As Pride Month unfolds, Jimmy Whitley, General Manager and Director of Marketing at Staybridge Suites, Cedar Park – Austin North, urges companies to go beyond surface-level gestures and focus on actions that make LGBTQIA+ employees feel seen and supported.
Whitley emphasizes that replacing performative branding, like rainbow logos, with genuine engagement is more impactful. “Just showing up for someone can change — even save — a life,” he said, highlighting the importance of consistent support within the workplace, especially as some companies pull back from DEI commitments.
He outlined four meaningful strategies to create inclusive spaces:
1. Start with a powerful and personal “why”
At Staybridge Suites, Whitley and his team organize lunch-and-learn sessions that delve into the significance of Pride — not just the celebration. These sessions often feature speakers from local LGBTQIA+ centers, offering firsthand perspectives that foster empathy and understanding. “These aren’t political conversations; they’re human ones,” Whitley noted.
2. Encourage paid volunteer work — and extend it year-round
This June, the hotel launched a paid volunteer initiative encouraging staff to support nonprofits serving LGBTQIA+ youth, especially those facing homelessness. With strong participation already, the program reflects the brand’s commitment to service. Additionally, the team is compiling year-round opportunities so employees can continue contributing beyond June.
Whitley believes that meaningful inclusion doesn’t require massive resources — just intention. “Even one well-planned event can make people feel valued,” he added. At a time when many organizations scale back on DEI efforts, Staybridge Suites stands out by prioritizing purpose over optics.
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Source: Hrdive.com
