PRIDE Recognizes Contributions of LGBT Associates
June is Pride Month, celebrating the contributions of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans have made to the Exchange, Armed Forces and our Nation.
The Exchange’s PRIDE special emphasis program presents an opportunity for all associates to support gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality at work and in the communities we are honored to serve.
Meeting the Exchange’s 3 core values
PRIDE stands for People Respecting Individuality, Diversity and Equality.
“Many members of our PRIDE group served in the military or have relatives who have worn or are wearing the uniform, so they take our core value ‘Family Serving Family’ very seriously,” said Ana Middleton, President and Chief Merchandising Officer who serves as a PRIDE executive champion. “For the Exchange to serve our Soldiers, Airmen and their families effectively, we must all respect each other, another Exchange core value, and exhibit the courage to use good judgment, the third Exchange core value, regardless of our differences.”
Supporting the mission
Chief Financial Officer Jim Jordan, who also is a PRIDE executive champion, said, “Inclusiveness and acceptance of our individual differences supports our ability to execute our mission to serve those who serve and their families. Workplace diversity is about acknowledging differences and adapting work practices to create an inclusive environment in which diverse skills, perspectives and backgrounds are valued.
PRIDE contributes to associate engagement, recruitment, talent development, supplier diversity initiatives and other Exchange business objectives, said Dr. Patrick Oldenburgh, a PRIDE group leader and vice president of HR Operations.
“We want to foster an inclusive workplace where LGBT associates and their supporters can inspire, develop and collaborate to reach their highest potential, represent the Exchange in the community and serve as a key resource for education and awareness efforts,” he said.
Promoting a positive workplace culture
Senior Marketing Manager Scott Lohmann, another PRIDE group leader, encourages associates around the world to embrace LGBT diversity and inclusion to promote a positive workplace culture in which people with different backgrounds, lifestyles and abilities are respected and given the opportunity to succeed.
“Recognizing that everyone’s ideas contribute to the organization’s success creates ownership by the associates,” Lohmann said. “When associates take ownership in their jobs and the organization, they get excited, increase productivity, decrease turnover, produce financial results and create a better work environment.”
All associates can join PRIDE or other special emphasis programs by going here.
Thank you for celebrating Pride for the LBGT community. I’m very proud of our company
Mr. Marcus:
Thank you for writing to your Exchange Post. I, too, am happy that I work for an organization that emphasizes diversity & inclusion.
Steve Smith
Editor
The Exchange Post
Thank you for your participation and communicating this event Exchange!
Jessy:
Thank you for writing to your Exchange Post. You’re welcome. The Exchange Post news desk was more than happy to run the article about this very worthwhile organization.
Steve Smith
Editor
The Exchange Post
E pluribus Unum. We ARE The Exchange — Serving the Best Customers in the World!
Pat:
Thanks for writing to your Exchange Post! I appreciate the comment.
Steve Smith
Editor
The Exchange Post
Thank you for showing love to our community. it really means a lot. 🙂
Roxanne:
Thank you for writing to your Exchange Post. I enjoyed researching and writing the story.
Steve Smith
Editor
The Exchange Post
This is a great post. It sends a message of inclusion which is important for the success a of a team! Happy Pride month!
Zachary:
Thank you for writing to your Exchange Post!
Let’s keep the conversation going! Anybody out there want to share their thoughts on how the Exchange recognizes LGBT associates?
Type your thoughts in the Comment box and hit enter.
C’mon . . . we want to read them!
Steve Smith
Editor, The Exchange Post
Being different is always a good thing! Great leaders were never ordinary. Thank you for this article and for the exceptional organization I am proud to be apart of.
Jenny:
Thanks for writing to your Exchange Post. Like what you said about great leaders.
Steve Smith
Exchange Post