Canadian Leadership Team shares their diversity and inclusion story with the audience
Microsoft Hosts Diversity Summit to Promote Global LGBT Inclusion
Friday, 20th April 2018: Microsoft hosted the 2nd GLEAM Summit in Toronto, an inaugural conference exploring how best to promote LGBT workplace inclusion around the world.
This is Microsoft’s second annual global summit. The Summit is dedicated to driving the experience of LGBT employees working for Microsoft and to demonstrate the Company’s commitment to supporting the external LGBT community in the markets in which Microsoft operates around the world.
The 2nd Global GLEAM Summit brings together Microsoft leaders from GLEAM chapters from over 20 countries, as well as community leaders in diversity & inclusion to learn from each other and align on global priorities. The themes and topics covered in this 3-day summit include Inclusivity & community, Ally-ship, Global Pride and Policies, as well as LGBTQ+ inclusion topics from globally recognized organizations.
“We are extremely honoured to host the GLEAM Summit here in Toronto. Events like these are so vital as they give us a chance to increase our knowledge of global best practices for LGBT workplace inclusion, says Kevin Peesker, President, Microsoft Canada. “Microsoft is one of the best places to work for LGBT equality. From our top executives walking in the Pride Parade each year to using our influence to promote a more inclusive approach throughout industry, we take the view that there is always more we can do on a local and global level to ensure that LGBT employees are supported at Microsoft.”
Microsoft is an official supporter of the United Nations Standards of Conduct for Business to Tackle Discrimination Against LGBTI People. One of the key reasons Microsoft has continued to be successful is due to the diverse skills, experiences, and backgrounds its employees bring to the Company. The common thread that connects Microsoft with its employees is the passion for their work and the desire to make an impact in the community, and on the world.
‘We have devoted extensive energy and resources to become a more diverse and inclusive organization – something we believe is vital to developing a strong company culture,” says Cherise Mendoza, HR Director Microsoft Canada. “We firmly believe that the best ideas come from diverse teams where people feel confident and supported to contribute their unique insight and skills to help solve some of the most complex technology challenges. Simply put, diversity is critical for our Company’s continued success.”
Speakers at the GLEAM Summit included Kevin Peesker, president Microsoft Canada, Fabrice Houdart, human rights officer at the United Nations, and Olivia Nuamah, executive director, Pride Toronto.
About GLEAM
GLEAM is the LGBT employee resource group at Microsoft. first formed in 1993 with about a dozen employees; it now has well over 1,000 members around the world. GLEAM members play a leading role in ensuring that Microsoft represents an inclusive workplace, while also leveraging the company’s resources to promote full LGBT equality in markets around the world.
