlikebeingfeaturedinthisarticle. Awardspubliclyvalidateourimpact andaffirmourpathinLGBTQ+ inclusion.ThisrecognitionfromAvtar Groupreinforcesthatwe’reontrack andmotivatesustocontinue.
We’verecentlyappointedanERGlead forIndia,whereWiprois headquartered,toadvanceourlocal efforts.Ourgoalnowistodeepen collaborationwithalliesandamplify ourimpact.
Canyoutellmemoreaboutyour experienceandlearningsfrombeing partoftheStonewallLGBTQ+ LeadershipProgram?
StonewallisaUK-basedcharity advocatingforLGBTQ+rights.Their six-monthLGBTQ+Leadership Programbroughttogether40LGBTQ+ leadersfromvarioussectorsto promoteinclusiveworkplaces.Being selectedwastransformational, allowingmetojoinavibrant,queer groupforpeerlearningandleadership development.
Alongwithworkshopsand discussions,westayconnectedthrough adiscussiongroup,sharing experiencesanddrivinginclusion forward.Thisnetwork'senergy empowersustotransformour workplacesandinspireotherstoact, bothwithinandbeyondthe community
AsaBerkeley-HaasMBAgraduate, howhaveyourinterestsand expertiseinoperationsmanagement, conversationalAI,andservice innovationinfluencedyourworkand approachtoproblem-solving?
EarninganMBAchallengesyouto thinkdifferentlyandmakebetter decisionsbyexposingyoutodiverse perspectivesandcollaborative innovation.Theprogram'simpactis evidentinmydailyprofessionallife, helpingmeintegratenewtechnologies andproblem-solvingapproaches.
Nearlyadecadelater,defining leadershipprinciplesfromBerkeleyHaassuchasQuestiontheStatusQuo; ConfidenceWithoutAttitude;Students Always;andBeyondYourself, continuetoguideme.My conversationalAIexperiencealso reconnectswithmyearlycareerin linguisticsandcontentmanagement.
IuseKanban-basedportfolio managementforitsvisualupdatesand data-drivenfinancialreporting,which magnifyprogramoversightand impressescolleagueswithdetailed insights.
Whatmotivatedyourdecisionto pursuetheAWSaccreditationsand certifications,andhowdoyouseeit benefitingyourcurrentroleand futurecareeraspirations?
Lifelonglearninghasbecomean integralpartofeveryprofessional’s arsenal.Keepingupwitheveracceleratingtechnology,cloud, (generative)AI,andcommercial modelshelpsmakesureyoucan identifyopportunitiesandinnovate. AWSandotherhyperscalerclouds haveagreatselectionoftechnology andbusinesstraining,warrantingyou cankeepchallengingyourselfand learning.Theabilitytolearnandre-
learnquicklyarekeyskillstostay relevantintheworkplace.There’sso muchavailableatourfingertips!
Canyousharemoreaboutyour involvementwithEFBAasa treasurerandboardmember,and howthatalignswithyourpassionfor givingbacktothecommunity?
I’vebeenavolunteerwithEFBA (EducationFrançaiseBayArea)for overadecade,workingcloselywith theexecutivedirector.EFBAoperates intheSanFranciscoBayArea.
Thereissomethingspecialabout contributingtoaneducational nonprofitorganizationofferingamore affordableoptionhelpingyoungpeople learnFrenchinafter-schooland summercampprograms.
Reflectingonmypreviousanswer whereImentionedtheimportanceof educationandofbeingalifelong learner,Icouldnotbehappierto dedicatesomeofmytimetoan organizationpromotingeducation. Educationiskeytobuildingbetterand morecivilizedcommunitiesand societies.
Inyourroleasthepresidentofthe Berkeley-Haasalumnigroupinthe UK,whataresomeofthekey initiativesyouarefocusedon,and howdoyouseethisposition contributingtoyouroverall professionaldevelopment?
Americanuniversities,includingthe UniversityofCalifornia(UC),value strongalumninetworks.Recently,UC alumnieventsincludedsessionswith visitingprofessorsandwelcomeevents
forGlobalManagementProgram exchangestudentsinLondon.
Inmyrole,I’vehelpedconnectwith leadersfromall10UCcampusesto organizeandpromoteevents,suchasa yearlyalumnigalasupportingUC studentsstudyingabroad,runningclub activities,andspeakerpanels.
WealsoengagedalumniintheLondon Prideparadeandareexcitedforeven largereventsnextyear
Astheco-leadoftheUCPrideUK affinitygroup,whatareyourgoals andplansforsupportingthe LGBTQ+communityamong UniversityofCaliforniaalumniin theUK?
UCPrideUKisthemostrecent committee,createdjustafewmonths ago.Wewantedtobringtogether
alumniidentifyingasLGBTQ+and allies.Ourmaineventtodatehasbeen PrideinLondon:wetookpartinthe paradeasagroupgatheringUCalumni andfriends.
Ourplanforthecomingmonthsmay includeavisittoQueerBritain,the UK’sfirstmuseumofqueerculture, andacollaborationwiththeUC runningclubfortheannualWorld AIDSDayREDRUN.Wemay investigatepartneringwithotherqueer alumnigroups.
Howdoyoubalanceyour professionalresponsibilitiesand communityinvolvement,andwhat strategiesdoyouemploytomaintain ahealthywork-lifeintegration?
Planningandprioritizingplayahuge partinbalancingthevariousfacetsof mylife.Sodoesexercising,especially
duringthebrightsummermonths. Beinginvolvedinvariousinitiatives andcommunitiesfeelsrewardingand helpsmestaymotivatedandfulfilled.
IalsodomybesttoenjoytheLondon summerandgoforaruntwoorthree timesaweek,alongthecanalandthe riverThames.Ialsoenjoyexploring thecitybybicycle.
Last,butnotleast,findingbalance meansspendingasmuchtimeas possiblewithmyboyfriendandour dog.
Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.
- Roy T. Bennett
Manda Ha er Head of Opera ons & Founder ABC Pride Australian Broadcas ng Corpora on (ABC)
Manda Ha er
Making an Impact on Million Lives
Inaworldwheremanypursue personalambitions,some individualsdedicatetheirlivesto upliftingothers.MandaHatter,a championofchangeattheAustralian BroadcastingCorporation(ABC), personifiesthisspiritofselfless service.Asthedrivingforcebehind ABCPride,theorganization'sinternal LGBTIQ+network,Hatterhas revolutionizedworkplaceinclusivity fortheLGBTQ+community
Hatter'sinitiativeshavebeenboth innovativeandfar-reaching.From integratingLGBTQI+representation intomentorshipprogramsto orchestratingvibrantcelebrationsof queerculture,hereffortshavewoven acceptanceintothefabricofABC's corporateculture.Herleadershiphas notonlynurturedasafespacefor LGBTQ+staffbuthasalsopositioned theABCasaprogressiveforcein Australia'smediaindustry.
RecognizedasoneofDeloitte'sTop50 OutstandingLGBTILeaders,Hatter's impactextendsbeyondtheABC's walls.Bychampioningparticipationin eventslikeWearItPurpleDayandthe SydneyGayandLesbianMardiGras, shehasamplifiedLGBTQ+voicesand visibilityonanationalscale.
Hatter'sjourneyexemplifieshowone person'spassioncancatalyze institutionalchange,provingthatwhen diversityisembraced,everyone benefits.Herstoryservesasapowerful reminderofthepositiverippleeffects thatinclusiveleadershipcangenerate intheworkplaceandinsocietyat large.
Let’s explore her story in depth!
Lights,Camera,Passion
Inacareerspanningnearlyfour decades,Hatterhasbecomearespected
When you build great teams around you who are diverse in thought, create a safe space for everyone to have an opinion, and have great relationships with others, you can overcome almost anything.
figureinthetelevisionandcontent creationindustries.Herjourney, markedbydeterminationandapassion forhercraft,servesasaninspirationto aspiringmediaprofessionals.
Hatterbeginsherstorywitha respectfulacknowledgmentofthe traditionalownersofthelandwhere sheresides."BeforeItellmoreofmy story,I'dliketoacknowledgethe traditionalownersofthelandI'mon, theGadigalpeopleoftheEoraNation, paymyrespectstotheirelderspastand present,andextendthatrespectto anyoneIndigenousreadingthisfrom whereveryouaretoday,"shesays.
Growingupinaruralareawithlimited accesstotelevisionstations,Hatter's dreamofworkinginTVseemed distant.However,herdeterminationled hertoseizeanunconventional opportunityduringherhighschool years.Shebeganworkingwitha "stringer,"afreelancejournalistwho providednewsstoriesandfootageto variousTVstations."Ireallywantedto getintotelevision,soIdidthisevery weekend,missingoutontripsaway andotherfunstuff,"sherecalls.
Hatter'spersistenceextendedtoherjob search.Sherepeatedlycontacteda SydneytelevisionNetwork'sChief OperatingOfficeruntilshesecureda meeting.Duringthisencounter,she receivedvaluableadvicethatwould
shapehercareerpath.Theexecutive suggestedshegainexperiencein variousproductionandoperationsroles todevelopacomprehensive understandingoftheindustry.
Followingthisguidance,Hatter'sfirst breakcamewhenshelandedajobata localTVstationshortlyafterhigh school.Herexperiencewiththe stringerandherresearchaboutthe stationgaveheranedgeinthe applicationprocess.
Hatter'sentry-levelpositionatWIN TVWollongong,NSW,Australia,was inthe"OnAirTapes"department.Her responsibilitiesincludedmanaging programtapesandensuringtheyaired atthecorrecttimesandintheproper order."Thatwasscarybecauseyou alonewereresponsibleforensuringall theprogramsandcommercialswentto airattherighttimeandintheright order,"shereflects.
TheABCofAustralia
Hatterexploresthehistoryand significanceoftheAustralian BroadcastingCorporation(ABC),a cornerstoneofAustralia'smedia industry TheABC,assheexplains,has deeprootsinAustralianhistory,tracing backtoJuly1,1932,whenitwas establishedastheAustralian BroadcastingCommissionbyanactof federalparliament.Thisnewentity
effectivelytookoverfromthe AustralianBroadcastingCompany,a privateenterprisethathadbeen providingprogrammingforA-class radiostationssince1924.
Hatteremphasizestheimportanceof theABC'sstatutorypowers,stating, "TheABCwasgivenstatutorypowers thatreinforceditsindependencefrom thegovernmentandenhanceditsnewsgatheringrole."Thisindependencehas beencrucialinestablishingtheABCas atrustedandrespectedinstitution withinAustraliansociety
Asapublicbroadcaster,theABC carriessignificantresponsibilities. Hatterhighlightstheexpectationfor theABCtobealeaderinproducing independentandhigh-qualitycontent acrossallitsplatforms.Thismandateis enshrinedintheABC'scharter,which outlinesthreeprimaryobjectives:to inform,toeducate,andtoentertain.
Thecharteralsoemphasizestheneed forcontentandprogrammingthat reflectAustralia'sdiversity.Hatter explains,"Thatmeansweneedto embracethedifferentcharacters, successes,lives,andconcernsofall Australians."Thiscommitmentto representationisnotjustabout inclusivity;itservesabroadersocial purpose.
Hatterarguesthatthisapproach contributestonationalunity,stating, "Byreflectingdiverselives,cultures, andstories,webuildunderstanding, andwecontributetothestrengththat liesinunitingourcommunities."
IntegrityinAction
Hatteremphasizesherleadership philosophyandthecorevaluesthat guideherworkandthatofherteamsat theABC.Shedescribesherselfasa value-basedleaderwhobuildsvaluebasedteamsaroundher."Integrity,
trust,honesty,andtransparencyarekey principlestowhichweholddear,"she states.Theseprinciplesnotonlyguide individualbehaviorbutalsoshapethe collectivemindsetofherteams.She believesthateachteammemberhasa responsibilitytoupholdthesecore valuesandtoholdtheircolleaguesto thesamehighstandards.Thismutual accountabilityensuresthattheentire teamoperateswithasharedsenseof purposeandethicalcommitment.
Shefurtheremphasizestheimportance ofbuildingandmaintainingstrong connectionswiththesestakeholders, whichcouldincludegovernment bodies,communityorganizations, contentcreators,andtheAustralian publicatlarge.Centraltobuilding theserelationshipsisacommitmentto follow-throughandreliability."Always doingwhatwesaywewilldo"isa mantrathatHatterandherteamslive by,reinforcingtheircredibilityand trustworthinessintheeyesoftheir stakeholders.
The6-HourSprint
Continuingherreflectiononhercareer, Hatterrecountsoneofthemost challengingprojectsshefaced,which showcasesherleadershipskillsand problem-solvingabilities.
Theprojectrequireddelivering6hours oflivetelevisionwithinatight3monthtimeframe.Theuniqueaspectof thisprojectwastheuseofaremote controlroomlocated20kilometers awayfromthe'studiofloor,'whichwas actuallyaconvertedsurfclub.Despite thenumerouschallenges,Hatterand herteamsuccessfullydeliveredthe projectontime,withinbudget,and withoutanytechnicalfaultsduring broadcast.
Hatterrecallsthemomentsheknewthe projectwouldsucceed:"ThedayI
knewitwasgoingtoworkwasthefirst dayofrehearsals.Iwasstandinginthe 'rackroom'atthesurfclub,watching ourpicturesbeingfedbacktousin HD.”
Theprojectpresentedamultitudeof challengesthatrequiredHatter's negotiationskillsanddiplomatic approach.Shehadtoliaisewith variousstakeholders,includingthe CityMayorandherstaff,surfclub officials,andlocalresidents.Thelatter groupwasparticularlycrucialasthe productionwoulddisrupttheirusually quietbeachfrontwithnoiseand lighting.
Technicalchallengesalsoabounded. Theprojectinvolvedinstallingwhat wasthenthelargesttemperedglass windowinthesouthernhemisphere. However,thisledtounexpected complicationswhentheydiscovered thatthetemperedglasshada polarizingeffectwhenNDfilterswere usedduringbrightsunlight.
Despitetheseobstacles,Hatter attributestheproject'ssuccesstothe strengthofherteamandherleadership approach."Whenyoubuildgreat teamsaroundyouwhoarediversein thought,createasafespacefor everyonetohaveanopinion,andhave greatrelationshipswithothers,youcan overcomealmostanything,"Hatter states,encapsulatingherphilosophyon teamworkandleadership.
CraftingtheFutureofContent
Hatter'sloveforherprofessionis evidentinherwords.Sheexpressesa deepsatisfactionincreatingcontent andtakesparticularjoyinwatchingher teamssucceed.Herfocusisalwayson deliveringthebestpossiblecontentto theABC'saudiencesacrossall platforms.
"IloveCreatingContent!"Hatter exclaims,emphasizingherpassion withenthusiasm.Thisloveforher workextendsbeyondpersonal
satisfactiontoagenuinedelightin seeingherteamsthriveandachieve theirgoals.
Lookingtowardsthefuture,Hatter articulatesaclearvisionforher ongoingroleattheABC.Shestates,"I wouldlovetocontinuecreating contentandremovinganybarriersfor theABCtocontinuetodeliverthebest contentforallAustraliansandour audiencesaroundtheworld."
Hatterhasevencraftedapersonal missionforherselfwithinthe organization.Sheaimstohavethe ABC'sfacilitiesandcrewsworkingat maximumcapacity,stating,"Myselfcreatedmissionistohaveourfacilities (studios)andourincrediblecrews workingaroundtheclocktodothis." Hervisionencompassesnotjustthe Australianaudiencebutalso recognizestheABC'sglobalreach.
Wkplace Discrimination: 5Types of Discrimination
Employees Should Be Aware Of
Workplacediscrimination remainsapressingissue acrossvariousindustries, manifestinginmultipleformsthatcan significantlyimpactanemployee's careerandwell-being.Understanding thevarioustypesofdiscriminationis crucialforbothemployeesand employerstocreateafairandinclusive environment.
WetalkedtoexpertAlburysolicitorsto understandthefivecommontypesof workplacediscriminationthat everyoneshouldbeawareof.
1.RaceandColorDiscrimination
Thisformofdiscriminationoccurs whenemployeesaretreated unfavorablybecauseoftheirskincolor orracialcharacteristics.Itcanaffect hiring,promotions,jobassignments, andevensalaries.Forexample,a qualifiedindividualmaybepassed overforapromotioninfavorofaless qualifiedindividualofadifferentrace.
Toavoidthis,employersmustensure thatallpoliciesareneutralintermsof raceandthateveryonehasequalaccess toopportunities.
Awarenessandtrainingcanhelp reduceunconsciousbiasesthat contributetoracialdiscrimination.
2.GenderDiscrimination
Despitesignificantadvancementsin workplaceequalityoverthepastfew decades,genderdiscriminationremains prevalent.Itshowsupasunequalpay, differenttreatmentbasedongender, anddiscriminationagainstpregnant womenorthosewithfamily responsibilities.Acommonscenariois whenwomenintraditionallymaledominatedfieldsfacebarriersto advancementorencounterpay disparitiescomparedtotheirmale counterparts.
Companiesshouldimplementstrict policiesagainstgenderdiscrimination andpromotediversityinleadership rolestoensureabalanced representationofgendersatalllevels.
3.AgeDiscrimination
Agediscriminationisincreasingly relevantastheworkforceages,with biasesoftendirectedtowardsboth youngerandolderemployees.Older workersmightbeseenasless adaptabletonewtechnologiesorcostly intermsofsalaryandbenefits,while youngerworkersmightbeviewedas inexperienced.
LawssuchastheAgeDiscrimination inEmploymentActintheUnited Statesprotectworkersovertheageof 40fromdiscrimination.Regardlessof thelaw,however,employersshould valuethediverseperspectivesand skillsthatemployeesofdifferentages bringtotheworkplace.
4.DisabilityDiscrimination
Employeeswithdisabilitiesoftenface significantbarriersintheworkplace, fromphysicalaccessibilityissuesto prejudicedattitudesabouttheir
capabilities.Discriminationcanoccur inhiringpractices,whereemployers mayassumethatadisabilityprevents someonefromperformingwell,despite reasonableaccommodationsthatcould bemade.
TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct (ADA)requiresemployerstoprovide reasonableaccommodationsfor employeeswithdisabilities,unless doingsowouldcausesignificant difficultyorexpenseforthebusiness.
5.SexualOrientationandGender IdentityDiscrimination
IndividualswhoidentifyasLGBTQ+ canexperiencediscriminationbasedon theirsexualorientationorgender identity Thistypeofdiscrimination canrangefromderogatorycomments tooutrightexclusionorunfair termination.
Morestatesandcountriesareenacting lawstoprotectLGBTQ+workers,and companiesarealsobeginningto recognizetheimportanceofpolicies thatexplicitlyforbiddiscrimination basedonsexualorientationandgender identity
Howcanyoufightdiscriminationin theworkplace?
Creatinganinclusiveworkplaceisas muchaboutcompliancewithlawsasit isaboutbuildingaculturethatrespects andvaluesdiversity.Employersshould conductregulartrainingsessionsto educatetheirworkforceabout discriminationandtheimportanceof diversityandinclusion.Additionally, establishingclear,accessiblereporting proceduresfordiscriminationclaimsis crucial.
Recognizingandcombatingworkplace discriminationisthebestwayto achieveahealthy,inclusive,and productiveworkenvironment.Both employersandemployeeshaverolesto
playinidentifyingandaddressing thesediscriminatorypractices.By stayinginformedandproactive, workplacescanbecomemoreequitable spaceswhereeveryonehasthe opportunitytosucceed.
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