William Blair Celebrates Pride Month 2024

In celebration of Pride Month, William Blair hosted events in our offices this June to support LGBTQ+ communities. Read on to see how our colleagues got involved.

Packing Hygiene Kits for Our Community Members

Throughout June, William Blair employees participated in a donation drive to collect much-needed items for Brave Space Alliance's Community Pantry. Brave Space Alliance, the first Black- and trans-led LGBTQ+ center located on the south side of Chicago, helps create and provide affirming and culturally competent services for the entire LGBTQ+ community of Chicago.

On June 25, Chicago-based employees came together to pack hygiene kits for Brave Space Alliance. In total, William Blair is thrilled to donate 300 hygiene kits and an additional 200 gender-affirming items, and pieces of clothing to Brave Space Alliance's Community Pantry and Dignity Suite.

"The kits we put together will directly impact those in Chicago who are most vulnerable and in need," said Dywaine Betts, Brave Space Alliance's senior associate for people, operations, and culture. "We appreciate the support of our neighbors and community in building a bold new horizon."

Supporting LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses

On June 25, employees in our New York office enjoyed some sweet treats. BlissBomb, an LGBTQ+-owned bakery, catered the event for colleagues and centers its business around "celebrating the people that bring joy to our day and enrich our lives."

Promoting an Inclusive Culture

William Blair earned a top score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index, the nation's foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. This marked the third consecutive year William Blair has received a top score.

In support of our value of Inclusivity, William Blair actively cultivates a culture where diversity of thought, background and experience makes us better. We seek to attract and retain talented individuals who embrace and nurture diversity, helping all to thrive.

"Our Pride Month events are only two examples of how the Pride Alliance aims to support the LGBTQ+ community," said Emily Nelson, co-chair of William Blair's Pride Alliance. "We're committed to being an inclusive and diverse workplace, and we truly believe our differences make us better in supporting our colleagues, clients, and communities."

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