A note from H+K’s Global Head of Diversity, Equity + Inclusion, Azurée Montoute-Lewis, to mark the start of Pride Month and share H+K’s plans.

Dear Colleagues,

It is Pride Month! June is a time when people around the world celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. As allies at H+K, we recognize all this community has accomplished for equality and stand with them on the work ahead.

We are all unique and Pride will mean something different to each of us. For me, Pride will be fully realized when everyone, no matter their identity, background, and lived experiences, is fully accepted and accepting of others. Sadly, people who are LGBTQIA+ can experience harassment, violence, hate crimes – even death – from identifying as a member of this community, and this discrimination and exclusion can even extend to the workplace.

With this in mind, I am asking you all to help make H+K an even more equitable and inclusive workplace for everyone. One way for us to do this is to partner with organizations whose vision aligns with our Global DE&I Strategy. I am pleased to announce that H+K has become a corporate partner of the Out & Equal Workplace Advocates organization. Their mission is to be “a global convener, thought leader and catalyst actively working to achieve workplaces of equality and belonging – supporting LGBTQIA+ employees and leaders so they can thrive in their careers and lives and achieve greater impact on the world.” We will be inviting you to Out & Equal’s upcoming events and sharing their best practices and resources throughout the year.

I take my role of being an ally very seriously, and in my role, I want to do what I can to empower all our employees and give a platform to the voices that aren’t heard as loudly. I believe that we all have the ability to ensure that everyone can feel safe and live their lives authentically, without limits or fear. 

Therefore, to be an inclusive workplace, it is essential that you feel comfortable coming to the workplace as YOU are. In support of that self-affirmation, it would be wonderful to tell your personal stories. Through sharing our lived experiences, we will become more aware, knowledgeable, empathetic, and committed to creating a better world for us to live and thrive in together. 

Next week, June 14 8am EST, I will be holding a conversation with a few of our colleagues from around the world to talk about their lived experiences as a LGBTQIA+ person. The invite will follow shortly, and I look forward to welcoming you to this session.

Azurée S. Montoute-Lewis