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 is observed in February in the United States and Canada and observed in October in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In this blog series celebrating Black History Month, our BEACON EIG leads share their thoughts on what celebrating Black achievements means to them.
Hear from the author:
Jermaine Stanley, Chair BEACON EIG, Sr. Analyst, Security & Compliance, Proofpoint
As I think about what celebrating Black achievements means to me, many thoughts and emotions come flooding in. So many, in fact, the best way I felt that I could organize my thoughts and feelings was to do so with the help of our BEACON EIG acronym.
Belonging - We belong here… history shows everyone on this planet that we “Black Folk” can contribute and excel at just about anything or overcome any challenge to achieve great things!
Excellence – For me, Black History Month is the time we can show who we are and showcase all the great moments and achievements we have accomplished, are currently doing, and will achieve for generations to come.
Alliances – Black History Month helps those who are non-Black gain a better appreciation of the historical and relevant achievements of many Blacks in our world’s society, development, and future. And in doing so, we can inspire them to become allies.
Cause – Yes, we are in the 21st century, and yes, a lot of work has been done to help ensure that equity and inclusion are at the forefront of our society. We have a lot to celebrate, and I am one who will! Although we celebrate Blackness, there is work that is still needed.
Opportunities – Black History Month presents all of us with the opportunity to connect, grow and achieve greatness. Although we celebrate Black History over the course of one month, the opportunity remains for us to celebrate, connect, grow, and achieve year-round!
Notwithstanding - Despite all of the challenges Black people have faced throughout the years, we are here. We show up, continue to shine, and celebrate the many achievements that have come from our culture!
During February, Proofpoint and BEACON EIG will commemorate and honor Black History Month through events, education, and recognition of notable Black people, Black Canadians, Black (Afro) Latinx – past and present – who represent black excellence at its best.
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