This year's theme was "One Pride. Diverse. Distinct. Determined." to display our PRIDE BRG's commitment to working together across the company while recognizing the unique circumstances of each segment of our community.
"This event brings together our PRIDE members from across the corporation to network and demonstrates the company's dedication to addressing issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community," said Henry Lu, program management-subcontract manager and president of the PRIDE BRG.
From June 6-8, attendees gathered to promote visibility, community, professional development, recognition, and leadership advocacy for LGBTQIA+ employees. The forum provided a platform for discussions on important topics, challenging questions, breakout sessions, networking lunches, and insightful presentations from both internal and external speakers.
The forum began with a fireside chat featuring our Chairman, President & CEO Jim Taiclet. "As a CEO responsible for over one hundred thousand people, having face-to-face interactions and hearing from Jim has a positive impact on the PRIDE community," said Lu.
This year's forum also welcomed a more global presence, with PRIDE members attending in person and virtually from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Poland, and the UK. Adam George, software development analyst and UK PRIDE co-lead, expressed excitement about the increased international representation and plans for further growth in fostering a sense of unity within PRIDE.
The final day of activities concluded with the 2023 PRIDE Council Awards. Among the recipients was Deanna Formaini, vice president of contracts, estimating & ICE for Space and PRIDE executive sponsor, received the 2023 Maryanne Lavan Executive Champion Award. The award is named after Maryanne Lavan, Senior Vice President General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, a longstanding advocate and executive sponsor of the PRIDE Leadership Forum for 14 years.
"This award holds special meaning for me because it bears Maryanne Lavan's name. She serves as an inspiration for all executives who aspire to represent our BRGs at an executive level. Maryanne's commitment and active participation in our BRG activities demonstrate her advocacy for PRIDE at an executive level," said Formaini.
"I've learned more about leadership through the PRIDE Business Resource Group than in my day job, that's for sure," said Lance Freedman, C6ISR strategy senior manager and PRIDE Leadership Forum co-chair. "The integrity, values, and ethics of the people at Lockheed Martin are far superior to any other aerospace defense company I've worked with."
Our PRIDE BRG is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment where employees can bring their authentic selves to work each day, fostering a sense of meaning and belonging.
