Empowered To Be My Authentic Self

Upon university graduation, I was so scared of entering Corporate America because I was different. I have had internships where I have heard and seen, a Director make fun of the way I talk and even mimic my mannerisms around the office. From that moment on, I was genuinely scared that I wasn't going to be taken seriously in Corporate America because of my age, the way I sound, or because I identify as LGBTQIA, but this was definitely not the case at Palo Alto Networks. Palo Alto Network’s vision is a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before, starting with its people.

Since the moment I stepped foot into this organization, Palo Alto Networks has never once made me feel different but has actually made me feel empowered to celebrate my difference. This company has given me an opportunity to scale my career as an Executive Recruiting Researcher, partnering with our top-level executives to build their next-gen teams, while allowing me to overcome my preconceived fears of corporate America. But what I am most thankful for is the opportunity to co-lead our amazing LGBTQIA+ Employee Network Group. Through the work of the Employee Network Group, we are able to foster an inclusive and safe working environment for our employees, while also building ties to the community at large.

During covid, we partnered with the Open House Senior Center in San Francisco to create 20 covid-safe care packages, for LGBTQIA+ Seniors consisting of no-sew scarves, hats, and gloves. Our Employee Network Group also hosted a Family Planning Webinar to promote our inclusive adoption, fertility, and surrogacy benefits offered to our employees and families, including those of the same sex. To further promote an inclusive culture and equal rights, PANW has also declared its support for the #EqualityAct, a federal legislation that would provide the basic protections to LGBTQ people as are provided to other protected groups under federal law.

Through our work volunteering with the LGBTQIA community, inclusive company benefits, and declaring our support for the #EqualityAct, I am excited to share that for the second year in a row Palo Alto Networks has achieved 100% rating in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2021 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) and achieved designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality. Palo Alto Networks is taking its stand for equality and letting its employees know that they have our back. With our growing accomplishments year over year, I am excited to continue to help make PANW a “safer and more secure” environment for current and future LGBTQIA+ employees. 

Go Palo Alto Networks!