At Proofpoint, our people—and the range of their experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, and work skills—drive our success. We embrace and foster the diversity of our team members, customers, and stakeholders. Everyone is valued and appreciated for their lifestyles, thoughts, and talents, all of which contribute to the growth and sustainability of our business and the strength of our communities.
To support our diverse workforce, Proofpoint Employee Inclusion Groups (EIGs) serve as structured, employee-led organizations that are formally recognized and integrated into the fabric of the company, cultivating compelling conversations, workshops, and activities. They empower our employees to learn from one another and express their authentic selves.
Our BEACON (Black Employees and Allies Collective Outreach Network) EIG provides an environment that encourages others through shared experiences and fosters support across recruitment, career development, community outreach, professional growth, and retention initiatives.
Black History Month in observed in February in the United States and Canada and observed in October in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In this blog series, our BEACON EIG leads share their thoughts on what celebrating Black Achievements means to them.
Hear from the author:
Raquel Ramon, BEACON EIG Lead, Regional Director, Named Account Sales, Proofpoint
It is important to me that my children understand how black achievements have and continue to shape so many facets of society. I have them join me in celebrating black achievements by recognizing their mixed culture and honoring the rich heritage forged within the black community. I believe highlighting and celebrating the many accomplishments black people have given our world helps nourish their young hearts and minds. I emphasize with them that they, too, are capable of incredible things and can achieve whatever they put their minds to.
While my family and I constantly seek opportunities to learn and share about black history and achievements throughout the year, there is something truly special about February being an entire month dedicated to it. I look forward to the many mediums that observe the occasion through creative expressions, such as tv/film, documentaries, local/national events, books, music, and so much more. These forums lead to moments I can share with my children, and they see people who look like them making a real impact. As a parent, it is important for my children to see people who look like them and recognize the possibilities.
When not spending time with family, I am proud to work at a company that sees people's differences while accepting and embracing them. I have heard many of our Employee Inclusion Group members express their gratitude for finally finding a workplace where they feel comfortable having difficult conversations or revealing experiences they have historically been afraid to share. I'm incredibly honored to serve our employee community as an EIG lead. I hope this acceptance and embrace of employee differences spread beyond our workplace and make a bigger impact throughout our employees' communities.
Please join us for Black History Month here at Proofpoint as we celebrate Black Achievements. My hope is that the meaningful content we share fills the hearts and minds of our EIG members and allies.
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