In line with the Pride Month celebration this June, Eastern Telecommunications Philippines Inc. (ETPI) advocates for diversity in the workplace by partnering with the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) and the Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ANZCHAM) in a series of events that highlights gender equality and the power to voice out gender expression.
The month-long initiative includes Eastern Communications support for AICI’s Pride Month webinar entitled “Proud with Pride: An LGBTQ+ Life Journey,” on June 24 at 9PM PH Time (8:00 AM Central Standard Time). The online talk aims to promote a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. The telecommunications company also announced that they pledged to become members of the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) Council of ANZCHAM.
“We believe that all people, regardless of their divergence, should have a safe space where they can learn, grow, and contribute to the company without discrimination in the workplace,” said Jedrek Estanislao, Head of Marketing at Eastern Communications. “We have been known for our unique brand promise of High Tech and High Touch. While this is a trademark among our customers, we also want to extend our unparalleled support to our employees through initiatives such as these.”
Amplifying inclusion, diversity, and equality
The Pride month webinar spearheaded by AICI will feature Taz Thornton, an award-winning business and personal empowerment coach and a best-selling author and international speaker, and Bob Satawake, a former diplomat, contributing writer, and a strong advocate for the USAID LGBT projects in the Dominican Republic. They are set to share their personal and professional journey, the wide range of gender expression, and the importance of embracing diversity in its many forms. Interested participants may view the event details and register at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KlO8Sq7wQo24WEHd5s7sHw.
“Everyone should be able to honor their identity, sexuality, and heart at all times. The members and the public will benefit from this opportunity to recognize the lives and achievements of those who have contributed to the progression of LGBTQ+ movements around the world and continue to do so,” said AICI DEI Council Chair Sonya Barnes.
Eastern Communications’ Segment Marketing Head Gian Carlo Conde became a member of the Diversity Equality and Inclusion Committee of ANZCHAM. The committee was established to uphold gender equality in the workplace and promote a safe and supportive environment for all members to work, learn, and thrive. A diverse group in itself, the committee will regularly hold meetings to ensure that these objectives are achieved.
“Representing our company and being a member of ANZCHAM’s DEI Committee allowed me to meet a diverse group of individuals, all coming together to share one advocacy of promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion in our lives and applying them in our workplaces. I see this as a terrific opportunity to learn and share my ideas for the many initiatives we will be implementing soon,” Conde shared.
In line with these efforts, Eastern Communications sees to it that the advocacy takes effect in its current work environment and its hiring policy, hiring without discrimination and focusing on skills. The company sets an example for its employees to influence them to celebrate diversity beyond the workplace. The telecommunications company further amplifies this message by using its social media platforms on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to voice out and promote inclusion, diversity, and equality through empowering and educational posts.
“Through our various platforms, we want to be a voice that can educate and encourage our audiences to promote gender equality, inclusion, and uphold the advocacy to influence others as well,” said Estanislao.