Trip Report
About Out & Equal
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates educates and empowers organizations, human resources
professionals, employee resource groups, and individual employees through programs and
services that result in equal policies, opportunities, practices, and benefits in the workplace
inclusive of all sexual orientations, gender identities, expressions, and characteristics.
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates is the world’s premier nonprofit organization dedicated to
achieving lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender workplace equality. We collaborate with leading
local, national, and global corporations, their executives, human resources professionals,
employee resource groups, and individuals to provide leadership & professional development,
education, and research to create a culturally accepting work environment free of discrimination.
At our annual Workplace Summit, we bring together LGBT employees, HR professionals, and
executives from around the world to learn from each other and from experts. We work at all
levels within companies: ERGs, HR teams, executives, and others. Out & Equal takes the view that
supportive, collaborative, professional partnerships lead to workplaces that are free from
discrimination and help all people thrive.
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Summit 2015 Partnerships
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Summit 2015 Partnerships
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Summit 2015 Partnerships
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Summit 2015 Partnerships
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Summit 2015 Partnerships
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Summit 2015 Partnerships
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Total Attendance
3,147
Demographics
Sexual Orientation
Gender
Note: Data reflects survey respondents only
Demographics
Annual Income
Ethnicity
Note: Data reflects survey respondents only
Demographics
Industries Represented
Impact
Visibility.
Visible corporate support and participation at the annual Out & Equal Workplace Summit reinforce company
brand and reputation as an employer of choice for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally (LGBTA)
community. Out & Equal partners are branded as world leaders on emerging issues, employment policies, and
LGBT cultural competence. When companies are visibly supportive of LGBTA workplace equality by partnering
with Out & Equal, they attract and retain talent, create a more diverse and inclusive workplace, and gain the
support of socially conscious consumers and clients. In addition to corporate visibility, Out & Equal partnership
offers senior and emerging executive visibility. The resources and networking opportunities geared specifically to
executives, Human Resources and Diversity & Inclusion professionals, and LGBTA Employee Resource leaders and
members provide unparalleled opportunities in leadership development and executive elevation.
Empowerment.
The Out & Equal Workplace Summit is proud to offer a rich series of workshops, roundtables, panels, plenaries,
events and programming for companies and their employees to strengthen professional and community
relationships, reinforce organizational values, and develop expertise and leadership skills in response to emerging
LGBT workplace issues. The coveted Outie Awards are also given in recognition of an individual company LGBTA
Champion, LGBTA ERG of the Year, and company award for Workplace Excellence creating opportunities for
employee empowerment and year-round engagement.
Education.
Partnerships with Out & Equal are essential for organizations to stay on the leading edge of best practices in LGBT
talent management. Out & Equal’s education and thought leadership opportunities encompass a 360 degree
approach to excellence in Diversity & Inclusion. Educational opportunities targeted to Employee Resource
Groups, talent acquisition professionals, and senior executives include tracks that range from developing complex
legal frameworks to building fully inclusive cultural practices that are evidence-based and benchmarked in line
with business goals. Beyond the learning and professional development opportunities, we provide the single best
chance for building relationships with peers within and across business sectors that allow for continued dialogue
and learning.
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Programming
Three full days of LGBT-focused content presented over 95
sessions, covering the following workplace trends:
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Allies
Beyond Corporate Workplaces
Beyond LGBT Diversity
Changing Workplace Climate
ERG/BRG or Diversity Council
Executives/Management
LGBT Films
Global
Law, Policy and Benefits
Professional Development
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Leadership Day
Join company leaders for a concentrated focus on LGBT workplace issues covering
one of the following topics of choice:
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Unconscious Bias
Advanced Employee Resource Group (ERG/BRG) Topics
Your Journey to ERG Success: Mapping a Framework to Win
Global Leadership Seminar
Allies Leadership Seminar
Faith Leadership Seminar
Train the Trainer
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Outie Awards
The coveted Out & Equal Workplace Awards, known as “the Outies,” recognizes individuals and organizations
that are leaders in advancing equality for LGBT employees in workplaces around the world.
The 2015 Outie Award Descriptions
Champion Award
The Champion Award has been combined with the previous Trailblazer Award. The Champion
Award recognizes an LGBT individual or Ally who has made a significant contribution to advancing
workplace equality. The Champion Award winner will have shown a unique commitment to LGBT
workplace rights and will have used his or her talents to further that cause, even at some risk.
LGBT Employee Resource Group of the Year
This award recognizes an outstanding employee resource group (ERG) with a proven track record
of success in advocating for LGBT equal rights in its workplace.
Workplace Excellence
This award recognizes an employer that has a historic and ongoing commitment to pursuing and
executing workplace equality for LGBT employees in the workplace. This employer has a history
of continually raising the bar of workplace equality for others to aspire to.
Regional Affiliate of the Year Award
Recognizes an Out & Equal regional affiliate that has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to
the Out & Equal mission through exceptional programming and sound organizational practices.
The 2015 Outie Award Finalists
Champion Award Finalists
Michael DeAngelis of Intel Corporation
Cynthia Armine-Klein of First Data Corporation
Howard Ungerleider of DOW
Beth Brooke-Marciniak of EY
ERG of the Year Finalists
Walmart PRIDE
Pride at Work, Thomson Reuters
Open & Out, Johnson & Johnson
Chubb Pride, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies
UK EAGLE, IBM United Kingdom Ltd.
Workplace Excellence Finalists
AT&T
Wells Fargo & Company
Xerox Corporation
Bank of America
The Walt Disney Company
The 2015 Outie Award Winners
A selection committee determines finalists based on nominations. An independent panel of business and
community leaders vote and select winners based on information and references provided.
LGBT ERG of the Year
Open & Out, Johnson & Johnson
Champion Award
Howard Ungerleider, The Dow Chemical
Company
Regional Affiliate of the Year
San Francisco
Workplace Excellence
The Walt Disney Company
Keynotes
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Selisse Berry
Founder & CEO,
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates
“We are all in the fight towards workplace equality together.”
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Jason Collins
Professional Athlete
“Adversity is a challenge, a challenge
that is meant to be overcome.”
Annise Parker
Mayor
Houston, Texas
“We are not petitioning our rights, we
are claiming our rights as equal
Americans.”
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Brigadier General, Tammy Smith
Dr. Vivienne Ming
Brigadier General,
U.S. Army Reserve
Co-Founder and Managing Partner,
Socos
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Lisa Kron
Sydney Lucas
Writer – Fun Home
Broadway Star – Fun Home
“A collaboration to cherish! Lisa Kron knows
precisely how to mix the demands of a musical
and the brilliance of Bechdel’s memoir.”
- Linda Winer, Newsday
“Ms. Lucas is best known for her rendition of a
song about same-sex yearning and
identification, called “Ring of Keys,” which has
become the show’s signature anthem. ”
- Micahel Paulson, The New York Times
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Ticketed Events
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Human Resources Breakfast
Sponsored by
The Human Resources Breakfast provided a panel presentation and networking opportunities for
diversity and inclusion / HR professionals interested in recruitment, retention, and development of
the LGBT workforce. Topics covered:
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Generational differences of LGBT (and non-LGBT) employees in the workplace.
Understanding LGBT populations, their priorities and requirements for compensation and
benefits.
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Regional Affiliate Breakfast
Sponsored by
Regional affiliate leaders, along with members of the Transgender, Bisexual, and People of Color
Advisory Committees, joined together to celebrate the year-round contributions and achievements
of Out & Equal’s national network to advance LGBT workplace equality. At this year’s breakfast, we
also released the official publication of Out & Equal’s Workplace Gender Identity and Transition
Guidelines.
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Women’s Leadership Breakfast
Sponsored by
The Women’s Leadership Breakfast was focused on the achievements of LGBT women leaders in the
workplace. The breakfast offered tremendous opportunities to make valuable connections and learn
from inspiring leaders within the LGBT community.
Denice Torres
President, McNeil Consumer
Dr. Vivienne Ming
Healthcare
Co-Founder / Managing
Partner,
Socos
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Cris
Williamson
Singer /
Songwriter
Executive Luncheon
Sponsored by
An invitation only event, the Executive Luncheon was an exclusive opportunity to hear from out,
C-Suite LGBT executives from Fortune 500 companies who shared their unique stories and the
challenges / advantages of being out in the workplace.
Cindy Armine-Klein
Jim Fitterling
Vice Chair of Business
Operations,
Dow Chemical
Chief Control Officer, First
Data
Sander van’t Noordende
Group Chief Executive,
Accenture Products
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Government Luncheon
Sponsored by
For the first time, the Government Lunch brought together out government officials from different
agencies, both domestically and internationally, to share how they are changing the political and
social climate for the LGBT community.
Joe Leonard, Jr.
Ph.D.
Carmen Middleton
Deputy Executive
Officer, CIA
Assistant Secretary
for Civil Rights, USDA
Randy Berry
Special Envoy, U.S.
State Department
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Professional Networking Opportunities
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Opening Reception
Sponsored by
Attendees celebrated the first day of Summit with this kick-off reception! Attendees enjoyed a
hosted bar, appetizers, opening remarks, music & entertainment and more.
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Advocate Club Reception
This invitation only event acknowledged Out and Equal’s generous individual donors and members of
the Advocates Club. Members of the Advocates Club are visionary leaders who exemplify a personal
commitment to achieving a world free of discrimination and play an integral role in fueling the
continued success of Out & Equal.
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Board Meet and Greet
Sponsored by
An invitation only opportunity for select executives and company leaders to meet Out & Equal Board
of Directors and to learn more about the organization and becoming a board member.
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Gala Reception
Sponsored by
Open to all Summit attendees and their guests, the general Gala Reception was a cocktail
hour presented prior to the closing Gala Dinner Celebration.
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VIP Reception
Sponsored by
Summit sponsors were allocated a specific number of tickets to the VIP reception. The VIP Reception
had limited capacity and was presented prior to the Gala Dinner Celebration.
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Special Programming
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Newcomer Orientation
Sponsored by
Always a standing room only event, the Newcomer Orientation was presented by Out & Equal staff
members and designed for first time Summit attendees to learn about the history of Out & Equal, set
Summit expectations, meet other newcomers from different companies, learn about the workshop,
featured panel, case study and roundtable tracks and schedules, Summit plenaries and special
events, and how to sign on and use the official Workplace Summit mobile app.
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Featured Sessions
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Corporate Partners in Equality: Policy and Practice
Sponsored by
As LGBT citizens gain more protections and rights including the right to civil
marriage, state and local measures seek to curtail or limit protections of LGBT
residents by allowing legal denial of access to goods and services based on religious
objection. Proposed state sponsored modifications of the federal Religious
Freedom Restoration Act, such as occurred in Indiana & Arkansas, have sparked
both media attention as well as an opportunity for civic, local business, and
corporate leadership to promote inclusive, non-discriminatory policies. Following
the recent U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on marriage equality, this panel will explore
the importance and impact corporate partners have in supporting LGBT equality
and standing up to state and local policy initiatives that are potentially anti-LGBT.
The panel will include the role corporate LGBT ERGs and allies play in decisions to
speak up for diversity, non-discriminatory practices and values as the best
alternative to adversity.
Panelists:
• Mike Harrington, Eli Lilly and Company
• Jessica Shortall, Texas Competes
• Andrea Shorter, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates
• Ken Upton, Lambda Legal
• Bob Witeck, Witeck Communications
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A Closer Look at Unconscious Bias
Sponsored by
A deeper understanding of how we all are impacted by what we have taught and
how we react to world is emerging. The growth of discussions around 'unconscious
and implicit bias' take us to the next level about how we are an integral part of
creating further understanding and acceptance of all people regardless of race,
religion, gender, sexual orientation, age and ability. We know the impact on each of
us when assumptions about us as LGBT have on our lives, and our coming out and
sharing our stories has changed that landscape over the years. It is time to start
look inside the LGBT and ally community, especially in the workplace. We are not
immune to these same biases and our presenters will share concepts, insights and
programs that have been created to bring awareness of these biases from theory to
reality.
Panelists:
• Stacey Aries, Corporate & Investment Bank Learning & Development
• Dr. Vivienne Ming, Socos
• Michael Trout, State Farm
• Dr. Steven Yacovelli, SweetRush, Inc.
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Marriage Equality: What Your Company Needs to Know Now
Sponsored by
Winning marriage equality was one of the most significant moments in our
movement's history but how will this affect your company? What should your ERG
be advocating for? What's next for the LGBT movement? This panel will discuss the
complexities of LGBT workplace equality after the legalization of gay marriage
nationally. We'll cover best practices in domestic partner benefits, how this will
affect your employees who work in states without workplace discrimination
protections, and how this momentous win in civil rights can shape your company's
policy and your ERG's goals. We'll talk about lessons learned in the movement and
why workplace equality is our next big fight.
Panelists:
• Paul Castillo, Lambda Legal
• Jenny Pizer, Lambda Legal
• Mark Phills, Littler Mendelson
• Andrea Shorter, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates
• Marc Solomon, Author
• Bob Witeck, Witeck Communications
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Thinking Globally, Acting Locally- Steps for Real LGBT Inclusion
Sponsored by
While many multi-national companies have policies advancing LGBTA workplace
inclusion and nondiscrimination, the hard part is making it real for all around the
globe. Join EY, GSK and HP for discussions about the practical steps we can take to
'make it real globally' including how ERGs/BRGs with a multi-country presence help
promote a company's global values on a local level. Leveraging our successes with
networks/ERGs/BRGs, thought leadership, leading practices, and collaborative
opportunities from roundtables held around the globe will be shared and leveraged
as the starting point for our discussion on how we can continue the collaboration at
Out & Equal and beyond to make LGBTA inclusion real globally.
Panelists:
• Aimee Broadhurst, Bank of America
• Rodney Cornelius, Nordics
• Chris Crespo, EY
• Tomas Leal, GlaxoSmithKline
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Voluntary Self Identification in the Global Workplace
Sponsored by
IBM, Citi and Target will host a panel discussion to talk about how they have
implemented Self ID within their respective organizations, what stage they are at in
the process and the successes and pitfalls they have seen along their different
journeys. Stonewall will add their unique insight from a best practice perspective;
and the workshop will facilitate discussion in relation to the subjects of regional and
global implementation, benefits of key stakeholder buy-in prior to implementation,
and demonstrates the importance and benefits of cross sector collaboration. The
content links the tracks of Changing Workplace Climate; Law, Policy & Benefits;
Executives/Management; and Professional Development, and will appeal to those
who are thinking of implementing Self ID through to those who are more advanced
in the process.
Panelists:
• Tarik Maliq, Target
• Elizabeth Hook, Citi
• Richard Taylor, Citi
• Kim Marsh, Citi
• Silvy Vulggen, IBM
• Ulla Dalsgaard, IBM
• Sarah Foster, Stonewall
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Case Studies
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Advancing LGBT Equality and Inclusion in the U.S. Intelligence
Community
Sponsored by
This case study will explore how IC pride is advancing LGBT equality and inclusion
across the US Intelligence Community. It will present an overview of the groups key
priorities, how it is structured to advance those goals, and will provide specific
examples of the impact that IC Pride has had. In addition, this session will discuss
the benefits that interagency cooperation have yielded and Agency-specific
strengths in the area of LGBT issues.
Panelists:
• Chris Courtemanche
• Charles B.
• Lee M.
• Brian S.
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Navigating the New Financial Landscape- A Primer for Employers
and LGBT Employees
Sponsored by
Do you understand what marriage equality means for your personal finances and
how it will affect your employees? Laws impacting workplace equality are a major
factor when navigating the financial landscape. This is true from the perspective of
LGBT employees as well as their employers. This session will focus on key financial
aspects concerning: - Your decision to marry: weighing the pros and cons Retirement planning: pension, 401k and Social Security strategies for married
couples - Company benefits: determining the optimal retirement plan to offer your
employees.
Panelists:
• Cassandra E. Biehl, Schmitt Young Investment Group
• Steven W. Schmitt, Schmitt Young Investment Group
• Kyle D. Young, Schmitt Young Investment Group
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Power of LGBT in the Growth Markets
Sponsored by
Implementing culturally sensitive LGBT programs in the world's fastest growing
economies can be challenging for multinational corporations. In many growth
markets, barriers such as a penal code criminalizing gay relationships and nonsupportive legislation are unfortunately still a reality today. Long recognized as the
global leader for implementing LGBT programs and policies, IBM is committed to
providing a safe, open and inclusive working environment for its 440,000+
employees worldwide. This workshop presents best practices and lessons learned
on how IBM has addressed the LGBT community from a workplace and marketplace
perspective in key growth markets across Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
Panelists:
• Kim Messer, IBM
• Marjin Pijnenberg, IBM
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Proven Ideas to Jump Start Your Ally Program
Sponsored by
This workshop will share best practices on creating a successful program that
engages allies. Executed at PepsiCo across US/Canada, including headquarters,
regional, and field locations, the team created "Pledge Week," a simple, yet
powerful way to educate associates on how to be an ally. The objective was to give
allies an easy way to self-identify and become visible to other associates with a
shared passion for creating an inclusive culture. The team took the initiative from
concept to reality in a matter of months. Through extensive marketing and
enthusiastic volunteers, the program generated tremendous ally awareness
nationwide. The PepsiCo team will walk through the program from start to finish
and show participants how to execute an event that will jump start an Ally Program.
Panelists:
• Cory Calvin, PepsiCo
• Chris Horton, PepsiCo
• Liam Gent, PepsiCo
• Kim Layton, PepsiCo
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Setting Trends: The LGBT Consumer
Sponsored by
What’s the next big thing? It’s a question retailers, manufacturers and marketers
ponder incessantly so they can be at the forefront of growth with the latest
innovations, media and consumer groups. And when it comes to looking for
trendsetters in these areas, they would be wise to take note of American lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) households. The panel will share insights from
Nielsen's latest LGBT Consumer report and how you leverage ERGs to drive
business impact.
Panelist:
• Sherri Dublin, Nielsen
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The Walt Disney Company- A Case Study
Sponsored by
Join The Walt Disney Company and Out & Equal for an inside look at the
partnership that produced The Equality Institute: a one-day forum to leverage best
practices and leadership development in Diversity & Inclusion. This case study will
feature the layered partnership Disney has built with Out & Equal as well as how
the Equality Institute was developed, gained executive support, and was executed.
Workshop attendees will leave with tools on developing increasingly sophisticated
partnership models, an understanding of how to create a strategic business case for
expanded LGBT Diversity & Inclusion at their company, and how this framework
creates stronger leaders and better collaboration among key stakeholders.
Panelists:
• George Kalogridis, The Walt Disney Company
• Rod Wingfield, The Walt Disney Company
• Bernie Zanck, The Walt Disney Company
• Rachel Rubin, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates
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Connect
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Summit Photos
2015 Workplace Summit Survey
Summit Program Book
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Executive Forum
Out & Equal’s Executive Forum is an annual
two-day conference that convenes 50 out
LGBT senior executives and out LGBT
emerging leaders for intensive programming
designed to address current workplace
issues and trends, build leadership skills,
strengthen business connections and
develop strategies in achieving full LGBT
equality and advancement in the workplace.
March 23-24, 2016
The Palace Hotel, San Francisco, CA
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Save the Date!
Out & Equal is proud to
present our 18th annual
Workplace Summit in
Orlando, Florida!
October 5-7, 2016
Orlando, FL
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Thank you for supporting
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