On November 28, the Texas PRIDE (Promoting a Respectful, Inclusive and Diverse Environment) Employee Resource Group (ERG) hosted a transgender awareness presentation as part of a workplace Lunch and Learn. A large turnout assembled in both the Dallas and Austin offices and enjoyed lunch as part of the event.
Barry Sando, Managing Director, Underwriting & Workflow Solutions, and Brian Battaglia, Executive, Rental Property Solutions, kicked off the presentation by speaking about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, sharing personal stories of how they’ve seen diverse and inclusive teams drive exceptional results and create a great place to work.
A riveting panel discussion followed next. Panelists included Jess Herbst, a transgender woman who was the first openly transgender mayor in Texas; Liam Gent, transgender man who helped start the Ally Program at Frito Lay/Pepsi; and Ken and Melissa Ballard, proud parents of a transgender son who advocate for transgender rights. The panelists discussed the transgender experience prior to and after transition, their experiences both in and out of the workplace, how to make an impact as an Ally, and many other topics. Their experience and personal stories made the discussion both an educational and very moving experience for attendees.
After receiving a standing ovation at the close of the panel discussion, the panelists commented that this was one of the largest of many Lunch and Learn events they have attended and commended CoreLogic for hosting this type of event. A big thank-you to Barry, Brian, the PRIDE Leadership Team and the PRIDE ERG members who helped make this event a huge success.
PRIDE’s mission is to promote a respectful, inclusive and diverse environment in the workplace by offering an employee resource group open to all employees, with a program dedicated to education, community engagement and career development opportunities. PRIDE was launched in the Dallas office in March of this year and expanded to the Austin office in September. A significant number of PRIDE members are “Allies,” those who support and advocate for the LGBT community. PRIDE holds monthly meetings and various events throughout the year, including both educational and community service events. This event coincided with the Transgender Day of Remembrance, which is observed each year on November 20, paying tribute to those who have lost their lives to anti-transgender violence.
