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As my long-suffering (and tremendously patient) readers know, this blog is about my personal journey as a Chief Sustainability Officer. In the past, I've tended to focus my ramblings on my ideas about how to instill sustainability as a core principle into everything in business, along with my feelings about the challenges and wins along the way. But a hugely important, and tremendously fulfilling, part of this role isn't really about sustainability as such. It's about being a good employee, a citizen of the EMC community, a thoughtful manager and available mentor, and a representative of EMC and its management and workforce. So it was with great honor that I accepted the invitation to serve with my indefatigable colleague Chad Sakac (President of Global SE and a generally unstoppable force) as co-sponsors of the EMC LGBT Allies employee circle. In my first official act, Chad and I published the message below, inviting all EMC employees to celebrate Pride Month with us. And to feel the pride - which I do every day, though no more so than when EMC took a public stand against discriminatory laws. Yes, folks, I still love my job. More than ever. --------------------- As executive sponsors of ELGBTA, EMC's employee circle for allies of our LGBT friends and family, it is our pleasure to welcome all EMC staff to the start of Pride Month 2015! Pride Month is celebrated each year to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had locally, nationally, and internationally. At locations around the world, Pride activities are often held in June to mark turning points in LGBT history, such as the Stonewall Riots in the U.S., leading to organized efforts to confront and challenge discrimination. At EMC, Pride Month means even more. Diversity of thought, diversity of experience – frankly diversity in all forms – is critical everywhere, certainly at EMC. Pride Month is a time for conscious celebration of who we each are as individuals. Pride month is a time for reflection of what we each uniquely bring to enrich our teams, families, community and EMC as a company. We both think that this reflection and celebration is something that holds true for all of us - regardless of race, gender, religion, nationality, sexual preference or identity, age, or physical ability. And it is an opportunity for us to take time out to honor our common shared sense of decency, purpose, and humanity. We are incredibly proud of being part of a global EMC community that knows diversity makes our company stronger by feeding innovation and giving us a deeper understanding of our customers and business partners. Even more, it broadens our own perspectives as individuals and expands our appreciation for our teammates. We are especially proud this year of the public stance that EMC has taken in favor of LGBT rights and non-discrimination for all of our employees. Activities in honor of Pride Month will be announced on Inside EMC, and on the ELGBTA mailing list, which is open to all. Keep an eye out for events in your local office. Additionally, we're excited to announce that EMC will be sponsoring Pride Parades in Boston on June 13, in London on June 27, and in Seattle on June 28. Our theme this year is "Embrace"; a reminder to embrace our differences, and our opportunities. We will be there, shouting our pride in being part of the EMC community, and we hope you'll be marching with us. Let's make this a record turnout! Pride is not something we feel only for one month per year. We feel it every day when we look at our amazing colleagues and what we have achieved as a company. Let's use this month as a reminder and an opportunity celebrate diversity and to bring our voices together to say thank you! |
