The Eidos LGBTQ+ Health Initiative by University of Pennsylvania is hosting a free online panel on April 23 at 11a.m, on the integration of LGBTQ+ people in the workforce. The event, entitled A Call to Action for Workplace Inclusion will include industry experts discussing the inclusion of LGBTQ+ workers in-workspaces, and how to foster environments of belonging and care.
Eidos LGBTQ+ Health Initiative, based at UPenn, is an emerging organization that convenes seasoned leaders from diverse backgrounds, including community, academic, civic, and business spheres, to develop inventive strategies to advance the continuous well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. Through social entrepreneurship, community engagement, education and research, they aim to pioneer and execute initiatives that tackle the distinctive challenges encountered by the LGBTQ+ community. Collaborative efforts are crucial to their endeavors to establish sustainable measures to foster the long-term prosperity for the community.
This organization is led by founding faculty director José Bauermeister, MPH, PHD, and senior director Jessica Halem, MBA. Halem is serving as moderator for this upcoming event.
The panelists
Beck Bailey is the Global Chief Diversity Officer at Accenture. In this role, Bailey is at the helm of fostering inclusion for 710,000 global employees. Bailey is a lifelong LGBTQ+ advocate and is openly transgender. According to his LinkedIn, “I’ve advocated for inclusion, equity and equal opportunity throughout my life. I know the power of an inclusive workplace to unlock innovation and human potential as well as provide dignity and economic opportunity to those on the margins.”
Daquise Montgomery is an HR Professional at M&T Bank. Montgomery is responsible for Human Resources and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) consulting and research, advising higher management based on analyses. According to their LinkedIn, Montgomery has “Proven experience in human resources management, compensation and benefits, talent acquisition and retention, and employee relations.” Montgomery is also on the board of directors for Equality Chamber Foundation, an organization founded to promote the unification of the LGBTQ+ business community.
Zach Wilcha is the Chief Executive Officer of Independence Business Alliance, the Greater Philadelphia LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. Wilcha has vast experience with progressive programs championing social change. He is the recipient of numerous local accolades, including the Everyday Genius leadership award from the DaVinci Art Alliance, Philadelphia 76ers Game Changer Award recipient for community impact, and City & State Magazine’s 100 most influential LGBTQ+ leaders in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Wilcha’s LinkedIn says, “Combining earnest grassroots organizing with corporate, business, and legal acumen, Zach is passionate about bringing compassion, inclusion, and representation into all areas of his personal and professional life.”
40% of LGBTQ+ people in the workforce report discrimination, per a 2021 study by the WIlliams Institute. This event seeks to address, and discuss statistics such as these that find that after decades of political and social movement, LGBTQ+ individuals may still find themselves subject to workplace exclusion. The event description states: “Through thought provoking questions and real-life stories, we’ll explore the importance of fostering inclusive workplace cultures. Come to uncover strategies to dismantle barriers, champion diversity, and cultivate environments where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.”A Call to Action for Workplace Inclusion will be held virtually at 11 a.m. on April 23. For more information or to RSVP for free, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-call-to-action-for-workplace-inclusion-tickets-873969836307