We aim to create equitable access to economic opportunity for everyone. As part of our extensive diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work, we empower employees to take on paid roles that contribute to company culture by leading Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
ERGs are groups created for employees and led by people that share common life experiences or identities. Typically, these groups are comprised of people within communities that have been historically and systemically marginalised.
ERGs provide support and safe space for underrepresented and/or marginalised communities. They help employees in their professional development, increase engagement and retention, and drive towards organisation-wide goals. LGBTQ+ @ Multiverse is a community for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or queer as well as nonbinary or anyone who identifies as intersex, pansexual or asexual, as well as allies to this community. Currently 12% of our workforce self-identify as being part of the LGBTQ+ community.
We sat down with Julia Paolillo, a Project Manager based in our New York office and the new LGBTQ+ @ Multiverse Chair, to talk about her new role.
What inspired you to run for Chair of LGBTQ+ @ Multiverse?
Multiverse is the first place I’ve ever worked that has ERGs, and one of the first workplaces where I’ve been fully out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. The sense of belonging that I felt as a member of the LGBTQ+ @ Multiverse was so unique and compelling - the perfect mixture of learning, advocacy, and plain old fun. I knew I wanted to do my part in helping the community grow and flourish - and here I am!
What is the main goal of your ERG?
Our mission is to create an inclusive space for all LGBTQ+ Multiversers to create community, and for allies to learn about our community. We uphold this work with three pillars:
- 📣 Awareness - Sharing the richness of our community with others at Multiverse.
- 🌈 Inclusion - Creating a space that is inclusive of the many different identities under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella... no small feat!
- 🪩 Celebration - Creating both informal and formal spaces in which we can enjoy our culture.
Why do you think the ERG is important?
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I've loved the experience of learning and expanding my mindsets and definitions during the 10 years that I've been publicly "out" (🎉). Constant growth and learning are often hallmarks of the ever-evolving queer community, but far too often the LGBTQ+ world exists in siloes.
LGBTQ+ @ Multiverse can help us break down those siloes, and bring together lesbian women, gay men, bisexual people, trans people, and non-binary or gender nonconforming folks into a space where we learn from each other, support each other in the workplace, and share our unique experiences navigating life and work as members of this community. Additionally, I hope that we can create a truly supportive internal community at Multiverse, I believe there’s also work to be done in promoting awareness about our group to allies within the company.
What are the big plans for the ERG this year?
We’re kicking off with a bang for Pride Month in June! We are co-hosting a networking event in London with the PRISM Network, an apprentice-led group committed to creating space for LGBTQ+ Multiverse Apprentices, past and present.
For the rest of the year, we plan to organise volunteer days across the UK and US, to host external speakers and come together with the other Multiverse ERGs to practice what we preach: that we are stronger and better together.
If our commitment to diversity inspires you and you wish to be a part of a company that invests genuinely in its people, we would love to have you on board. See open roles(opens new window).
