Here at iA, we feel that celebrating Pride Month is just one of the many ways that we can stay true to one of our core values – Championing Diversity.
This year, we asked some of our team members at iA to share a bit about what Pride means to them. We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates diversity and inclusivity and we thank everyone across iA who have shared their stories with us.
What does Pride mean to you?
“Pride, to me, means being comfortable in your own element without fear of how others may or may not judge you. This takes on different meanings depending on the individual you are talking to. For some, it may be going ‘all out’ and flying your colors proud. For others, it’s simply a time of introspection. But for most, I think it falls somewhere in-between.”
-Chloé Mead, IT Security Analyst I
“Pride means being your true authentic self – embracing the quirkiness and uniqueness everyone has! Everyone brings something different to the drawing board!”
-Clint Whalen, People Programs & Systems Specialist
How are you celebrating Pride Month this year?
“By being my true self more than ever! I also want to show others that it’s okay to be yourself, despite what society may tell them. I want to give back to the community that has given so much to me and allowed me to finally be myself. I may be a little late, but I have so much to give!”
-Chloé Mead, IT Security Analyst I
“My goal is to get out more and meet new people. I love getting to know people that are out of my comfort zone. I love connecting and having great conversations with diverse people! ”
-Clint Whalen, People Programs & Systems Specialist
How do you celebrate your identity at iA and what’s been your proudest moment here?
“I celebrate my identity with my gender expression and by ensuring that people see me the way I feel inside. In the past few months, I have broken down many proverbial walls and am now able to be my true happy self 100% of the time. I can honestly say that everyone that knows me here can vouch that I am ‘better than before,’ and I think I am okay with that!”
-Chloé Mead, IT Security Analyst I
What would you like people to know about Pride Month?
“I would like people to know that Pride can be a very personal thing. For some, it’s all celebration, while others don’t like to celebrate at all. Everyone has their own ways of expressing themselves. We should embrace this expression and never try to push our own ideas of what (we think) something should be onto others.”
-Chloé Mead, IT Security Analyst I
“Pride month is a time to celebrate diversity and embrace differences! ”
-Clint Whalen, People Programs & Systems Specialist
How do you feel celebrating Pride Month is a way to Champion Diversity at iA?
“It is essential. Folks that celebrate Pride Month tend to be part of some marginalized minority group. So, it only makes sense that celebrating their struggles and uniqueness brings an air of diversity to the organization. You can never do too much to be inclusive, especially for those who are not out or comfortable being very open about their differences. By doing this, we can show the world that we care.”
-Chloé Mead, IT Security Analyst I
“Championing Diversity is more than just celebrating certain days or reserving a month. It is growing and learning from one another. iA is connecting with all different departments, and expanding our reach and initiatives to all employees to Champion Diversity together! Celebrating Pride Month might be “reserved” in June every year, but iA is working on celebrating diversity all year! This is one of the reasons iA is amazing!”
-Clint Whalen, People Programs & Systems Specialist