“I’m proud to work for a company that makes their people – all people – a priority. As a parent, it was phenomenal to not only teach “love is love” but demonstrate in a very real way how to be an all to our LGBTQ+ colleagues, family, and friends.” – Melody Pleasure, Director of Stakeholder Engagement
After two years of pandemic-related limits and cancellations, the Capital Pride Parade was held in Washington, D.C. on June 11, 2022. Peraton was there as a proud sponsor of the event, and many of employees brought family and friends to join in the festivities. The parade’s theme, “reUNITED,” was especially resonant: for some, it was the first time meeting their colleagues in person—for others, it was the first time seeing each other in more than two years.
Peraton, which has been championed for its DE&I efforts, recognizes the importance of creating spaces where all employees feel empowered, as well as showing support for community initiatives that are important to them. The company is able to solve missions of consequence due to the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences its employees bring to work each day. The Pride parade was one of many employee-led engagement opportunities the company supports to promote an environment that supports innovation, collaboration, and staff retention.
Employee-driven inclusion
“Our genuine and public commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace makes us accountable to our employees,” said Laila Salguero, Peraton’s Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. “The Pride Alliance ERG expressed a strong desire to participate in this uplifting event, so we made it happen.”
Peraton’s five employee resource groups (ERG) were designed to foster internal connections and promote a more equitable company culture. The Pride Alliance ERG encourages all LGBTQ+ employees and allies to bring their authentic selves to the workplace. Other successful ERGs include the Women’s Impact Network, the Multicultural ERG Exchange, Veterans and Allies Leading Optimal Results, and a New Employees group.
“Major employers must recognize the influence they hold and use their positions to ensure everyone can be their true selves at work,” said Salguero. “We were honored to march alongside our team members, families, and friends to celebrate pride and support the LGBTQ+ community.”
Pictured: Sunil K., a software developer at Peraton, marches at the 2022 Capital Pride Parade in Washington D.C.