Stories from LPL Financial's Pride Alliance: What Does Pride Mean to You?

The Opportunity to Share and Learn

Every June, cities across the nation celebrate Pride Month. Celebratory activities like parades, picnics, parties, and workshops take place to inspire self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increase visibility of the LGBTQ+ community and their contributions to our history.

LPL Financial's Pride Alliance Employee Resource Group (ERG) is a place for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to share and learn.

In honor of Pride Month, we asked LPL employees to share what Pride means to them in their own words.

"Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) leverage the individual talents, perspectives, and experiences of our employees to position LPL for continued growth and success."

Authenticity, Equality, and Hope

Ralph DiChiara, Senior Vice President, Associate Counsel, Shares His Story of Showing Up with Authenticity

To me, Pride means being able to show up as my authentic self and be proud of who I am. For the LGBTQ+ community, it’s important that we — free from any shame or stigma — stand up for the right to be treated equally.

To be respected and treated as we respect and treat others.

When we celebrate Pride month, I feel proud and grateful for my husband and family, for LGBTQ+ community members whose sacrifices have allowed me to experience and enjoy many freedoms, and to our allies who have stood with us as we fight for change. I am hopeful that progress will continue and equality, visibility, and respect will be realized without violence or retribution.

Advocacy Through Continued Education and Growth

Evie O’Keefe, Marketing Consultant and Chair of the Pride Alliance, Sees Pride as Bringing Her Whole Self to Work

Pride means that I can bring my whole self to work by not hiding who I am or the values that I believe in. It means that I don't pretend that there aren't struggles our people are facing, but that I acknowledge them and work with our leadership and members to address them.

It means that I am always looking for ways to be inclusive of all marginalized groups, to celebrate them, and that I advocate for myself and others and take opportunities to educate and to learn.

Employee Resource Groups

At LPL Financial, having a diverse and inclusive work environment is fundamental to who we are as a company and what we represent. We are committed to attracting and retaining a culturally diverse workforce that reflects the diversity of our clients and our community.

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) leverage the individual talents, perspectives, and experiences of our employees to position LPL for continued growth and success. The ERGs have the role of providing unique insight and points of view to the company. Their actions drive behaviors that support an inclusive culture where everyone can belong.

To support professional development, as well as employee and community engagement, LPL’s ERGs sponsor a variety of events. They include seminars, guest speakers, meet-and-greets, and charitable activities. LPL Financial employees can join existing ERGs or create new ones.

Throughout the year, we also use podcasts, articles, and other materials and events to exchange ideas and perspectives. In addition, we take advantage of national awareness campaigns to learn about various cultures and perspectives.

From Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and National Hispanic Heritage Month to National Pride Month and Global Diversity Awareness Month, we celebrate the contributions of various groups, learn to overcome biases and break down barriers, and strengthen our resolve to keep doing more.