Yahoo Finance The OUTstanding Top 50 LGBT+ Future Leaders 2019
The 2019 OUTstanding LGBT+ Role Model Lists, supported by Yahoo Finance, are a powerful reflection of the incredible achievements of LGBT+ people in the business community. The lists are published annually and showcase 100 LGBT+ executives, 50 LGBT+ future Leaders, 50 ally executives and 30 public sector LGBT+ executives.
All of the future leaders in this list — who, once they identify as LGBT+, can be in any position in a company, can be any nationality, and based in any country — were nominated by peers and colleagues, or put themselves forward.
Nominations were then reviewed by the OUTstanding judging panel, which scored each person on the influence of their role, their impact on staff inside and outside the workplace, and their business achievements.
1) Bobbi Pickard, Consultant Senior Project Manager, BP
Bobbi champions diversity across multiple channels, from establishing trans networks and co-chairing the Transgender Group at BP (BP), to speaking at events and about trans issues at a national level. Bobbi has been instrumental in creating an open and safe space at BP for the trans community and developing resources on a wider scale to educate others on some of the issues faced by the community.
Bobbi is the co-founder of Trans in the City. The network has brought over 55 organisations together for Transgender Day of Remembrance, has provided free trans awareness training at UK schools in 2019 and contributed to a masters thesis at INSEAD in Singapore, which examined the transgender experience in organisations.
She has created training programmes for several of BP’s international offices and delivered BP Pride’s first reverse-mentoring programme. Bobbi has been called upon by external organisations such as Sky TV, which she helped develop its first transgender awareness event in April, and has also provided free consultancy, advice and training to many organisations including the Jockey Club, which she helped establish its first LGBT+ organisation.
2) Sue Baines, Director, Barclays Bank
Sue has undertaken LGBTQ+ advocacy work on multiple levels from co-chairing Spectrum, Barclays (BARC.L) LGBTQ+ network, and acting as a trustee for groups Ditch the Label and ELOP. She was delivered workshops and training, providing consultancy and mentoring, and successfully fundraised for LGBTQ+ inclusion. Sue has campaigned hard to champion the importance of allies, working with corporate clients and suppliers and organisations such as the UK’s Military Services to foster a culture of workplace inclusion.
She also leads on Spectrum’s community impact and, through fundraising events such as the Spectrum Gala Dinners, panels and presentations, has helped raise awareness and last year alone over £200,000 for various LGBTQ+ charities, such as the Terrence Higgins Trust and LGBT Foundation. As well as creating and disseminating LGBT+ articles for Barclays’ retired colleagues, Sue’s successes include the 9,000 and climbing membership to the Spectrum-Barclays LGBTQ+ network and doubling the ally membership. A Stonewall Alumni, Sue has conducted Stonewall Trans Ally training for the 36 MDs on the Barclays Diversity Council.
She is also an advisory member of LBQWomen, and as a visibly out lesbian role model, has actively participated in events engaging LBTQ women, creating support networks to encourage career confidence in women. Sue provides insightful consultancy advice, particularly on strategy, financial management, legal matters and marketing. She has led strategic reviews for Ditch the Label & ELOP and, as a member of the Terrence Higgins Trust Finance & Audit Committee, has advised on financial and risk management.
3) Wally Suphap, Vice President, Legal and Compliance Division, Morgan Stanley
Demonstrating leadership through his energy, empathy and engagement, Wally continues to propel LGBT+ inclusivity with his work within Morgan Stanley (MS) and through external networks. Underlying Wally’s leadership and advisory roles, including in Morgan Stanley’s Pride and Allies Network, Hong Kong LGBT+ Attorneys Network, Pink Alliance, Columbia University’s LGBT+ Alumni Network, is a core determination to galvanise and effect change. Leveraging his position within Hong Kong’s legal and financial sectors, Wally has spearheaded LGBT+ initiatives, created successful advocacy campaigns, led impactful pro-bono projects, advised HR teams, and formed professional and community-based networks.
Wally’s recent contributions include advancing the first-time participation by Morgan Stanley, along with 30 other firms, in a landmark LGBT+ rights case in Hong Kong resulting in immigration equality and organising the Law in Transition Speaker Series featuring legal experts to build awareness on LGBT+ rights status across more than ten Asian jurisdictions.
He has also overseen pro bono projects related to marriage equality and strategic litigation funding, spearheaded Hong Kong’s first-ever marriage equality business coalition campaign, “EqualLoveHK”; and secured HKGALA’s annual sponsorship of The Economist’s Pride and Prejudice, ALB Law Awards and HK LGBT+ Inclusion Gala, in turn promoting visibility for LGBT+ lawyers.
His contributions have featured in multi-language newspapers and publications, including Hong Kong Economic Journal, HK Lawyer, and ALB Journal.
Wally was named Inclusion Champion of the Year at the 2017 Community Business LGBT+ Inclusion Awards. He frequently speaks on diversity panels, hosts HKGALA’s roundtables, presents at the LGBT+ Interbank Forum, and delivers legal training on LGBT+ rights.
4) Liam Rezende, Marketing Communications Manager EMEIA, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
A champion of LGBT+ inclusivity within Hyatt (H) and through external networks, Liam is the global co-chair of HyPride, Hyatt’s LGBT+ network, has successfully organised a HyPride sub-committee that led to Hyatt’s strategic partnership with NYC Pride and has organised a successful series of global roundtables with top customers and Hyatt executives to share best practices.
Hyatt’s global marketing campaign “Stay As You Are” was orchestrated by Liam’s successful establishment of a cross-functional business taskforce. Liam has initiated and organised numerous events including a WorldPride event, a march with 300 colleagues as well as initiatives to commemorate Spirit Day, Trans Visibility Day and National Coming Out Day. Liam was sought by KPMG UK and was a guest speaker for an event hosted by two of KPMG’s networks, Breathe and KNOW.
Through highlighting his own experiences in navigating the career world as an openly gay man, Liam is often visible and active on social media raising awareness of LGBT+ issues and specifically in Trinidad and Tobago. Due to Liam’s public profile, Jason Jones and Dianne Abbott invited him to speak at the House of Commons, where he addressed the impact of anti-LGBT+ laws across the Commonwealth and its link to colonialism. In 2018, Liam co-founded Checking-IN, the first hospitality industry network for LGBT+ professionals and allies.
5) Laurie Rutter, Senior Consultant, Deloitte
Laurie is the co-chair of GLOBE, Deloitte’s LGBT+ network, and has shaped Deloitte’s Gender Expression and Transition Policy. They have trained a network of trans champions who lend support to Deloitte’s trans community and have revolutionised recruitment and on-boarding procedures to be more inclusive for the trans community.
Within Deloitte’s global network, Laurie also supports and mentors LGBT+ people as well as serving as a reverse mentor to a member of Deloitte’s UK Executive. Furthermore, they provide trans awareness training both internally and in other Deloitte member firms, advising on how to create a more inclusive environment for all LGBT+ employees.
Laurie is currently lobbying for the provision of trans inclusive healthcare, and working with HR and global mobility to improve the experience of business travel for LGBT+ employees. Externally, Laurie is a founder and deputy chair of Wave, a cross-firm junior LGBT+ network that launched in February 2019. They have been involved in setting the strategy for Wave and creating engaging events with diversity and inclusion at the core. Laurie has also spoken at numerous LGBT+ events including Stonewall’s first-ever Network Group Masterclass and the BFI’s LGBT+ in the Workplace Summit.
6) Georgina Marcantonio, Commercial Marketing Manager, ITV
A committed advocate for LGBT+ inclusivity, Georgina leads a number of LGBT+ events, mentors colleagues, and has been sought out by the likes of Endemol Shine, BBC Studios and E-One Entertainment to share best practices in setting up their own respective Pride networks.
With a reach of over 300+ colleagues a month and covering a wide range of diverse topics, Georgina produces and presents the ITV (ITV.L) Pridecast podcast, which celebrates and raises awareness of key dates across the LGBT+ calendar. Georgina has led ITV’s participation in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2018, leading to ITV placing 129 out of 450 that year.
Externally, Georgina has successfully fundraised for World Aids Day, Pride in London, Stonewall and Opening Doors as well as representing ITV at the National Student Pride Festival and managing InterMediaUK’s network communications and events.
In addition, she leads ITV Pride events across ITV’s key regional offices ensuring that LGBT+ issues are front of mind both internally and visibly on-screen — earning this activity the Highly Commended trophy at the 2019 Diva Awards. Georgina also works closely with the team at Pride in London to help deliver the London event, and is involved in the full cycle — from signing up key ITV talent to advertising inventory across ITV’s channels.
7) Craig O'Boyle, Head of Entertainment & Media, EMEA, Google
Through his position as Head of Entertainment, Gaming & Media in EMEA, Craig is responsible for managing Google’s (GOOG) largest entertainment industry relationships and ensuring that those brands get the best from their future strategic partnerships and investment with Google. As an integral part of the EMEA LGBTQ+ Steering committee, Craig leads on strategies and campaigns to engage internal and external LGBTQ+ and ally communities, and has championed how Google can work with organisations across EMEA to raise awareness and drive an agenda for change. He also leads Google’s EMEA pride strategy, and in 2019 he worked with local employee groups to deliver a tailored Pride strategy covering 24 marches in 20 countries.
This remit includes his leadership of Google’s Pride Day at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity for the past two years, which raises awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion within the global marketing industry.
Craig also runs the UK Leaders’ Community at Google and is a key country champion for diversity, inclusion and leadership development. He previously oversaw Google’s LGBTQ+ Business Pillar, leading a team that delivered events for LGBTQ+ business owners to help inclusive businesses scale.
In the UK, Craig is passionate about building links across employee groups and LGBTQ+ groups, and is creating a network of individuals to collaborate and increase support for the LGBTQ+ community across industries and sectors, and to champion new emerging talent. Craig has participated in several external mentoring and coaching programmes including time with brands such as Soho House, the Marketing Academy and Terrence Higgins Trust.
8) Jose Alberto, Marketing Leader, Latin America, Dow
Pino Andrade Dedicated to driving forward LGBT+ inclusivity in the workplace and beyond, Alberto was a key member of Dow’s (DOW) planning committee for EMERGE 2018 – the company’s inclusion and culture conference – where he shared his personal coming out experience.
Additionally, he has taken part in Spain’s Pride activities, speaking on LGBT+ awareness and the importance of allies in the Spain’s equality ministry with REDI, and also as a speaker during the LGBT@Work Conference from Instituto Empresa in Madrid alongside SAP. He has also successfully worked to co-ordinate Dow’s participation at the Out & Equal Workplace Summit 2019 in Washington DC. Recently, Alberto was named the first LGBT+ NGO Global Liaison for Dow’s LGBTQ+ and ally employee resource group, GLAD.
Outside of his position at Dow, Alberto has been a speaker for REDI, a company network for diversity in Spain, and has represented Latin America in a panel with Marion Mulder, Workplace Pride, and the LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Alberto also discussed publicly the future of LGBT+ inclusion during Out & Equal’s first Brazil Strategy Workplace session and has presented on Out & Equal’s first global webinar in Spanish, focusing on diversity and inclusion in Latin America. Most recently, Alberto collaborated with Eastman and Rebold to support their LGBT+ networks in Latin America.
9) Annie Newman, Senior Digital News and Content Editor, GSK
Annie has worked towards building an inclusive culture both within GSK (GSK) and external networks throughout her career. Since joining the leadership team of Spectrum, GSK’s award winning LGBT+ employee network, as its first female leader, Annie has overseen GSK’s submission to Stonewall’s UK Workplace Index.
She has also participated in several internal panel discussions focused on the importance of allies and mental health, mentored LGBT+ employees and, using Spectrum, has increased GSK’s overall visibility of LGBT+ people with events and sponsorship. In addition, Annie has led the evolution of GSK’s internal and external communications strategy to ensure that GSK are telling the amazing stories of LGBT+ employees and creating a vibrant and inclusive workplace culture.
Annie has been a member of the Proud Science Alliance (PSA) steering team since early 2019. The PSA is a collective of healthcare and life science sector LGBT+ networks that work together to promote LGBT+ equality in the scientific community. As engagement lead for the Alliance, Annie is editor-in-chief for all external and member communications, has developed a successful communications strategy and is responsible for content development and delivery. Annie has authored and edited articles for EDIS, DIVA online and MyGWork — the latter of which she as a mentor in the mentoring programme for — on subjects ranging from the importance of allies to the commercialisation of Pride.
10) Amy Phan, Senior Vice President, Digital Small Business, Bank of America
Within months of starting her role at Bank of America (BAC), Amy was tapped to become co-chair of the LGBT+ Pride Employee Network for the broader San Francisco Bay Area. Her efforts in rejuvenating the chapter have led to increased employee engagement and community awareness.
Along with her co-chair, Amy has set a record for events and partnerships, from leading sponsorship negotiations with Frameline, the longest-running and largest LGBTQIA+ film exhibition in the world, to collaborating with Queer Morning Breakfast and AIDS2020 to host an event on AIDS/HIV awareness and education. One of the chapter’s biggest initiatives is to increase the number of “out” professionals at Bank of America. Externally, Amy is a member of the executive board for Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM), leading marketing communications and serving as a key influencer in the non-profit’s broader strategy.
In her four-year tenure on the executive board, oSTEM has made huge strides, expanding from 45 to 90 chapters (including the creation of professional membership), launching a mentorship and leadership program, and establishing an Organizational Advisory Committee. Her team has more than tripled the number of subscribers to oSTEM’s communications, as well as built and strengthened its social media presence across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, with a future focus on Linkedin and YouTube.
Named in the Business Equality Magazine’s Inaugural List of 40 LGBTQ Leaders under 40 (2018), Amy also started the East Bay chapter of Lesbians in Tech and has previously worked with Reaching Out MBA and Out for Undergrad.
11) Christina Riley, Senior Planner, Kier Group
With a sound career reputation as a committed advocate for LGBT+ inclusion, Christina Riley joined the Kier Group bringing forth her expertise in launching LGBT+ networks and EDI. Christina quickly became vice-chair of Kier Group’s LGBT+ network with LGBT+ inclusion immediately becoming a front-and-centre issue. As the co-chair of the London Balanced Business Network (BBN), Christina has successfully hosted sessions with the Kier Group’s senior management team with topics covering the broad spectrum of diversity.
At her previous role with Balfour Beatty, Christina was the chair of the LGBT+ Allies Network and was a key senior member of the diversity committee, positively influencing their 5-year plan and forming the model for other affinity networks. Christina is a sought-after public speaker, and as a trans role model was most recently asked to present the “outstanding contribution to construction award” at the prestigious Construction News Awards.
A founder member of Queer Britain Museum, Christina is also on the Building Equality and InterEngineering Steering Committees. Christina is currently working with the Disney Pride Network and Heathrow diversity network and is a judge of the Inspire Awards, panel host at London Build Expo and regular panellist at UK Construction Week.
Christina has given over 70 LGBT talks and has featured alongside speakers from organisations like the Institute of Civil Engineers, Rolls Royce, and Sky TV. Christina also runs “LGBT Construct” — a global social media network for LGBT intersectionality in the workplace with nearly 5,000 followers.
12) Louis Ng, Senior Manager, Early Careers Talent Acquisition, Fidelity International
Upon joining Fidelity, Louis quickly established the LGBT+ Action Group in Hong Kong. Featured as a visible role model in a company-wide campaign, Louis is the Asian regional lead and advocates for LGBT+ inclusion within Fidelity through participation in Pink Day, Global Pride Month, and ally recruitment. A champion of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Louis has created resources for Fidelity’s LGBT+ employees including research papers, and he is the appointed contact for colleagues to discuss workplace discrimination.
Louis has impressively piloted Fidelity’s first-ever LGBT+ ally training with a focus on Asia, with more than 200 colleagues attending sessions since its conception three years ago. Externally, Louis is a career coach and mentor with a keen passion in helping young people develop their careers, bringing forth his personal experiences as an out Chinese man. Louis has contributed to local LGBT+ networks from the likes of the Queer Straight Alliance (QSA) and Pink Alliance, while also leading career development workshops.
Additionally, Louis has provided guidance to recruitment firms and local organisations to create more LGBT+ spaces and has partnered with EY to collaborate on a bisexual sharing session. Most recently, Louis led Community Business’ submission to the Hong Kong LGBT+ Inclusion Index achieving a gold standard.
13) Bruna Gil, Partner Manager, LinkedIn
Bruna has driven the charge for LGBT+ inclusivity in her role at LinkedIn and through engagement with external networks. With LinkedIn, Bruna is Co-chair of Out@In UK and has led Pride events for employees, has assumed a global role within Out@In leading investment efforts in LGBT+ leadership driving the creation of a new global leadership programme Out@Leadership, targeting LGBT+ employees who are looking to move into leadership.
A member of the UK Social Impact Board, Bruna has created opportunities for LinkedIn employees to volunteer and mentor with external organisations. Bruna has relayed her personal experiences by publishing on LinkedIn’s #OutOnLinkedIn campaign as well as speaking openly about the importance of work environments creating spaces that allow for authenticity.
As part of Bruna’s external work, she is on the advisory board for Career Accelerator, an organisation that focuses on creating opportunities for disadvantaged youth in tech. Through her volunteer role as the Youth Programme Lead for Social Impact, she has worked with numerous external organisations to deliver sessions aimed at young people to better position them to enter the workforce. Bruna has published an article for Coming Out Month, which shared her personal story of growing up as LGBT+ in Brazil and continues to advocate for inclusivity through her work.
14) Jonathan Andrews, Associate, Reed Smith
Jonathan is a committed advocate for fair access to employment, particularly LGBT+, disability and social mobility representation in law. Having served on the boards of Reed Smith’s LGBT+ and disability networks PRISM and LEADRS, Jonathan has shared his experiences as a bi man for PRISM’s first ever bi-focused event and has championed intersectionality. Jonathan has used his position as Reed Smith’s first openly autistic and LGBT+ solicitor to empower aspiring applicants, ensuring that his internal efforts are also reflected in client outreach.
Seconded to Bauer Media, Jonathan was commissioned by Bauer’s CEO to launch their inaugural diversity and inclusion forum, which was integral in Bauer becoming the joint-highest performer for disability representation among the UK’s main radio broadcasters. The percentage of openly disabled employees increased to 9%. Jonathan has launched the official Commonwealth Youth Disability Network and, as inaugural chair, has provided a strong voice for LGBT+ and disability intersectionality. Jonathan has also founded and co-chairs the London Bi Network, where he has continually secured sponsorship and successfully hosted cross-sectoral events.
Through his reappointment to the Law Society Equality Committee, Jonathan has continued promoting LGBT+ equality and has spoken at recruitment events leading to LGBT+ disabled applicants securing training contracts from City firms. He recently became the youngest-ever person in history to receive an honorary degree from the Open University, in recognition of his contribution to LGBT+ equality, is the youngest-ever alumni to receive an Outstanding Alumni Award from King’s College London, and was the first-ever individual to win the LexisNexis “Diversity & Inclusion” Award.
15) Luke Ives, Bid Manager, Civic Engineers
Since joining Civic Engineers, an SME engineering consultancy, Luke has developed its inclusion network through by using his previous experience of chairing Balfour Beatty’s LGBT+ Network. Luke’s actions serve to create positive and inclusive workplaces, through creating positive, open discussions and encouraging engagement in developing, delivering and monitoring diversity and inclusion.
Luke is chair of Building Equality in Greater Manchester, an alliance construction organisation working together to drive LGBT+ inclusion in the industry, and a member of the executive committee. His work for Building Equality in Greater Manchester has seen the network grow to encompass 27 organisations since 2017. He also attends the Construction Industry Council’s NW committee for diversity. Through this, Luke has led on collaborative initiatives to drive LGBT+ inclusion including assisting in the creation of Building Equality Leeds, Bristol and Glasgow’s LGBT+ networks, leading construction Pride organisation for Manchester pride, Sparkle Weekend and Salford Pride.
Luke organises and hosts external LGBT+ events, ensuring cross-industry collaboration and charity engagement to raise awareness of key LGBT+ topics. Luke is also an active public speaker and has featured, authored and contributed to articles for Construction News, MEN and The Business Desk. Additionally, Luke is driving the conversation on sexuality and gender while empowering allies to take a stand, through developing the Building Equality LGBT+ Inclusion Toolbox Talk, an interactive presentation aimed at promoting and educating on key LGBT+ issues. Luke has spearheaded the Building Equality Poster Campaign, aimed at challenging misconceptions and inappropriate language and behaviour in the workplace.
16) Cory Valente, PhD, Senior R&D Leader, Dow
Until recently, Cory served as the Global Leader for GLAD, Dow’s LGBTQ+ and Ally Employee Resource Group, and was responsible for setting and implementing the organisation’s strategic priorities. As GLAD’s leader, Cory ensured Dow’s policies and practices led to a 100% rating for Dow on the HRC’s evolving Corporate Equality Index, resulting in the company’s 14th consecutive perfect score.
Additionally, Cory served on Dow’s Joint Inclusive Council overseeing all ERGs, and continues to influence Dow’s innovative and sustainable inclusion strategy. Cory initiated a transition team to ensure there was a sustainable framework in place to support LGBTQ+ employees when DowDuPont separated into three independent companies.
He was a featured speaker in a 2019 webinar hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation discussing The Positive Impact of LGBTQ+ Inclusive Practices in the Workplace and has been invited to speak to the value of inclusion at various forums. In 2016, Cory authored an op-ed titled “Creating an inclusive culture: How to step up LGBTQ+ support in your company and community” and continues to advocate best practices with other companies and organisations. He is the recipient of Dow’s 2019 Diamond Award for his contributions to GLAD and inclusion and diversity, and was awarded the 2017 American Chemical Society Regional Stanley C Israel Award for advancing diversity in the chemical sciences.
17) Henry Li, Associate, Litigation and Dispute Management, Eversheds Sutherland
Founder of Eversheds Sutherland’s LGBT+ Diversity and Inclusion programme in Hong Kong, Henry Li is a committed advocate for diversity and inclusion. Henry has developed an LGBT+ HR toolkit that includes LGBT+ training programmes, and distributes an LGBT+ welcome kit to create a positive, welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBT+ people within Eversheds Sutherland’s culture. Henry has been featured prominently on the firm’s intranet and network as part of Eversheds Sutherland’s LGBT+ History Month Series, and has been interviewed for Lawyer Magazine alongside the CEO during Pride Month 2019. Henry has been successful in lobbying senior management teams to put trans-friendly, gender-neutral restrooms in the Hong Kong office. Impressively, Henry has organised Pink Dot, the largest Pride event in Hong Kong 2018, has featured in a video campaign, alongside his husband, launching the first NGO in Hong Kong dedicated to promoting marriage equality. He has connected 30+ financial institutions and law firms to submit a joint submission to the government’s public consultation in support of gender recognition laws in Hong Kong.
18) Michael Lam, Executive Director, Goldman Sachs
Michael is active in supporting the LGBT+ Network at Goldman Sachs (GS) and driving results to benefit colleagues in the workplace and communities beyond. Michael serves as the co-head of Goldman Sachs’ Hong Kong LGBT+ network, leading a 12-member steering committee to formulate and execute initiatives. He is committed to intersectionality and has partnered with the Women’s Network, Family Forum, Wellness team and Black and Hispanic/Latino Network for a number of events to promote inclusion.
Michael is an active participant in various global LGBT+ and diversity and inclusion initiatives such as the Global Pronouns Initiative Working Group. Externally, Michael serves as the secretariat for the Hong Kong LGBT+ Interbank Forum. One of his mission is to increase the voice of LGBT+ inclusion in the broader business sector by expanding beyond traditional investments and retail banks.
Michael has invited local NGOs including Pink Dot and Pride Parade to present their initiatives to Interbank members, encouraging stronger communication and awareness between business community efforts. In continuing efforts to engage with business leaders and stakeholders on LGBT+ inclusion, Michael has spoken at external conferences such as the Out Leadership Summit and seeks to empower individuals to be their own role models.
19) Aoife Martin, Senior BizOps Engineer, Mastercard
A champion for diversity across many channels, Aoife is the co-lead of the Mastercard (MA) Dublin Pride business resource group and has aided in organising various Pride-related activities including Mastercard’s participation in the annual Dublin Pride Parade. A sought-after speaker, she has spoken at various events about her journey — most recently for Transgender Day of Visibility and at Mastercard’s Global Inclusion Summit in New York.
Since Aoife’s decision to transition, Mastercard has put in place policies for trans employees. Aoife is extensively involved in telling her story on social media and has aided in the delivery of resources and output for Transgender Day of Visibility and Pride. Outside her role at Mastercard, Aoife has been invited by Google, Facebook and LinkedIn, among others, to speak at events and appear on the panels of LGBT+ centric discussions.
With articles published across the Irish Times, Image Magazine and the Huffington Post, Aoife has appeared on a number of podcasts and a documentary about trans people in Ireland. Aoife has successfully taken the Irish Blood Transfusion to task — convincing them to change her gender on their system, an achievement she is most proud of. She is also a director of TENI (Transgender Equality Network Ireland). Aoife believes that being visibly trans helps other trans people, and with this drives forward the cause for inclusivity.
20) Celine Tan, Senior Sales and Business Development Manager, Issuer Services Hong Kong, HSBC
Celine is an innovative trail blazer within the Asia LGBT and banking communities and has advocated for LGBT+ inclusion throughout her career across multiple channels and by creating influential platforms. She was founder and co-chair of the Goldman Sachs Singapore Pride chapter in 2010, co-chair of Credit Suisse Singapore’s Open Network from 2011, which broke ground as the first formal presence of an LGBT+ employee resource group in Singapore-based companies.
During her tenure at JP Morgan’s Hong Kong Pride employee resource group, she grew its staff membership to 25% of the firm’s total number of employees. Later, as Asia co-chair, she unified the region’s seven employee resource groups. In her current role at HSBC (HSBA.L), Celine is senior advisor to the Pride employee resource group co-chairs and in July 2019 set up the first-of-its-kind Private Bank event themed ‘Wealth Planning for Modern Families”. Celine has worked with senior management teams to update internal insurance policies to recognise same-sex domestic partnerships and reverse mentors C-suite executives around the business value propositions of inclusion — and how to harness it.
She also focuses on strategically strengthening the social and governance components of environmental, social and corporate governance initiatives for her employers and clients in an era of impact investing. Celine’s external work include Co-Chairing the Hong Kong LGBT+ Interbank Forum, which during her tenure rallied major banks and law firms to intervene in the same-sex spousal visa landmark case that passed in July 2018.
She founded the Lesbians in Finance group in 2017, established Outrunners Hong Kong in 2017 and importing the Pink Dot initiative to Hong Kong in 2014 as a fundraiser.
21) Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, Bharat Hotels Pvt
Keshav is committed to championing diversity and inclusion and has instilled these values through his role at the Lalit Suri Hospitality Group and through external networks. Launching the successful social campaign #PureLove in 2017, Keshav has built gender-sensitisation workshops for all company employees, a Skill Enhancement Course for the LGBT+ community and has increased community engagement through education.
The creation of renowned club Kitty Su as a safe space has provided a platform for drag artists, and the company has announced India’s first inclusive loyalty programme for guests. Keshav’s work has resulted in the group’s mention in the Manifesto of Trans Inclusion and as a Case Study in the BD Foundation’s document on diversity and inclusion. Externally, Keshav’s efforts to create a more inclusive world can be seen through his position as a petitioner to revoke Section 377, which decriminalised homosexuality.
Keshav has spoken for various organisations including Godrej, Barclays, KPMG and Goldman Sachs about his journey and has supported numerous NGOs across the country to launch LGBT+ events. He has held seminars at prominent schools and colleges in India to educate institutions on sexual diversity and, with the support of the Aids Healthcare Foundation, has worked to raise awareness and remove the stigma attached to AIDs and HIV diagnoses.
22) Fred Angulo, CFA, Associate, Commercial Banking New Zealand, HSBC
The founder of HSBC Pride New Zealand, Fred champions diversity and inclusion at multiple levels. During his time at HSBC, Fred helped institutionalise gender-inclusive salutations, provided a recommendation for a gender-inclusive restroom, and supported the creation of a Transitioning Policy. Additionally, he led the establishment of a Pride Board, a visual expression of employees’ pledge of support for the LGBT+ community.
Fred has successfully hosted panel discussions on workplace diversity and has arranged staff inclusion trainings to develop cultural competency around LGBT+ communities. Fred has also created LGBT+ galleries featuring educational content covering the history of Pride in New Zealand and globally, and stories of LGBT+ leaders and international Pride events. Fred regularly participates in events held by Rainbow Tick, New Zealand’s workplace accreditation group and Diversity Works NZ, the country’s national body for workplace diversity and inclusion. Together with the internal HSBC volunteer network, Fred has also joined Diversity Works NZ in participating in pride parades, joining LGBT+ and ally communities in celebrating diversity.
23) Megan Cross, Management Consultant, Accenture
Megan leads Accenture’s UK Pride Network and under her leadership has vastly grown its committee with a 50% gender balance. As a part of Accenture’s global Pride network, Megan has travelled internationally to share best practice and has implemented the network’s objective for intersectionality, sharing these experiences via a storytelling campaign titled “Y(our) Stories”.
Megan has also written a thought leadership piece on the lack of visible LGBT+ women in the workplace and how to best address this. As Pride co-lead, Megan and her team has organised and led multiple charity and fundraising initiatives with Diversity Role Models, LGBT+ Switchboard and Rainbow Railroad. Megan has delivered a keynote speech at Accenture’s “Girls in STEM” event, where she spoke about her coming out journey. Outside of her role at Accenture, Megan has delivered speeches at events such as Pink News LGBT+ Leaders and was a panellist for a REDI-Sodexo organised event for International Lesbian Visibility Day. She is a member of LBQT Women and the Gay Women’s Network, and during her previous role as a secondary school teacher, Megan was an active LGBT+ role model, promoting an inclusive space for students.
24) Jason Sloan, Organisational Development Lead, GSK
A champion of diversity and inclusion, Jason has a history of leading activities and events, has mentored emerging leaders globally, reverse-mentored senior leaders and served as a global and UK leader in GSK’s (GSK) LGBT+ Employee Network. Jason’s work contributed significantly to a 2018 Stonewall Top 100 rank of 21, the first time GSK was listed in the top 100. Other impressive highlights through their tenure as a leader include partnering with the Global Head of D&I, serving on the GSK Global LGBT+ Council, delivering global programming and actively contributing to new internal policies supporting trans employees.
Independent to their role at GSK, Jason has been a lead in establishing an industry-wide healthcare and life sciences LGBT+ advocacy organisation, the Proud Science Alliance (PSA). As part of this, they have led programming and supported LGBT+ inclusion best practice sharing. Jason led development of the PSA’s mission and aims and governance structure, and they currently serve as the PSA’s Operations co-lead. They actively share their leadership experience, speaking with organisations about building effective, sustainable employee networks and how to improve inclusion more generally.
25) Jon Tilli, Vice President, Commercial Real Estate, Deutsche Bank
As global co-chair of dbPride, Deutsche Bank’s (DB) LGBT+ and ally employee resource group, Jon has propelled Deutsche Bank into a leadership position to drive change on LGBT+ equality through his innovative and intersectional programming. Jon coalesced the bank’s commitment to the UN Standards of Conduct for Business to become a founding partner of the Partnership for Global LGBTI Equality, a collaboration with the World Economic Forum.
Jon hosted the WEF Young Global Leaders and Shapers World Pride Reception in NYC on behalf of Deutsche Bank that brought together 40 leaders from around the world. In partnership with the UN, Jon spearheaded a global consultation on engaging the private sector with 40 LGBTI activists from 25 countries at Deutsche Bank’s Palais Populaire in Berlin. He regularly organises programming to engage new audiences, such as the vital role that sports plays in LGBT+ inclusion and equality, parents navigating gender-fluid or trans children, and ways that art can help us explore topics of race, identity, and understanding.
Outside of Deutsche Bank, Jon is the co-chair of Open Finance, a volunteer network within financial services to share best practices and advocate for inclusive workplaces and communities. Open Finance hosted its third industry forum in 2019 with its largest audience. He is also a trustee of the Leslie-Lohman Museum – the world’s only LGBT+ museum of art and has expanded its programming and fundraising. Jon also hosts Immigration Equality’s annual summer fundraiser raising over $12,000 in 2019.
26) Julia Atwater, Head of Communications, Business and Platform Solutions UK&I, Atos
Julia is the co-founder of AtosPride LGBT+ and Allies network, building the community of 1,300 members in 32 countries and was central to Atos’s progression in the Stonewall Equality Index over a period of three years. Her advocacy for diversity and inclusion has come in the form of creating a gender transition policy, launching LGBT+ reverse mentoring, introducing the Mx title on IT systems, the co-creation of the International Travel Guide for LGBT+ employees and the co-ordination of Atos’s global Pride communications campaign. Julia has presented to 100+ senior leaders, sharing best practice and challenging leaders to create more inclusive work environments.
Actively contributing to all of Atos’s diversity networks, Julia places great importance on intersectional inclusion. This was demonstrated at the Atos Diversity Expo where Julia was a key organiser and she presented a session on Intersectionality in the Workplace. She is also mentoring two junior LGBT+ colleagues to provide support and encourage career progression.
Julia’s work with AtosPride has been recognised by Stonewall and has been included as best practice in one of their workplace guides, as well as being asked to speak at the Stonewall Manchester Conference. Julia is the manager of York RI Ladies rugby team and ensures that LGBT+ inclusivity is at the core of their ethos. She has led the team’s involvement in York Pride and, as part of the Rainbow Laces campaign, Julia and the team have raised funds for Stonewall and she has previously fundraised for the Proud Trust, LGBT+ youth charity.
27) Samantha Jayne Nelson, Vice President Risk Engineer (Energy & Power), Marsh
Samantha is the global ambassador for Pride@Marsh. By openly sharing the story of her journey, transitioning in the male-dominated environment of oil rigs, Samantha challenges preconceptions and perspectives, leading people to appreciate the importance of harnessing diverse ideas to deliver more inclusive results. Her visibility and unquestionable passion for engagement is constantly displayed during her client-facing engineering surveys which takes her to offshore oil platforms around the world, in places such as South America, Africa, India, Middle East and the Far East, including countries where LGBT+ rights are limited and visibility is low.
She successfully championed the introduction of trans inclusive health care benefits with MMC UK, while supporting the industry-leading Mercer Transgender Healthcare provisions guidance. Samantha also developed the concept of the Marsh & McLennan Companies #InThisTogether, an intersectional diversity initiative aimed at increasing engagement and empowerment on these topics.
Externally, Samantha has presented at events on D&I, gender equality, mental health and LGBT+ issues for organisations including Stonewall and The Royal Society. Samantha is a founding member of PRIDE INC, an insurance network choir who performed for the first time during Pride Month in 2019 and is also a speaker for TLC Lions who aim to ignite emotions within the workplace.
28) Vishal Desai, Senior Manager, Insurance, Bank of England
Vishal is committed to creating diverse and inclusive spaces through his work at the Bank of England and with external networks. He sits on the Bank’s LGBT+ staff network Steering Committee and has helped to launch the Rainbow Lanyard initiative, lead Pride and World AIDS Day fundraising campaigns, refresh the Bank of England’s LGBT+ and Ally programme, design and deliver events and programmes and during his tenure has increased LGBT+ employee network membership. His work extends to volunteering for Switchboard, the UK’s largest helpline-based charity supporting the LGBT+ community. He has led training and development on LGBT+/ethnic minority intersectionality through partnering with other charities and experts.
As a trustee of the charity Vishal has also spearheaded patron and supporter engagement, partnering with Tom Daley, Years & Years and Harry Styles, to name a few, to increase funds and Switchboard call-flow in order to reach more people nationally. This work aided in the charity winning a Gay Times Community Award and a Pride in London Award in 2018. Additionally, Vishal serves on the board of DiveIn, the primary global festival for D&I in the insurance sector and has spoken at numerous events across multiple industries to share best practice in developing LGBT+ inclusive workplace cultures.
29) Ezequiel Massa, Senior Finance Operations Specialist, SAP
Ezequiel is the lead for Pride@SAP Argentina, and alongside a chapter of 20+ employees raises awareness and serves to impact both internal and external audiences. Ezequiel has spearheaded sessions on sexual orientation, gender identity and family diversity and has organised Pride Month celebrations, talk shows and parades to spread the importance of LGBT+ inclusivity in the workplace and beyond. ‘Abriendo Puertas’ is an innovative initiative to hire transgender talent, which was put in motion by Dow Chemicals and General Electric, and led at SAP (SAP) by Ezequiel, with the aid of the Secretary for Human Rights and Cultural Pluralism.
Taking the form of a 6-month rotation process this programme has proved to be a highly successful method in increasing experience and therefore the employability prospects of those who took part. Externally, Ezequiel has organised a drive to collect amenities for the ‘Transvivir’ foundation, assisting transgender individuals. Additionally, he has been involved with Casa Trans, an organization that provides counselling and learning opportunities in Buenos Aires.
Most recently, Ezequiel has embarked on a project that delivers weekly computing lessons, personal branding, and mock job interviews and based on the positive outcome of the first phase, they have added a weekly English language course. Ezequiel and team’s important advocacy works has meant over 30 transgender people have expanded their skillset.
30) Steven Lewis, Manager, Legal Counsel, Capital One Bank Canada
As Co-Chair of Capital One’s LGBT+ business resource group for Canada, Steven hosts internal and external events, plans community support, leads participation in the Toronto and Montreal Pride Parade and this year has also spearheaded an initiative to sponsor Rainbow Railroad an LGBT+ refugee group along with other associates who will be directly supporting a refugee arriving in Canada. Steven’s commitment to inclusivity is also evident through his help in changing various benefits including parental leave and putting into place new guidelines for associates transitioning in the workplace.
As a visible LGBT+ role model within the company, Steven also plays an active role in the D&I initiatives generally across the company, the results of which have seen a marked increase in visual support for LGBT+ associates within the organisation. Externally, Steven was Chair of the Ontario Bar Association (OBA)’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law Section (SOGIC) and has led education, advocacy and support within the community. He is secretary of Toronto's LGBT+ inclusive rugby team (Toronto Muddy York) which he is an active player on as well.
Steven was also a member of the Steering Committee for the Inclusion of Trans People in Ontario Provincial Cancer Screening Programmes and his efforts helped shape and implement changes to the programmes to better include and care for transgender patients who had often been forgotten or excluded.
31) Nathan Eastwood, Senior Associate, Clifford Chance
Nathan is the Australian lead for Arcus, Clifford Chance’s LGBT+ & Allies Network. Since joining the firm, Nathan has led several ‘first of their kind’ Australian workplace initiatives and is also a reverse mentor in relation to LGBT+ diversity and inclusion to the firm’s senior managing partners, both globally and in Asia-Pacific. Nathan has hosted numerous internal and external activities to raise awareness for LGBT+ inclusion including: delivering presentations on the importance of allies; delivering training at partnership level; organising training on trans and intersex awareness, championing important days in the LGBT+ calendar and leading the team who organise the Australian Pride Art events in both Perth and Sydney.
The success of the Pride Art initiative in Australia has led to increased media coverage for LGBT+ inclusion and raised the profile on LGBT+ diversity in the wider legal community. Outside of his work at Clifford Chance, Nathan drives positive change for LGBT+ people through his appointment as an Officer of the International Bar Association’s LGBT+ Law Committee. Nathan has also established an LGBT+ pro bono legal advice practice with successful results on behalf of non-profit LGBT+ organisations, including GALAWA, the Gay and Lesbian Archives of Western Australia. He regularly speaks at external LGBT+ conferences and champions collaboration between LGBT+ mining and resource networks by coordinating dialogue between networks to implement strategies on achieving positive change.
32) Suresh Ramdas, Global Training Lead, HP
Suresh is a committed advocate of diversity and inclusion and is focused on his mission to increase the visibility and inclusion of India’s LGBT+ community through his work at HP Inc. and with external networks. Suresh founded HP Inc.’s Pride BIN (Business Impact Network) in 2016 and serves as Chair. Through this, Suresh has successfully coordinated various LGBT+ specific events including HP Inc. India’s first LGBT+ event in 2017. Additionally, Suresh has spearheaded several programmes and initiatives that have driven positive change within HP, from initiating the Transgender Awareness Program, leading a team to lobby for gender-inclusive restrooms and creating sensitisation and awareness initiatives for HP’s senior team.
Additionally, Suresh has led an initiative with HP’s Disability BIN to identify important accessibility opportunities. Outside of his role at HP Inc. Suresh is also the winner of Mr. Gay World India 2019 and is the co-founder of Working with Pride India, which brings together D&I professionals and LGBT+ people from various organisations to collaborate and share best practice.
With the need of more LGBT+ leaders in India and participating in the LGBTQ Executive Leadership Program at Stanford he started this Leadership Program called Leading with Pride in collaboration with Dwight Cook in India. A much sought-after panel speaker, he has also spoken in global webinars and spoken at colleges to educate on the importance of inclusive spaces.
33) Samantha Neath, Sales Account Manager, BAE Systems
Samantha champions diversity across multiple channels, voluntarily leading on LGBTQ+ initiatives through her role at BAE Systems (BA.L). Samantha is the co-chair for the LGBTQ+ employee network, OutLinkUK, a role which she does alongside her day job in sales.
Samantha develops the annual objectives and measures for OutLinkUK, leading the team to ensure they are delivered, then reporting to senior sponsors and D&I on progress. In this role, she has also; delivered successful training sessions to BAE staff, regarding the issues faced by LGBTQ+ people; shared her personal story, to help LGBTQ+ colleagues feel less alone; promoted the Allies network within the organisation, which is now over 2000 people strong; and arranged and managed the annual conference, alongside her co-chair.
She was responsible for writing the business case which led to BAE Systems being Headline Sponsor for the first ever Pride in Surrey, something that has not been done before by BAE Systems. Samantha is also a Mental Health First Aider, providing mental health support to her colleagues. Externally, Samantha volunteers as a trustee for national charity, Bi Pride UK, and represents this network at Pride events across the country. With the charity, she was involved in arranging the first ever Bi Pride in the UK, which was held on 7th September and was the biggest Bi event in the world. Featuring in the BBC Documentary ‘Battling to be Bi’ Samantha is vocal on issues faced by the Bi community, such as bi erasure, and works to dispel myths.
34) Daniel Docherty, Vice President Business Support Manager, Bank of America
Daniel is driven to make the world a more inclusive place. Through his position at the Bank of America and work with external networks, Daniel has led several LGBT+ focused programmes, mentors and collaborates with various networks and organisations to create diverse and inclusive spaces. Through his role, Daniel serves as a Transgender Representative, mentor and reverse mentor and serves on the Interbank council.
He has successfully led the LGBT+ Ally Programme and managed the annual Ally Week in collaboration with Bank of America’s LGBT+ Pride network. Daniel has presented a Leadership and Ally Portal session to several global multinational origination’s and through this portal’s growth has created global connections and engagement in locations that are not traditionally progressive.
Given his intersectionality and identity, Daniel regularly participates in external events such as LGBT+ conferences, hosts workshops and networking sessions. An avid volunteer, Daniel has worked with various organisations to elevate future LGBT+ leaders and foster collaboration through connecting companies and mentoring other organisations on their journeys to creating more inclusive workplaces.
35) Jason Chinchilla, Sales Finance Manager, Procter and Gamble
As a change agent, Jason has driven the cause for diversity and inclusion through many channels. Through his role at Procter and Gamble (PG), Jason leads the regional LGBT+ network in Latin America and has brought the regional employee resource group (LA GABLE) to new heights. With the most recent of LA GABLE’s conferences held in Mexico, Jason inspired leaders inside and outside P&G to become champions of change. He has built connections across non-profit organizations in the region, including Out & Equal, propelling Procter and Gamble to the forefront of organizations working to create inclusive work spaces.
Jason was part of launching Pride Connection in Costa Rica, a network comprised of global companies, sharing P&G’s best practices on building inclusion into their company frameworks. Externally, Jason has partnered with the local government in Costa Rica to create a culture of inclusion among civil servants and aids in the delivery of training programmes. Jason’s leadership has supported the Costa Rica government to enable a platform to make their inclusion policies and training available to the public. Jason is the recipient of Procter and Gamble’s Global Diversity and Inclusion Award.
36) Deon Pillay, Head of Marketing Operations, Legal & General Investment Management
A committed advocate of diversity and inclusion, Deon uses his position as the LGBT+ Chair as a platform to drive change for others, working to ensure that all of his firm’s policies are LGBT+ friendly and widely support marginalised communities. Deon has championed the creation of Legal & General (LGEN.L) Investment Management’s transitioning at work policy, has organised educational events including Trans Inclusion in the Workplace and created an LGBT+ resource hub.
Additionally, Deon has provided reverse mentoring in the form of storytelling and Q&A sessions working to build awareness and increase understanding of the LGBT+ issues in the workplace. Independent to his role at Legal & General Investment Management, Deon is a founding member and co-chair of Interlnvest, an LGBT+ network that drives inclusion for those in the investment management and savings industry. He is also a committee member of the LGBT+ stream within the Diversity Project, and actively participates in research and industry roundtables. Deon shares his experience of being an ethnic minority and a member of the LGBT+ community across social media, participation in panel discussions, and through his role as a mentor.
37) Caroline Tutakiewicz, Director, Product Strategy & Innovation, Ventures, RBC Royal Bank
Caroline champions diversity and inclusion through multiple channels, both through her role at RBC Royal Bank and participation in external networks. Caroline is the Vice-Chair of RBC Toronto Pride with a focus on membership development, recruitment, and mentoring.
She successfully co-organized the largest RBC contingent to engage with a single Pride event and has led the first networking event for members. Recognizing that she has a part to play in cultivating a culture of inclusion, Caroline has addressed the impacts of intersectionality and the barriers this creates, underscored by the need for gender-inclusive bathrooms. A published article in which Caroline publicly outed herself has been raised in meetings with RBC’s Diversity Cabinet, signaling the importance and impact of intersectionality on corporate strategy.
Externally, Caroline serves on the Board of Directors for several organizations including Start Proud, which facilitates the professional development of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals nationally through conferences and mentorship. She has fostered an alliance between RBC and Deloitte to partner in sponsoring of a national non-profit organization, Get REAL. By cultivating this alliance, Caroline was able to support the single most financially successful fundraiser for Get REAL, an organization that is focused on combatting 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination and promoting acceptance in schools across Canada.
38) Robert Head, Head of Proposition, Core Law, Asia & Emerging Markets, Thomson Reuters
Robert is a champion of diversity and inclusion as seen through his work at Thomson Reuters and participation in various external networks. He has hosted Stonewall’s Global Workplace Briefings Launch, authored the ‘Road to Gold’ Strategy driving achievement of Gold in Hong Kong’s LGBT+ Inclusion Index and actively supports Hong Kong’s Gay & Lesbian Attorney’s Network, showcasing his drive to increase discourse and create change for LGBT+ people in Hong Kong and beyond.
With Thomson Reuters, Robert has created and launched a global social media campaign ‘Pride is the Answer’ an extension of the firm’s brand values of LGBT+ inclusion that reached thousands of people online, Additionally, Robert has been sought out by organisations such as Eversheds Sutherland to speak to junior lawyers and future leaders on the importance of allyship and authenticity within the workplace. In his journey to becoming the winner of the 2019 Community Business Hong Kong LGBT+ Inclusion Champion Award, Robert has spoken on the 2018 Inclusion and Diversity panel, shared with 100+ HR, recruitment and talent leaders the challenges faced by young LGBT+ talent and has mentored students to help in their career development. Robert is using his growing influence to drive change by speaking at events and helping to convert passive allyship into action.
39) Eraldo d'Atri, Senior Associate, Clifford Chance
Committed to cultivating a culture of inclusion, Eraldo is the Co-chair of Arcus, Clifford Chance’s LGBT+ network, and is currently focused on building bridges with other minority communities and expanding co-operation with charities. Eraldo helped Arcus grow from a London initiative to a global LGBT+ network. He mentors junior LGBT+ lawyers and reverse mentors the firm’s senior leaders on LGBT+ issues. Additionally, he is a member of the firm’s Pay Gap Working Group and was instrumental in Clifford Chance becoming the first law firm to publish its sexuality pay gap.
Having recently become a father, he founded the firm's LGBT+ Parents group to allow actual or prospective LGBT+ parents to share experiences and support. As well as being the firm’s leading internal figure for LGBT+ inclusion activity, Eraldo has undertaken external pro bono projects and has been featured in the Guardian and BBC News among others. Most notable is his ongoing pro bono work challenging the UK Government’s refusal to issue passports without a binary “male”/”female” categorisation, leading to the UK courts’ first legal recognition that human rights extend to non-gendered identity.
Eraldo also offers pro bono advice to the Human Dignity Trust, a charity helping to challenge anti-gay laws around the world. In addition, he has been involved in setting up and coordinating a number of LGBT+ pro bono initiatives with Allsorts Youth, Refugee Action and the London LGBTQ Centre.
40) Seamus Kearney, Second Vice President, Northern Trust
Seamus champions diversity across multiple channels both through his role at Northern Trust and work with external organisations. As the Chair of Northern Trust’s Irish Pride Network, Seamus’ primary focus is on building a strong workplace community. Increasing the size of the committee council by 1000%, Seamus has organised panel and key-note speaker events, annual global dress down days on IDAHOBiT Day raising funds for Irish LGBTQ+ Charity, BeLonG To, and led Northern Trust to march in Dublin and Limerick Pride Parades for the first time.
Additionally, Seamus has participated in reverse mentoring with Northern Trust’s Senior Executives and in 2019 created LGBTQ+ lanyards that were distributed widely within D&I groups and LGBT+ Allies. The positive impact of Seamus’ work has been evident from colleague feedback and take-up of his initiatives. Externally, Seamus is Co-Chair of the Financial Services Inclusion Network (FuSIoN) and is responsible for providing support to pillar leads and collaborating with the Northern Ireland stream of FuSIoN. Seamus also manages FuSIoN’s Enable Professional Networking pillar and has volunteered at the LGBT+ Rugby European Tournament, Union Cup.
41) Daniel Sprich, IT&S Service Owner, BP
Daniel is a champion of diversity and works to cultivate an inclusive culture both through his role at BP and work with external organisations. A member of BP Pride’s Executive Steering Committee, Daniel has led the Allies Programme, and in his capacity as Co-Chair of BP Pride (2017-18) developed their LGBT+ strategy, making considerable differences to policies and employee experience.
Additionally, Daniel instilled a new communications strategy resulting in 77% increase in Pride UK members and he has founded and chaired the Transgender Working Group launching global transgender guidelines. Daniel has organised initiatives, hosted and spoken at numerous events with BP and has been featured as a role model on BP’s D&I website, global IT newsletter and Upstream’s Think Inclusion campaign.
Externally, Daniel serves as a Diversity Role Model sharing his stories within schools; is a mentee in the OUTstanding Mentoring Programme; a key speaker on LGBT+ inclusion at Ford’s annual Top 100 Supplier Diversity Workshop and works closely with InterEnergy companies.
42) Cecily Bee, HR Manager, Diversity & Inclusion Performance Contracting Group
Cecily’s involvement in a wide range of diversity and inclusion initiatives in her current role at Performance Contracting Group and previously at Black & Veatch as well as work conducted with external networks has aided in driving inclusivity. She was a key influencer for Black & Veatch’s Pride LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group which received its first-time 100% rating on the Humans Rights Campaign’s 2019 Corporate Equality Index.
She also secured the commitment of Black & Veatch’s CEO to the ‘CEO Action for Diversity Inclusion’ commitment pledge. In her first 30 days with Performance Contracting Group, she secured the commitment of Performance Contracting’s CEO to the ‘CEO Action for Diversity Inclusion’ pledge.
Cecily has led Performance Contracting to enter into a corporate partnership with the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, where she will elevate the LGBT+ employee experience in the construction industry. Externally, Cecily has mentored extensively and was selected as a 2018-19 emerging LGBT+ leader for the Mid-America Chamber of Commerce’s C. Stephen Metzler Mentor Program. Additionally, Cecily has delivered presentations and organised public outreach initiatives highlighting the LGBT+ workplace experience and providing techniques to create welcoming and inclusive environments.
43) Fiona Murray, Strategy and Performance Manager, TSB
Fiona currently serves as the Co-Chair of TSB’s LGBT+ Network and has helped to drive engagement with LGBT+ partners and allies. Fiona’s story about being an openly gay woman and the impact on her career has been filmed and documented for National Coming Out Day. As the Lead Project Manager for TSB Pride, Fiona has organised events across the UK including company-wide participation in parades and marches. She has successfully promoted TSB’s internal and external LGBT+ activities across multiple channels, most significantly a feature on ‘Stories of Local Pride’ in the Daily Mirror newspapers. Fiona has most recently launched Pride in a Box, which includes educational information on why TSB supports Pride and its overarching purpose.
Outside of her role at TSB, Fiona has recently been elected by the Bristol LGBT+ community as the Faith and Belief member of the LGBT+ Voice and Influence Partnership. The Voice and Influence Partnership has been created to help make sure that individuals, groups and communities are represented when shaping Bristol’s future and Fiona’s role will help those who identify as LGBT+ and have faith.
44) Mark Leonard, Head of Channel Development, Stores, Online & Omnichannel, O2
As the Chair of Proud at O2, O2’s LGBT+ network, Mark has established a number of initiatives that have created a positive impact to the lives of O2’s LGBT+ community. Mark was instrumental in developing O2’s new Family Policy, leading the charge to ensure the new paternity policy welcomed all couples regardless of gender or sexuality.
Additionally, Mark led O2 to publish its first ever transitioning toolkit with glowing coverage from Pink News and HR Grapevine and led Proud’s takeover of internal communications duties to educate 7,000 staff members on LGBT+ issues leading to an 11% membership increase. The network will soon a launch a new workstream to provide structured support to all employees.
Outside of his work at O2 and Proud, Mark achieved his personal goal of becoming a Stonewall Ambassador. He also regularly allocates time to INvolve’s mentoring programme supporting young professionals and fostering the talent of future LGBT+ leaders.
45) Brata Santoso, Vice President, Gojek
Brata is a champion of diversity and inclusion both through his work and participation with external networks. He was the key initiator of Gojek’s #GOINGALLIN campaign that aims to highlight the company’s non-discrimination policy and promote a more diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace for all its employees beyond differences of any kind which ultimately puts the company in the world map as first ever Indonesian company to do so.
Prior to Gojek, he co-led GLAM (gay, lesbian at McKinsey) network in Indonesia and was involved in the delivery of McKinsey Leadership MasterClass programs across Asia, the program provides a developmental and safe space for LGBT+ Senior Executives (CEO-2 and above) from various sectors to lead an impactful transformational change in their respective organizations.
Outside of work, he’s very passionate about connecting with LGBT+ youth through his social-media and runs fundraising effort for social-cause that includes education support for LGBT+ students through the organization he co-found back home in Jakarta.
46) TJ Richards, Customer Experience & Engagement Manager, Santander UK
TJ has built a sound reputation advocating for LGBT+ inclusivity through her role at Santander UK and work with external organisations. She delivered sustainable changes as the co-chair of Santander UK’s LGBT+ Network, extensively growing its membership. TJ subsequently appointed a Leadership Committee to ensure continued engagement with members while helping to deliver a new Gender Identity & Expression Policy and Transitioning at Work Guide for Santander UK’s employees.
Additionally, TJ led the organisation of Santander UK’s signing of an open letter confirming the firm’s support of marriage equality in Northern Ireland, and through producing their first submission to the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, TJ was invited to speak at the Stonewall Workplace Conference. TJ is currently working on the launch of Google’s #IAmRemarkable workshops through Santander UK’s Embrace Network. Away from her role at Santander UK, TJ is engaged with Q:alliance and sits on the Board of Trustees where her primary role is to ensure the LGBT+ community of Milton Keynes is supported in their needs.
As Corporate Engagement Manager for the Pride:MK Organising Committee, TJ’s role is to engage with the local business community to fundraise and ensure that the Milton Keynes Pride festival is educational and remains inclusive.
47) Christine Chapman, Senior Manager, Software Development, Audible
Christine is a champion of diversity and inclusion and has created tangible, positive change at Audible and beyond. She has co-written a document on the benefits of paid parental leave alongside supporting industry data that contributed to a change in the company’s parental leave policy to include paternity leave for the first time.
As the co-editor of Inclusive Digest, Christine curates internal and external content related to LGBT+ issues. Additionally, as the founder and chapter leader of Amazon Women in Engineering, Christine advocates for gender diversity efforts encompassing people of all genders, and since its rapid growth Christine has started a cross-affinity organising board to help smaller networks succeed.
Serving on the Audible Workplace Taskforce, Christine has been researching psychological safety and its impact on the workplace, recently presenting a successful document on the topic. Christine is involved with Boston’s Lesbians Who Tech and through this has been a mentor and partnered with several people to aid in the development of interview skills, a resume workshop and gaining work experience. Christine is the creator and lead researcher for the Elephant at the Con survey project that focuses on the inclusion of LGBT+ individuals at fan conventions.
48) Genesis Garcia, Vice President-Global Marketing, BNY Mellon
Genesis is an emerging leader within PRISM, BNY Mellon’s LGBT+ Business Resource Group and has built external partnerships with community organisations such as the LGBT+ Center, Open Finance and Out Leadership. Genesis has chaired efforts for BNY Mellon with the NYC AIDS Walk and the Gay Men’s Health Center, as well as leading BNY Mellon’s WorldPride and Stonewall’s 50th anniversary efforts - PRISM’s largest to date.
On behalf of PRISM, she has recently presented the Business Resource Group’s ‘Go Forward’ plan with recommendations to help increase membership and inclusion at BNY Mellon. As an active leader in the LGBT+ community, Genesis is a Member Representative within Open Finance, a non-profit network driving forward LGBT+ equality in the financial services sector.
Genesis has worked to advance workplace policies, community service and philanthropy goals. Additionally, Genesis is a Programming Board member for StartOut, a non-profit organisation that champions LGBT+ entrepreneurs. She has co-led efforts for the first StartOut LatinX Empowerment Summit for LGBT+ founders as well as the LGBT+ Women’s Entrepreneur event on driving diversity in business. Genesis strives to create opportunities to be inclusive and authentic in the workplace and beyond.
49) Nathan Jordan, People Development Partner, Dyson
Nathan was appointed Chair of WBA Pride UK (Walgreens Boots Alliance) and was responsible for creating a steering group and defining the LGBT+ agenda for the business. Nathan formulated an ambitious plan envisioning an internal LGBT+ Network that stretched beyond the office and served local communities.
Through this, Nathan spearheaded a public campaign of support to be delivered by Boots UK, working with executives to show an outward declaration of support for the LGBT+ community, Through the slogan ‘Championing You Being You’ this campaign was viewed by over 35 million people and saw the Boots logo become a rainbow for the first time in its 170 year history.
Additionally, Nathan saw that the business made corporate donations to local LGBT+ charities. Recently joining Dyson, Nathan is continuing to champion belonging through his work in improving learning accessibility and partnering with D&I working groups across the business to build a better Dyson for everyone. Nathan’s work with external networks mirrors his commitment to diversity and he has most recently represented Dyson externally having chaired the Global Diversity and Inclusion conference in London, using this platform to speak on the importance of creating an environment of inclusion.
50) Anthony Francis, Executive Business Manager, Lloyds Banking Group
Anthony is the Lloyds Banking Group’s (LLOY.L) LGBT+ Role Model and Intersectionality Lead. In addition to composing a strategy and leading on multiple events around intersectionality and role models, the role has led Anthony to securing sponsorship and delivering the Group’s 2019 LGBT+ and Ally Role Model Guide, featuring 50 LGBT+ role models and 10 ally role models who inspire all at Lloyds Banking Group.
The guide has been widely distributed within the Group and the role models have been encouraged to be more visible, leading to a series of events. Anthony has organised an activity for allies to learn about the experiences of LGBT+ colleagues through one-to-one sessions, and he mentors and coaches numerous LGBT+ colleagues internally.
Externally, Anthony has met with multiple other FTSE 100 and SME organisations to share best practice and internal research results around intersectionality. He has led numerous LGBT+-related charitable initiatives and has spoken to LGBT+ networks at Bloomberg and BT. He has also spoken about his inclusion journey in schools as a visible LGBT+ role model.
