In May 2025, Pride in Our Workplace brought together LGBTQ+ professionals, ERG leaders, and DEIB practitioners for our ERG Leadership Summit—a high-impact event designed to inspire, connect, and equip those working to create more inclusive workplaces from the inside out.
Held in person, in conjunction with the Boston Spirit LGBTQ+ Networking Night and packed with insight, the Summit explored the real challenges and opportunities facing LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) today. Through candid conversation, shared experiences, and practical strategies, participants walked away with tools and inspiration to lead with impact—whether working within a large company or a growing venture.
We’re excited to share highlight clips from the event:
Panelists discuss the biggest obstacles ERGs are navigating in 2024–2025, including tightening DEI budgets, political pressure, and burnout—and how community partnerships can help extend reach and resilience.
Creative, actionable ideas for delivering meaningful programming and engagement—even with limited resources. Learn how ERG leaders are keeping teams energized and connected despite the constraints.
Panelists look at how ERG leaders can ease the fears employees may have about speaking up and how they can advocate for them.
These clips are just a glimpse of the powerful insights shared throughout the day. Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and check back on this page for additional highlight clips coming soon.
We’re grateful to all who attended, contributed, and continue to lead this important work in their own organizations. We’d also like to specifically thank the Mayors Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement for their generous grant that helped fund the videographers used to capture these videos. And if you or your team are looking to strengthen your ERG’s impact—we’d love to partner with you. Please reach out to our Executive Director at andy.rubinson@piow.org to discuss partnership opportunities.
Thanks so much to our panelists!
🔹 Navigating the Changing DEI & LGBTQ+ Workplace Landscape:How ERGs Can Stay Resilient Amid Legislative Rollbacks and Corporate DEI Cutbacks
Moderator: Ciara Gogan, PIOW
Panelists:
- Jasmine Hawthorne (she/her), Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, HarbourVest
- Iz Stenson (they/them), Inclusion Manager, CrossCountry Consulting
- Kevin Knoblock (he/him) – Clinical Co-Chair, LGBTQ ERG, Mass General Hospital
🔹 Making the Business Case for LGBTQ+ Inclusion: How to Align ERG Goals with Company Priorities to Secure Leadership Buy-In and Funding
Moderator: Brian Teague, PIOW Board
Panelists:
- Javier Barrientos (he/him), Executive DEIB Leader
- Nicole Loguidice (she/her), Co-Lead, Take Pride, Takeda Pharmaceutical
- Tom Harvey (he/him), CIO, Executive Sponsor Pride@Work, Alkermes