Celebrating diversity and inclusion

June is Pride Month, a wonderful time for citizens around the world to celebrate diversity and inclusion, and recognize the impact Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people have in the world.

The word "Pride" was chosen to reinforce the notion that individuals who identify as LGBTQ should embrace their unique identity as members of equal standing in the global community. It is a stance against discrimination and in favor of self-affirmation, dignity, equality rights of LGBTQ people.

June was established as Pride Month mainly because on 28 June, 1969, members of the LGBTQ community and supporting activists in the US stood up to New York City police officers who raided the Stonewall Inn and other bars in Greenwich Village that catered to openly LGBTQ patrons.

At Smartmatic, we celebrate inclusion and diversity. We are proud that our registration devices have given an equal opportunity to citizens from all walks of life to participate freely in elections. Our voting machines have enfranchised millions without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity sexual orientation, or disability.

Building more inclusive and diverse communities is a mission that we carry out both externally and internally. In addition to the work we do around the world, Smartmatic is fully committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive, safe, and accepting workplace.

As Victor Ramirez, our Vice President of Human Resources, explains, inclusion and diversity are two pillars of our corporate culture.

“As head of HR at Smartmatic, I am proud to be able to say that we have an open and inclusive culture where everyone can feel part of a united family. People are at their best when they can be themselves and be authentic, and that is what we strive for.”

Smartmatic is global company with employees in 15 offices across the world. While many of us look, think and feel differently, we unite around the principle of equality. “We are fortunate that diversity, more than a challenge, is an advantage. The more diverse our team is, the richer the ideas it generates and the more innovative we are. Being inclusive is not only right, it is smart business,” added Ramirez.  

As millions around the world celebrate Pride Month, we want to take this opportunity to raise awareness. There’s still a lot of work to be done in the fight for greater diversity and inclusion. Take a look at the calendar below and help us spread the message.