By Kristelle Beecher, MBA
National Veterinary Associates (NVA) is continuing the work in our community! Last month, we shared how our inclusion groups have a mission to foster an environment where each person feels comfortable bringing their true selves to work. If you missed it, you can check out the full article here. Moving our mission forward, in honor of Pride Month, we’d like to give you a glimpse into our Pride of NVA group and the great work they’re doing!
Pride of NVA’s mission is to create a safe haven for LGBTQIA+ and their allies in the workplace by hosting a series of meetings where LGBTQIA+ members and allies come together and discuss various topics. The group has 6 main goals:
- To create a safe space and culture of inclusion where individuals feel protected from external dangers and are free to be themselves.
- To identify LGBTQIA+ workplace barriers and present solutions to NVA stakeholders.
- To identify LGBTQIA+ employees at risk and get them help.
- To offer career development and mentorship for LGBTQIA+ employees.
- To use inclusive recruitment strategies in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.
- To provide more social and networking activities for the LGBTQIA+ community.
One of the initiatives in action for Pride of NVA involves working with our Benefits team to understand what resources are available to LGBTQIA+ associates for health insurance coverage and maternity leave benefits. The group is also creating guides for inclusive language for the LGBTQIA+ community to further educate allies and the organization, as well as creating mentorship programs, offering career development and to provide a social network for the LGBTQIA+ community within NVA.
NVA also is supporting our LGBTQIA+ community by holding forums dedicated to raise awareness. In a Lunch and Learn series called CATalyst, NVA is educating and sharing resources on gender diversity. NVA will also be honoring the Transgender Day of Remembrance later this year in November to further commemorate individuals that have lost their lives as a result of transphobia.
Pride of NVA is also striving to bring inclusive practices to our sites. With the heightening significance in understanding each other’s comfort levels within the workplace, the group has committed to a charge on supporting our sites with affirmations and goals to support our LGBTQIA+ community. Pride of NVA is creating a checklist for promoting inclusive environments, language, and policies for proper staff training and growing knowledge on inclusion.
At NVA, we denounce hate crimes, discrimination, and aggression against any of our communities. We come together to celebrate our people of diverse identities and backgrounds, and we will continue to work together to support all people.
Kristelle Beecher, MBA is a Senior Associate of Talent and Learning at National Veterinary Associates. Kristelle leads the organization and strategy for NVA’s inclusion groups and promotes literacy and awareness around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her passion lies within supporting an environment where individuals feel motivated to be their best selves.
