PRIDE Leaders on Visibility and Belonging

As one of Sodexo’s Employee Based Resource Groups (EBRG), PRIDE was founded on the pillars of inclusivity, authenticity and allyship in the workplace. PRIDE may get its global spotlight in the month of June, but for its leadership team, the work happens year-round.

The group’s mission — to champion an environment of acceptance and workplace equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and ally team members through employee engagement, community involvement, education and awareness — is very much a lived experience for its leaders, whose involvement is both personal and professional.

PRIDE Co-chair Kath Tisdale, Senior Area General Manager for Corporate Services, was inspired to join PRIDE to give people a chance to be seen.

“I want everyone to understand that kindness matters, and that people are dying, and we have the power to stop that through activism. No one should be outside the circle. I realized if I wanted to see change, I needed to start leading it and not wait for someone else to come along and do it,” says Kath, who identifies as non-binary. 

For PRIDE Communications Chair Jo Brunell, Senior Manager of Digital Experience of Corporate Services, working with PRIDE stems from personal experience.

“When my nephew came out at the end of 2020, I was heartbroken to learn that I was just one of four people he felt safe coming out to,” she says. “No one should be scared to be their true selves, or to express themselves how they want to, or to love who they want to. I joined PRIDE to learn more about the struggles and victories of the LGBTQ+ community, to learn how I could better support him, and to try and make a positive impact at my account so that all people can bring their whole selves to work.”

Visibility and visible allyship are at the heart of PRIDE’s mission. Both are equally important in creating a sense of true belonging in the workplace. “Visibility to me is as simple as the definition is — being seen, but being seen for who you actually are, your authentic self with no filters, no preconceived notions and no trepidations. Visibility evens the playing field and helps others realize that you are no different than they are, that we are all humans and deserve the same understanding, privilege and acceptance,” says Molly Crouch, PRIDE’s Treasurer and Corporate Director of Sustainability for Sodexo Live!. “To me, visible allyship is that extra layer of care and concern for you as a human versus you as a coworker, a neighbor, a friend, etc. Finding out someone is an ally adds a sense of safety, peace and legitimacy to who you actually are in life, not simply the role you play. The LGBTQ+ community wouldn't be where we are without allies — they have helped others understand that we have a legitimate right to be who we truly are with no filters.”

“Being a visible ally matters because everyone needs to feel loved and supported. Stepping up and being proud will hopefully encourage others to do the same,” adds Kerry Michell, PRIDE Programming Chair and Employee Relations Manager.

While LGBTQ+ visibility and rights have come a long way, AJ Francavilla, PRIDE USA Chair Emeritus and Global Pride Co-lead and Senior Director of Digital Experience in NorAm Marketing, says the work must continue with vigilance and care. “So much is taken for granted, whether that’s within Sodexo or within our community on the work it has taken to get this far. It was just eight years ago that LGBTQ+ marriage was allowed in the United States, and today we have 150-plus bills that are threatening to strip LGBTQ+ rights as equals,” he says. “Lend your voice when you see an opportunity to further inclusion, challenge the status quo, and look to where you can make change through education, visibility or advocacy.”

For PRIDE Month and every month, Charity Chandler, Director of DE&I Experience and PRIDE USA Chair, her wish for the LGBTQ+ and ally community is threefold: 

1. That each LGBTQ+ community member and ally not only see their value but believe it. 
2. That there be true equity and safety for the LGBTQ+ and ally community inside and outside of Sodexo. 
3. That each person leans into the power of their voice — telling their stories or advocating for the rights of those who don’t always have a seat at every table, let alone a voice at that table.

“I show my authenticity by never being anything other than who I am,” Charity says. “I wear my hair how I want. I wear clothing that makes me comfortable. I embrace my tattoos. I talk openly about my wife. I feel and demonstrate my emotions inside and outside of work. I treat others with respect and hope the same in return. I listen. I share. I choose kindness.”