General

Celebrating Pride Month

As OPPD observes Pride Month, we talked with LGBTQIA+ employees and allies about their thoughts on celebrating Pride, working in a diverse and inclusive environment, and more. Read on for a sampling of their responses.

Anthony

Business Analyst

Why did you decide to join the OPPD Pride employee resource group (ERG)?

OPPD values and embraces diversity. Being a member of OPPD Pride offers me opportunities to directly contribute to our success story and encourages me with ways to be an ally and support in our community.

Why do you believe it’s important to celebrate Pride Month?

Everyone has a friend or family member who can benefit from safe spaces. Pride Month celebrates all that true diversity means and encourages people to not only explore it but know they can do so safely.

How do you believe an inclusive and diverse work environment positively impacts the quality of services provided to OPPD customer-owners?

OPPD strives to reflect the community we actively serve. Members of the LGBTQIA+  community and their allies are integral to our community of customer-owners. By showing the inclusion in our work environment, we demonstrate acceptance and support for our all our customer-owners.

 What advice would you give to your younger self or to a young member of the LGBTQIA+ community?

There are few things worse than constantly feeling left out or that you don’t belong. Know that you’re not alone. Look to be a strength and support to those who’ve felt similarly and you’ll be amazed at how connected and included you’ve been all along.

Jamie

Accounting Analyst III

Why did you decide to join the OPPD Pride?

I joined mainly for my daughter, to show her support and to show her that there other people who support her!

There will always be someone who is ready to listen to you and help you through tough times. OPPD isn’t just a place that I work at, OPPD is a family!

Why do you believe it’s important to celebrate Pride Month?

You can’t help who you love! Being an ally is an important part of this.

How do you believe an inclusive and diverse work environment positively impacts the quality of services provided to OPPD customer-owners?

Being able to be your authentic self creates a sort of joy that you emit, creating a chain reaction of joy.

What advice would you give to your younger self or to a young member of the LGBTQIA+ community?

Embrace all the things about yourself, there are lots of people that will support you. Don’t worry about what other people think, just be a good person to all!

Michelle

Business Relationship Manager

Why did you decide to join OPPD Pride?

It was a very easy decision. I have multiple members of my family and close friends that are a part of the LGBTQIA+ family. I want to be a strong ally.

OPPD supports their employees with a variety of ERGs. It is supported at all levels of the District. I am happy to be a part of an organization that recognizes the importance of cultivating an inclusive, safe and accepting culture for all employees.

 Why do you believe it’s important to celebrate Pride Month?

For me, Pride Month is an important time to celebrate and honor the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is an opportunity to provide education, promote visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community and to show your support.

How do you believe an inclusive and diverse work environment positively impacts the quality of services provided to OPPD customer-owners?

When you are part of an inclusive and diverse workplace, everyone feels safe to be themselves, to be heard and share their voice honestly without concerns of retribution. This makes for a much more productive environment that follows the OPPD values. OPPD openly shows the importance of listening to one other, respecting our differences and promoting not only physical but psychological safety. That is a clear message I hear each and every day.

What advice would you give to your younger self or to a young member of the LGBTQIA+ community?

Know that there are so many that support and love you! Let the voices of love and support be louder in your head than those of ignorance and hate. Always remember, love wins!

Tonya

Manager, Emergency Preparedness

Why did you decide to join OPPD Pride?

To support my team, my community and my family.

OPPD prides itself on being community-minded and inclusive. Internally, we have many interest groups that focus on all aspects of life. OPPD Pride is a shining example of how our company shows support for our individuality outside of our professional skills.

Why do you believe it’s important to celebrate PRIDE month?

As a young child who grew up in a small rural Nebraska town, I vividly remember only celebrating traditional, white, middle-class social functions and holidays.  As a mom, it is important for me to change the narrative that I had growing up.  We educate ourselves and by doing so celebrate many different religions, cultures, and aspects of the world in the hope that we find a better perspective. Celebrating Pride is one piece of that larger world perspective I’m looking to provide my family and social circle.

How do you believe an inclusive and diverse work environment positively impacts the quality of services provided to OPPD customer-owners?

Through groups like the OPPD Pride, we showcase our own diverse workforce and hopefully provide support, even if it is not externally focused, to our diverse customer-owned population base. Internally, if our employees know they are supported unconditionally through groups such as OPPD Pride, their work will show it. Through outstanding work output, we support our customers, who in turn benefit. Everyone wins.

 What advice would you give to your younger self or to a young member of the LGBTQIA+ community?

Don’t wait until your daughter says she’s gay to look around and see the world through a rainbow lens. The world isn’t black and white; seeing it as such only limits the beauty and dulls the shine of those around you.

Yesenia

Senior Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consultant

Why did you decide to join OPPD Pride? 

I aspire to be the greatest ally that anyone has ever seen! I want to learn more about how to be that for my fellow co-workers.

I’ve never felt more heard or seen at a place of work. I love that I can be vulnerable here and not be judges or shut down.

Why do you believe it’s important to celebrate PRIDE month?

So many people have sacrificed a lot to get us to the point we are at today. It’s important to remember that all the progress made is made on the shoulder of the queens that came before us.

How do you believe an inclusive and diverse work environment positively impacts the quality of services provided to OPPD customer-owners?

I read studies about productivity, innovation and profitability. Inclusion and making your people feel valued is a key factor in all of those! Making employees feel valued gives them the space to be their best.

What advice would you give to your younger self or to a young member of the LGBTQIA+ community?

Keep going, and never change. Also, forgive yourself. I’ve made mistakes when I was younger, but I’ve also grown in mind, body and spirit.