Stan Sandland-Owens (Manchester, England) Customer Support Leader
What does Pride mean to me? For me it is being free to be myself and not to be afraid of any stigmas or phobia that may come my way. I just wish that working through the 1980s my employers then had felt that setting up a LGBTQI network like we have with Johnson Controls For Equality (JC4e), was a worthwhile project that would allow employees globally to network, share ideas and offer support. I really do feel that as an employer, Johnson Controls has brought us together again and we stand proud of who and what we all are!
Audrey Walsh (Cork, Ireland) Information Developer | JC4e Communications Chair (EMEA)
The global pandemic has challenged us like never before. Here at Johnson Controls having the JC4e network has given us a vital space to share common experiences, allyship and camaraderie in the past twelve months. As a community of colleagues and friends, despite being apart, we have embraced virtual connection and found ourselves closer than ever. Through live online events and regular Teams chats Johnson Controls for Equality has engaged members not only in Cork, or Ireland, but further afield in 29 countries around the globe. I’m proud to be part of an ever growing network of people committed to affecting positive change in our individual workplaces, and by extension, across the world.
Amy Zoyomi (Bratislava, Slovakia) Purchasing Administrator
Together Apart Johnson Controls LGBTQ+ network and allies delivering for all
Being a member of the Johnson Controls LGBTQ+ business resource group - Johnson Controls For Equality (JC4e) - is a great opportunity for me to find people who I can relate to at work. I like that Johnson Controls provides its employees with such a wonderful way of connecting with each other. I personally enjoy being able to talk to my colleagues about LGBTQ+-related topics the most, as it gives me the opportunity to be creative in something I am truly passionate about. Most importantly, it reassures me that my workplace is a safe environment.
Rebecca Walsh (Cork, Ireland) HR Manager, Ireland
I am a member of the Johnson Controls LGBTQ+ business resource group JC4e and also a proud ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Fundamentally, I have a strong belief in inclusion and human rights. In the past twelve months at our Cork headquarters I have had the benefit of learning more about the community from both internal and external events and hearing the stories of our own employees who have been so brave in coming forward to share their story in the hope that it will help others to feel included and empowered. In my role as HR Manager, I have the opportunity to communicate to a wide audience on a regular basis through our Manager Forums and Town Halls, and I want to be able to use that privilege to demonstrate my solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community wherever I can.
Mary White (Cork, Ireland) Operations Program Manager | JC4e Vice-President (EMEA)
It has been an honour for me to lead and grow Johnson Controls business resource group for our LGBTQ+ employees (JC4e), their families and allies across EMEA. Despite being apart during the Covid-19 pandemic, we have never been more together. We have been open, vulnerable, and honest with ourselves and each other, and as a result we’ve grown as individuals. The most powerful aspect of being involved with JC4e however, is the realisation that each member’s story is impactful and powerful. That bravery to be who you are, or to be accepting of others, creates that open, inclusive and supportive workplace that I am incredibly proud to help shape alongside my colleagues, members and allies who have shown up in so many different ways across the company.
Nikhil Vengatesan (Bratislava, Slovakia) Application Engineer
I believe that every individual has the right to choose their partner, and that it is key to helping us live this precious life that we have. One must be happy to achieve it no matter who they are with. As someone who believes in ‘Mind over body’, we need to support everyone, no matter where they are from, or what their desires are. I would like to have the same mentality in the workplace and really appreciate the members of JC4e in Johnson Controls who make this possible.
Javier Reina Sanchez (Spanish, living in Slovakia) Corporate Global Business Services
I would be happy if we did not have to celebrate Pride. It would mean there was no inequality, discrimination, or homophobia. As that is not the case just yet, I am standing and being proud of who I am. I am ready to support anyone who needs to be loved for who they are. I am also very proud to be part of JC4e, because Johnson Controls provided us with this important platform and network where we can be heard. Where we work is our second home, and we need to support and respect each other. We need to embrace what we have in common and what makes each of us unique. I hope in a few years’ time, we can celebrate Pride as an amazing party and not only as a matter in question of equality and diversity.
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