Employee Resource Group Spotlight: PRIDE+ Community at Schwab.

By Beau Hombach, Content Manager.

In a continuation of our Employee Resource Group Spotlight series, we’re featuring the LGBTQ+ Network at Schwab (PRIDE+). Keep reading to learn about the PRIDE+ community, their goals, and the ways they are supporting the success of members and allies alike.

To ensure that our work environment makes everyone feel welcomed and valued, we’ve established an array of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). These employee-run communities give our people a space to come together around common interests, shared characteristics, or life experiences.

One of these ERGs, the LGBTQ+ Network at Schwab (PRIDE+), is uplifting employees by providing a safe spot to build meaningful connections and embrace their true selves at work. The group also plays a pivotal role in driving diversity across our organization through a range of important initiatives.

What is PRIDE+’s Mission?

The PRIDE+ community advocates for an environment that is inclusive and supportive of all, including lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, non-binary, queer, and questioning employees. The group is committed to promoting greater respect for human differences and aims to create better futures for LGBTQ+ community members. They also encourage allyship amongst peers and look to them for their support.

How Does PRIDE+ Support its Members Success?

PRIDE+ empowers individuals to thrive at Schwab by promoting awareness and education, and also by offering resources that focus on the health and wellness of the community. Through driving inclusive practices within our organization via advocacy and events, and by forming safe spaces for the sharing of diverse perspectives, the PRIDE+ ERG is actively engaged in making a positive impact in the lives of employees, our firm, and beyond.

Awareness 

Under PRIDE+ National sits region-specific chapters that work together to organize important community events, celebrations, and milestone recognitions. With a wealth of chapters across the country, this ERG is helping to connect people in:


From virtual and in-person PRIDE+ Week celebrations to events and learning sessions hosted during PRIDE+ month and more, the ERG’s national and local chapters provide opportunities for members, allies, and other curios participants to learn and grow. Apart from the chance to network with other Schwab employees at these events, participants are also able to gain a greater understanding of the LGBTQ+ experience and community history.

Education and Allyship

Available to members, allies, and employees alike, PRIDE+ keeps a library full of internal and external resources that support their people and help contribute to the learning of fellow peers. These include, but are not limited to:

• Allyship in PRIDE+ 101 and 102 courses, which educate Schwabbies about orientation and identity within the LGBTQ+ community. Here, individuals also have the ability to learn how “ally” is defined, and discover how support for the community comes in many different forms.

• A collection of videos and articles that chronicle the experiences of community members, inclusive practices at Schwab, and important times of celebration or recognition.

• Links to help interested employees and members find community events, gatherings, and volunteerism efforts that contribute to making the future brighter for everyone.

Wellness and Family Resources

As a part of PRIDE+’s focus on fostering community and empowering people to be their true authentic selves, ERG members have both created and collected an array of resources that are accessible to all employees and their families, which partially include:

• Mental Health presentations specifically tailored to address issues that are unique to the LQBTQ+ experience.  
• Connection to Camp Brave Trails, an overnight, leadership focused summer camp that is designed just for LGBTQ+ teens, ages 12-17. 
• Free counseling services for employees and their families.  
• Additional Transgender and Non-Binary focused education and wellness resources.

Creating a Better Today and Tomorrow

Schwab's PRIDE+ employee resource group is playing a pivotal role in driving awareness and creating a better tomorrow for LGBTQ+ professionals. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and equality, this diverse ERG is empowering individuals to bring their whole selves to work. Through various initiatives, PRIDE+ is fostering a culture of understanding, acceptance, and celebration of different orientations and gender identities. By organizing events, workshops, and training sessions, the group is educating colleagues and promoting awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone. Moreover, PRIDE+ actively advocates for inclusive policies and benefits, striving to remove barriers and enhance opportunities for members within Schwab and beyond. With their dedication and passion, this Employee Resource Group is not only making a significant impact at our organization but also driving positive change for the LGBTQ+ community.

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