Celebrating Pride Month
Pride Month represents an important time for all of us to come together to celebrate, learn, and engage with one another. At its core, this month is about recognizing the LGBTQIA+ community and ensuring that we continue to build an environment that empowers every Rocketeer to thrive. Earlier this month, we held our own Pride Month celebration at Rocket Software’s Waltham offices, hosted by our RIDE team, bringing together over 30 Rocketeers to engage in conversations, enjoy some barbecue, and participate in a pride-themed raffle and giveaway.
During the event, we also explored a bit of the history behind the modern-day LGBTQIA+ Pride Parade—an event that expanded from small, grassroots marches into huge, colorful parades happening around the world. To help expand on the topic, we watched a short, informative, PBS Origins video titled “Why is Pride a Parade” that breaks down the story behind the modern Pride Parade. From there, we had an exciting discussion on the video, as well as the reflections and insights of our attendees, who shared their own experiences from attending Pride Parades in the past.
What Did We Learn
Throughout the event, we had the opportunity to hear and share great pieces of advice, tips, and other takeaways with one another—embrace your authentic self, understand and practice Growth Mindset principles, use active listening to help understand the experiences of others, and don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone to broaden your cultural awareness of different cultures, traditions, and beliefs.
But don’t just take my word for it, let’s hear from some of our very own attendees from this year’s event:
“Our celebration allowed colleagues to share their own stories. These personal accounts of attending Pride Parades and their lived experience and spirit of celebration fostered a deeper connection and understanding among our Rocket Software community. Allies shared their support for LGBTQIA+ friends and family, emphasizing the importance of solidarity. At Rocket Software, we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can be their authentic self and feel valued and respected. Pride is a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and the importance of standing together. I am very proud to be an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. Special thanks to Alice Rodman for leading us through this awesome day and the PRIDE Parade history discussion.” - Julie Law, Chief People Officer
“We reflected on what a Pride Parade meant to us, and watching it through the eyes of my daughter, who marched for the first time this year, filled me with immense joy as she realized the celebration of her rainbow family by everyone around her. I am grateful to Rocket Software for encouraging and celebrating the authenticity of everyone at work, making such moments even more special.” – Audrea Laffely, VP of Growth Marketing
“Pride reflects our values whereby Rocketeers are free to be their authentic selves while collaborating and doing great work. I’ve developed a deeper understanding of the historical challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community, and the Q&A session and discussion afterward proved to be enlightening as I gained insight into my colleague’s personal stories they felt comfortable sharing with the group. Trust, love, empathy, and humanity are practiced daily here, and Pride is an extension of those values.” - Bill Bailey-Eisenhauer, Senior Corporate Paralegal
“Whether part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, the participation and engagement was fun to see and be part of. While décor, food, and friends brought out the best in everyone, the discussions following the video on the LGBTQIA+ movement before Stonewall was a show of love and empathy in action. One person with pride and purpose can truly change the world!” – Hollee Fink, Operations Analyst, Customer Solutions Engineering
As we close out Pride Month, it has been incredibly rewarding to see just how passionate and engaged the community here at Rocket Software has been, fostering a workplace culture that makes it easier for everyone to feel inspired to live as their authentic selves.
Learn more about how our RIDE program is empowering Rocketeers and helping each of us to live out our values of Empathy, Humanity, Trust, and Love.
