Out and Equal Leadership Forum Advancing LGBTQ+ Leadership Belonging and Workplace Inclusion

Programming example

Last week at the Out & Equal Leadership Forum in DC, I was reminded why I say yes to this work, even when it’s heavy. And I’m still carrying our collective experience with me.In a moment when so many in our LGBTQ+ community are holding fatigue, uncertainty, and real concern about the road ahead, being in a space grounded in belonging, courage, and collective leadership felt like exactly what I didn’t realize I needed. The conversations were honest. The learning was practical. And the sense of community where leaders show up every day committed to creating inclusive workplaces where people can truly thrive was powerful and palpable. As a Pride ERG leader, this work is deeply personal. I often carry the stories people trust me with, along with the fear, the exhaustion, and the hope. Being part of the Building Strategy at the Intersection of Public Policy and the Workplace track gave me space to sit with the complexity of this moment alongside others who understood that weight without explanation.During a session on courage and storytelling, leaders spoke candidly about navigating fear while staying anchored in purpose. It wasn’t polished or performative, it was real and I was reminded that none of us are doing this alone.What stayed with me wasn’t a slide or a framework (though those mattered). It was the human connection, the listening, the shared resolve, and the reminder that this work matters because our people matter.To my fellow ERG leaders, we’re not meant to carry this work solo. Reach out. Be honest. Let community hold you, too. And to our executive sponsors and allies, please check in proactively and invest in the humans doing this work.I’m leaving grateful, steadier in my purpose, and more committed than ever to showing up with empathy, clarity, and heart, for our people. 🩵🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🦄🌈💜#OutAndEqual #LeadershipForum #PrideERG #InclusiveLeadership #BelongingAtWorkCourtney Mathia Steven Bridle Erin Uritus Jean-Marie Navetta Erik Day Theresita Richard Chris Mossiah Brad Baumoel Michael Colligan Neera Chatterjee Corina Hendren Sarah Warbelow Niki Inclán, LMHC Emily Deal Erica Vogel Colby Geyer Jordan Kilby Steven Oprea Kristen April Holt, MSc Eric Ward John Grosshandler Vincent McNeeley Kenji Yoshino Eduardo Placer Out & Equal Susan McKay

Communities

• LGBTQIA+

Formats

• Summit & Conference
• Speaker Presentation

Goals

• Connect