#26: United in Pride – Voices of Our Global LGBTQ+ ERG

In this special Pride Month episode of SONIC, we shine a spotlight on the LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG) at HGS—a vibrant, voluntary collective that’s driving change from within. This episode features voices from across our global footprint, each sharing what Pride means to them, how the ERG builds community, and why allyship matters now more than ever.

Joining the conversation are:

• Apple Pasqual – Philippines


• Brianna Meadows – United States


• Sheri Stevenson – Canada


• Valentina Carpintero – Colombia


• Ranjani Rengarajan – India

Episode Breakdown

• 0:00 – 1:13 | Opening & Panel Introduction
  The importance of grassroots change through ERGs; introduction of global representatives from five geographies.


• 1:14 – 2:59 | What is the LGBTQ+ Global ERG?
  Ranjani shares how the global ERG is structured, its integration with the DEI function, and the impact of geo-specific advocacy through local ERG teams.


• 3:00 – 4:11 | Call for Participation
  With just a year under its belt, the ERG invites passionate employees to join—whether at the local or global level.


• 4:12 – 6:11 | Apple on the Power of Pride
  Apple shares her transformative first Pride parade experience, and how it shifted her understanding of visibility, community, and the importance of being one’s authentic self.


• 6:12 – 7:17 | The Ripple Effect of Inclusion
  ERGs not only foster workplace inclusion, but can influence thought and acceptance within employees’ families and communities.


• 7:18 – 10:02 | Sheri on Belonging, Visibility & Productivity
  Sheri explores how ERGs create spaces where people feel heard, valued, and safe—enabling them to be more productive and connected at work.


• 10:03 – 11:14 | Ranjani on Chosen Families at Work
  Ranjani reflects on how workspaces become chosen families for those who may not have acceptance at home, reinforcing the importance of psychological safety.


• 11:15 – 12:18 | Valentina on the Role of Allies
  Valentina outlines how allies can create impact by showing up, participating actively, listening with empathy, and helping to amplify marginalized voices.


• 12:19 – 13:54 | Brianna on the Pride Flag & What It Stands For
  Brianna speaks about the symbolic power of the Pride flag—its history, its colors, and how it serves as a beacon of safety, unity, and visibility worldwide.


• 13:55 – End | Closing Reflections & Call to Action
  Wrap up note: Everyone has a role in creating inclusive spaces. Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally—get involved, get visible, and help people feel they truly belong.

Key Takeaways:

1. The LGBTQ+ Global ERG is more than a group—it’s a movement.
   Driven by passionate employees across geographies, it creates safe spaces for advocacy and authentic expression.


2. Pride is personal.
   From parades to personal stories, Pride is about visibility, resilience, and living unapologetically.


3. Allies matter—showing up matters.
   Allyship begins with presence, participation, and active listening.


4. ERGs ripple beyond the workplace.
   By normalizing acceptance at work, we influence broader societal change—including within employees' homes.


5. Visibility empowers.
   Symbols like the Pride flag remind us that inclusion isn’t just a policy—it’s a lived, visible commitment.

Let’s all unite in Pride, not just this month—but every day.