Throughout June, colleagues across AspenTech's global offices came together to celebrate Pride Month, advocate for diversity and raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues. First created in 1999, Pride Month is a worldwide celebration honoring the LGBTQ+ community and commemorating the historic Stonewall riots of June 1969, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

Historic Celebration: Raising the Pride Progress Flag at AspenTech

As Pride Month kicked off, AspenTech flew the Pride Progress Flag outside its offices for the first time in the company's history. A symbol of our unwavering commitment to acceptance, understanding and unity, the flag was raised during an event held at the main entrance of the Bedford headquarters and was flown throughout June.

 

 

By raising the flag, AspenTech recognized the importance of fostering an environment where all colleagues feel safe, supported and empowered to be their true selves. The presence and support at the event echoed a commitment by employees to the entire LGBTQ+ community at AspenTech.

Our Chief Human Resources Officer, Sharon Vinci said at the event “The workplace should be a place where everyone may be themselves and show up as their full authentic self. The progress being made at AspenTech shows the leadership of the Employee Resource Groups and a commitment for more to come.”

Partnering with Emerson Employee Resource Groups to Celebrate Pride

During Pride Month the AspenTech LGBTQ Employee Resource Group (ERG), in partnership with the Emerson Pride ERG, launched two celebrations across companies.

 

 

 

First was a panel discussion on Intersectionality and Social Mobility. Panelists Carter Brown, founder and national director of Black Trans Men, Inc., and Lady Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, co-founder of UK Black Pride and executive director of Kaleidoscope Trust joined ERG leaders to discuss a range of relevant topics, including:

• Economic health and disparities
• Social mobility and other topics impacting LGBTQ+ youth
• Policy protections for the LGBTQIA+ community globally
• Allyship and the importance of safe spaces 

 

In addition to recognizing the history, challenges and achievements during Pride Month, AspenTech and Emerson also hosted a celebratory “Rainbow Day”, during which colleagues were encouraged to wear a color of the rainbow to show support for the community.

 

 

While Pride Month is essential for visibility and celebration, our commitment to inclusion goes beyond June. Meaningful representation throughout Pride Month and beyond demonstrates our recognition of the importance of creating a world where everyone can live authentically and proudly, free from discrimination and prejudice.