At Proofpoint, our people—and the range of their experiences, perspectives and work skills—drive our success. We embrace and foster the diversity of our team members, customers and stakeholders. Everyone is valued and appreciated for their lifestyles, thoughts and talents, all of which contribute to the growth and sustainability of our business and the strength of our communities.
To support our diverse workforce, Proofpoint has Employee Inclusion Groups (EIGs). Our EIG communities serve as structured, employee-led organizations that are formally recognized and integrated into the fabric of our company. EIGs cultivate compelling conversations, workshops and activities. And they empower our employees to learn from one another and express their authentic selves.
Our Pride EIG provides an environment that encourages others through shared experiences and fosters support across recruitment, career development, community outreach, professional growth and retention initiatives.
In many countries, Pride Month is an annual and monthlong global celebration. Proofpoint stands with the LGBTQIA+ community each and every day. But we also join the world each June to recognize and celebrate the importance of inclusion and diversity at our company and in our communities.
As part of our Pride celebration, we are excited to highlight employees who have volunteered to participate as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or as an Ally. In this blog post, we feature Megan Willy, a senior software engineer who works remotely in the U.S.
Megan Willy, senior software engineer
What is something you’re excited to do this month to celebrate your identity and Pride?
Here in my hometown, I run a cycling club for the LGBTQIA+ community. During Pride month, we’ll host our annual Pride Ride, which raises money for local LGBTQIA+ services, including our local seniors’ group and local mutual aid funds.
I am so excited to get out there and provide a fun, safe event for my community while helping to support critical community services. We’ll also ride in our city’s Pride Parade with our friends and allies in the local gravel cycling club, which is a great way to let the community know that these safe, supportive organizations exist.
How has your participation in Pride events had an impact on your life?
It gives me so much joy to be able to join others in celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and how far we’ve come. My participation in Pride events has also helped me create strong connections and friendships with other community leaders as we work together to celebrate and uplift our community. I really enjoy being able to contribute in a meaningful way.
What’s something you think people can do, especially during Pride Month, to gain awareness about important issues that impact the global LGBTQIA+ community?
Pride Month is a great time to start seeking out LGBTQIA+ media like news publications, podcasts and content creators. I think intersectional perspectives are especially critical. Consider looking into content from disabled or POC (people of color) creators for a better understanding of how their experiences in the LGBTQIA+ community may be different from more mainstream examples.
What tips do you have to foster an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and can bring their whole selves to work?
An inclusive working environment can only be achieved through unequivocal support for staff from marginalized communities combined with action taken to ensure the environment is a safe place for those staff members to thrive.
What do you think are the most pressing issues that LGBTQIA+ community members face today?
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community face poverty, housing insecurity and violence at far higher rates than people outside the community typically do. At the same time, we are facing an unprecedented push to legislate us out of the public space or criminalize our existence.
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