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At Palo Alto Networks, we are honoring Pride Month for all those in the LGBTQIA+ community, including our employees, family and friends across the globe. While we stand with the LGBTQIA+ community each and every day and value an inclusive environment, June is particularly special as it commemorates the first ever Pride march held in New York City on June 28, 1970, a year after the Stonewall Riots.
We continue to be amazed by our employees at Palo Alto Networks as we show our commitment to providing an inclusive environment where each and every unique employee can be their authentic self. This year, we are specifically highlighting intersectionality — the understanding that we are all made of unique and overlapping identities and experiences. The LGBTQIA+ community has overcome many challenges throughout history, and it continues to do so today. This month is an opportunity to not only showcase this community and its triumphs, but also shine a light on the work that needs to continue in order to make the tech sector and world, as a whole, a more equitable place.
Bringing together employees from around the globe, we kicked off the month with a virtual drag dance class and hosted Mark Gevisser, author of The Pink Line: Journeys Across the World’s Queer Frontiers, for a virtual book club. Renowned poet, Alok Vaid-Menon, paid us a virtual visit to discuss intersectionality and the important role it plays in our everyday lives. And throughout June, our colleagues in Israel are hosting four lectures dedicated to Pride Month.
The events and celebration are continuing globally, and we’ll wrap-up June with the launch of JAPAC’s chapter of our LGBTQIA+ employee network group. But, we’re not done yet! Throughout the year, we’ll have ongoing listening sessions, collaborative events and meaningful discussions.
I am so proud to work alongside and learn from so many courageous colleagues, and I’m excited to share what we’re hearing from our teammates as we continue our 2021 Pride Celebration:
“Intersectionality to me is recognition and appreciation of the tapestry that makes up the LGBTQIA+ community. This is not just the outward appearances such as race or gender, but also the LGBTQIA+ populations who are differently abled, or veterans, or any other combination of qualities that make our rainbow shine that much brighter.”
- Ty Pressley, Contracts and Proposals Manager
“For me it means allowing people to be free, freely themselves no matter what that means for them. I never thought I would see such acceptance and support within an organization I work for and I could not be more proud.”
- Kisha Clark, Support Delivery Manager
“Since the moment I stepped foot into this organization, Palo Alto Networks has never once made me feel different, but has actually made me feel empowered to celebrate my difference.”
- Daniel Do, Executive Recruiting Researcher
"It's like one of those things in life that you take easily for granted when it is there as it feels so natural. Nonetheless I remember when I was interviewing with PANW and was wondering if like so many other companies diversity & inclusion was just a nice statement on the website. Now a few years later and working with so many different people around the world, I can tell you from my own experience that PANW is truly a company that cares about people. It's a company by people for people. With so many different people across our organization it's not only a true joy to collaborate with all of them, but also a continuous and colourful growth journey that stretched my thinking and perspectives. We are a company where everyone is welcomed and respected, and all voices are heard and valued."
- Simon Mulder, Senior Director Human Resources EMEA
“It’s about truly understanding that each and every person is unique, while also recognising people’s overlapping identities.”
- Joseph Meadowcroft, Talent Acquisition Singapore
We believe that an inclusive culture is paramount to bring together the best and most diverse teams to solve the world's toughest cybersecurity challenges. We are committed to fostering allyship, embracing and celebrating diversity, and providing an environment where all voices are heard and valued. This month and every month, we have so much to be proud of at Palo Alto Networks.