Throughout June, HBK was excited to celebrate pride month with some fantastic events with our LGBTQ+ employee resource group, Empower.
Empower Info Session
Employees gathered nationwide to learn about HBK's LGBTQ+ employee resource group (ERG), Empower. Founded in 2021, Empower's mission is to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion within HBK, create a supportive network of LGBTQ+ employees and allies, and be a strategic partner with HBK through continual learning and programming. Employees learned more about Empower's various initiatives, events, and other resources members could access.
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Pride Happy Hour
Empower was proud to be a supporting sponsor of Emerging Leaders Chicago for their Pride Happy Hour. Part of the Empower board and its members had the opportunity to meet other professionals and enjoy appetizers and drinks hosted at Sidetrack on Halsted. They featured opening remarks by Alderman Timmy Knudsen and Alderman Bennett Lawson.
Chicago Pride Fest
Supported by Quanta, HBK was extremely excited to be back at our tent for the Chicago Pride Fest for the 3rd year in a row. We spent the weekend filled with fun and hosted games and prizes for spectators. It was a great weekend to be among the LGBTQ+ community and its allies as we celebrated Pride Month.
Fireside Chat with LGBTQ+ Leaders: Leading with Pride
The Empower board hosted its Fireside Chat with LGBTQ+ Leaders on Leading with Pride for an evening full of powerful stories and unique perspectives. Coming together nationwide from our Philadelphia office, Allie Ray moderated a thoughtful discussion and was joined by three panelists, including Empower’s founder, Camden Breeding (HBK), Aidan Robichaux (City Year Greater Boston), and Lizzie Welch (WSP). Together, we learned how these individuals championed inclusivity in their respective fields, explored the responsibilities of queer leaders in business, and how everyone can continue to be brave in their pathways forward.
Resource Recess: Authenticity is a Double-Edged Sword
To wrap up Pride Month, the Empower board partnered with Resource Recess, a monthly event intended to bring in new resources on various topics and create a platform for employees to have open conversations. Stemming from the podcast episode Authenticity is a Double-Edged Sword | WorkLife with Adam Grant, our employees thoughtfully discussed what effective authenticity looks like and how we can learn to strike the right balance.
