How Do You Support LGBTQIA+ Teammates Around the World? Braze’s ERG Has Some Ideas

There are a lot of challenges that come with being part of a global company — like when to meet or whether to use asynchronous communication on a project. 

The most important challenge, though, is: How do you meet the needs of the team when those needs are vastly different depending on where they live? 

This is especially true for LGBTQIA+ employees. While acceptance is rising around the globe — Gallup research noted that the global acceptance rate ranged from 31 percent to 38 percent between 2014 and 2019, then rose to 50 percent around the world in 2021 — there are still vastly different issues that LGBTQIA+ employees face depending on where they live. 

This is a particular concern for Braze, which has offices scattered across the globe — including Austin, Berlin, Chicago, London, New York City, Paris, San Francisco, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo.

So how do you run an employee resource group that meets the needs of a global workforce? 

For starters, ask Hannah Collins, account executive and president of the Pride@Braze ERG. 

“With the opening of new offices in different time zones, we wanted to ensure that our activities and meetings weren’t limited to just one hemisphere,” said Collins. 

To accommodate a global community, Collins helped the team introduce two monthly meeting times. 

“As a result, we saw the highest level of global participation we’ve ever seen during the last Pride celebration,” she added. “It makes me incredibly proud to help facilitate an environment that fosters inclusivity, community and connection on a global level.” 

So when Braze joined Pledge 1% — an organization that encourages companies and wealthy donors to contribute 1 percent of their profits to charitable causes — Braze created the “Braze for Social Impact Fund” to help meet the goal. 

Leaders at Braze also saw an opportunity to meet the needs of employees and allow them to direct where a portion of these funds went, which is how the Braze ERG Grant Program began. The grant allows ERGs, like Pride@Braze, to choose which organizations receive donations from the Braze Social Impact Fund. 

Built In spoke with Collins about what is next for Pride@Braze, how it has impacted her life and how the ERG is learning to meet the localized needs of a global community. 

 

What’s Pride@Braze's mission?

Pride@Braze passionately connects our employees with the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community through history, art, culture and community service. We are committed to building a nurturing and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and encourages the exchange of diverse thoughts and ideas through enriching networking opportunities, educational events and outreach initiatives.

 

What does a team meeting look like?

A typical team meeting for Pride@Braze is a dynamic and inclusive space where every voice is heard and valued. We start by sharing updates on our ongoing initiatives and any upcoming events. This is followed by an open forum where team members can bring new ideas to the table, discuss challenges or seek support for projects they’re passionate about. Each meeting is a blend of strategic planning, creative brainstorming and mutual support — all grounded in our shared commitment to inclusivity and representation.

 

 

How does the group's work fit into the larger mission of the company?

The work of Pride@Braze aligns seamlessly with Braze’s mission of helping brands forge lasting connections through engaging customer experiences. Just as our platform empowers brands to create personalized and relevant cross-channel experiences for their consumers, Pride@Braze is committed to fostering deep, authentic connections within our own community and with allies.

 

 

What makes Pride@Braze’s work different from other company groups?

We have a deep commitment not only to celebrating diversity but also actively connecting our employees with the broader LGBTQIA+ community. Our work is unique in that it fosters meaningful connections and encourages the exchange of diverse thoughts and ideas across all levels of the company. We are especially dedicated to advocating for queer voices inside the workplace, ensuring they are heard and represented. 

We believe that wherever you are on your journey — whether you're part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally — all are truly welcome. We contribute to a company culture that is both inclusive and vibrant, helping every employee feel seen, heard and appreciated; we do this through enriching networking opportunities, educational events and outreach initiatives. 

 

 

How do you bring the work of the committee to your personal life?

The work we do at Pride@Braze deeply influences my personal life by reinforcing the values of inclusivity, advocacy and community in everything I do. The experiences and connections I’ve made through the committee inspire me to be more active in my local LGBTQIA+ community and to advocate for queer rights and representation in all areas of my life. 

I find myself more conscious of creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued, whether that’s in my personal relationships, volunteer work or other social settings. The commitment to celebrating diversity and amplifying queer voices at work has made me more intentional about being an ally and advocate outside of work, ensuring that these principles are reflected in my everyday interactions.

 

What are some impactful initiatives coming up that you think will bring Pride@Braze’s mission to life?

Recent initiatives at Pride@Braze were inspired by our commitment to inclusivity on a global scale. One of the most impactful initiatives we’ve undertaken is collaboration with other ERGs. We have several ongoing, but to name a few we're planning a collaboration with Asians@Braze in London for September, and another one with Black@Braze in October in the Americas. These collaborations and partnerships are a powerful way to unite our global teams in a shared experience that embodies inclusivity, creativity and community.