Throughout June, ALKU celebrated Pride Month! The ALKrew teamed up with our Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG), who shared excellent resources, testimonials, volunteer opportunities, and more!
The ALKrew kicked Pride month off by raising money for local LGBTQ+ organizations! ALKU’s Andover office fundraised for Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Youth. Charlotte, NC, fundraised for Time Out Youth. Franklin, TN, fundraised for Nashville Launch Pad. Herndon, VA, fundraised for Casa Ruby.
The set goal was to raise $5,000. Anyone who purchased a ticket was entered into a raffle to attend Red Sox Pride Night on 6/15. Five winners were picked in the Zoom raffle draw that attended the Red Sox Pride Night with the Pride ERG! Additionally, the ALKrew had the chance to purchase an exclusive pride t-shirt that was a company-wide hit!
On June 1st, Nick Barbarossa, Brendan O’Melia, Anna Kochien, and Elvis Bisono attended Boston Business Journals Business of Pride event at Boston Chops! This event celebrated and recognized businesses that have shown a commitment to an inclusive workplace. The ALKrew watched the recipients of the Corporate Ally awards share their stories and discuss how we can all come together to support one another.
The Krew had a chance to network with several organizations that are a part of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce and learn about their initiatives to help ALKU’s LGBTQ+ community grow.
Towards the end of June, ALKU’s Pride ERG held an Open Pride Meeting! Nick Barbarossa, Michael Bachilas, Alyssa Anderson, and Brendan O’Melia were all speakers that shared personal stories, further educated the ALKrew, and held a Q&A.
Celebrating Pride Month helps bring us together to share awareness and make a difference. Now that Pride Month is behind us, we encourage everyone at ALKU to celebrate Pride and be an ally every day of the year.