We have learned that innovation comes from bringing together different perspectives, knowledge, and experience. We consistently reinvent ourselves—and delight our customers and partners—by harnessing the ideas created by our unique mix of teams.
During Pride Month, we take time to celebrate that mix, especially those in our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) workforce community. And in 2023, that community needs support and allies more than ever. We are honoring their vital contributions to HPE Aruba with special-themed events, corporate participation in SF Pride and Silicon Valley Pride parades, and celebrations as diverse as the community itself.
Most importantly, I want to amplify voices of our LGBTQ+ employees and allies. Please join me in celebrating the way in which they are making a difference, being their authentic selves, and contributing to the conversation and movement toward equality and inclusion for all.
Nyla Kongsinh (he/him/his)
- Program Manager, Demo Experiences, Strategic Customer Engagement
- Raised in Kansas, lives in San Francisco with partner Ryan and dog Kayo
Q: How does an inclusive workplace help you do your best work?
Nyla: It gives me one less thing to stress over and allows me to think openly and honestly. Work can be demanding, and when I show up, I don't have to be afraid of expressing or holding back from acting a certain way.
Q: How do you celebrate Pride?
Nyla: By showing up every day as my true self, regardless of the situation. I remind myself that we must not forget the pioneers who fought hard for LGBTQ+ rights, so I don’t have to struggle. I'll be celebrating by attending SF Pride & the Silicon Valley Pride parade with friends.
Q: How do we increase the visibility of LGBTQ+ leaders within the company?
Nyla: We can do that simply with awareness, which can happen in our conferences and in our ATMs. I'd also love to hear more about how our leaders at HPE are celebrating Pride and supporting us.
Q: What is the value of having LGBTQ+ allies in the workplace?
Nyla: Having these allies are extremely important. We need to be able to celebrate our similarities and differences and show up to work authentically, without being afraid of who we are. When I’m at work, I want to put my best efforts forward, without having to hide my true self.
Q: How can HPE show support for LGBTQ+ issues?
Nyla: When the same sex marriage act was passed to all 50 states in 2015, it was a major victory for us. However, LGBTQ+ rights are still being threatened today. HPE can show support by standing up to those states that try to diminish LGBTQ+ people and are treating us as second-class citizens.
Kirstin Tanaka (she/her/they/them)
- HPE Aruba Networking Digital Team, Corporate Social Media & Influencer Marketing
- Goes by her last name, Tanaka (a soccer thing that stuck over the years)
Q: What is the value of having LGBTQ+ allies in the workplace?
Tanaka: Having workplace allies fosters inclusivity, attracts more diverse talent, challenges discrimination, and most importantly can drive social change.
Q: How do we increase the visibility of LGBTQ+ leaders within the company?
Tanaka: By promoting our achievements and providing more leadership opportunities. Fostering an inclusive culture and offering mentorship programs is also vital.
Q: How can HPE show support for LGBTQ+ issues?
Tanaka: By implementing inclusive policies and promoting community events. Providing diversity training for everyone and supporting LGBTQ+ organizations also demonstrates true corporate support.
Q: How does an inclusive workplace help you do your best work?
Tanaka: It brings out the best in employees by fostering diversity and creating a sense of belonging. An inclusive workplace also promotes a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Matt Harmon (he/him/his)
- Head of CX Services Operations, CX Strategy, Automation & Enablement COE
- A lifelong SF bay area resident and married to his wife for 12 years, raising two boys (ages 7 and 10) and three dogs, Leia, Holly, and Walter
Q: What is the value of having LGBTQ+ allies in the workplace?
Matt: As an ally, it’s my role to drive inclusion for all at work. I’m there to represent anyone who isn’t in the room. And for those who are not there, to find a way to get them into the room.
Q: How can HPE show support for LGBTQ+ issues?
Matt: Aruba has always encouraged its employees to be who they are, to be themselves and grow, and it doesn’t place barriers. Aruba has a great voice in a highly technical space, and we also have the HPE brand with us. It’s important to not just celebrate Pride for one month but to take actions year-round to show this behavior—and we do this already. HPE isn’t afraid to make a stand on a topic and show support.
Q: How does an inclusive workplace help you do your best work?
Matt: An inclusive workplace allows people to bring their entire self to work. When people can be comfortable with who they are where they work, they are able to do amazing things.
Showing our Pride, 24x7
Our efforts to support and advocate for LGBTQIA+ people do not start or end at Pride month. By supporting our employees through global advocacy, equality, and workplace practices, we will make a difference for LGBTQ+ communities and beyond.
