Can you tell us about any challenges you’ve overcome in your role as Program Manager but also as PRIDE Lead?
Admittedly, one of the most common challenges that I continue to face is the scarcity of resources and now – in the time of COVID-19 – an added pressure to ensure we as an office and a company continue to feel connected and supported. As one of the Global PRIDE Leads, I have dealt with cut budgets like other BRGs and internal initiatives, which has forced us to come up with creative and innovative means for fostering inclusivity and diverse perspectives. Amazingly, the PRIDE Ambassadors have increased involvement across the board with virtual events, newsletters, and other engagements. I’m thrilled to have been a part of this talented network of individuals and the successes we’ve seen since the start of 2020 – the number of chapters is increasing to include our revamped Toronto chapter and other potential expansions and Publicis Sapient received a perfect score on the HRC Corporate Equality Index again.
What are some of the tasks you’ve spearheaded or excelled at?
During my time at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) I was the sole creator and owner of our project’s Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) which spanned 3000+ lines of tasks, deliverables, and milestones. In my time at the SEC, I also excelled at reading securities law and form requirements (which ignited my interest in the law and subsequent decision to pursue law school).
While it didn’t yield the results, we were hoping for in FY2020, one of the first tasks I took on as a Global Lead of PRIDE was as their treasurer. I was asked to step into the role and help drive a request/recommendation to have PRIDE’s funding increased. Based in historical financial data and the goals set forth by the PRIDE Leadership and Publicis Sapient Leadership Team, it was a task that I felt incredibly strong at both in terms of data-driven decision-making and long-term planning. Believe it or not, I took this experience and directly translated it into crafting my condominium association’s FY2020 budget proposal. Just shows how skills translate to all other areas of our lives if we keep an eye out for it.
Can you describe any projects or innovations you have been part of?
The innovation this year that I was most excited about and happy to lead was the transition of the Arlington Office PRIDE Month to a completely virtual format. I helped lead other initiatives in other offices, but this was my home office and something I was passionate about. I kicked off Project Visibility to start a month-long series of challenges to increase the visibility of not only those identifying as part of the LGBTQ spectrum but also their allies in the office. It was composed of eight challenges spanning everything from introducing oneself to learning about the laws impacting LGBTQ individuals in their state. In the time of COVID-19, I was happy to see the breadth of engagement and connection that was happening during a month meant to celebrate all the love that we share as individuals.
