A personal post from RES President Gail Behun:
As we celebrate Pride Month, I want to share a deeply personal journey that has shaped me both as a parent and as a leader.
A few years ago, my child came out as non-binary. This revelation brought a whirlwind of emotions and learning curves. I realized that my expectations as a parent needed to evolve. I had to educate myself, adapt, and grow to become the parent they needed. It was a journey of understanding, acceptance, and unconditional love.
This experience taught me invaluable lessons that parallel my professional life. As a leader, I've learned the importance of embracing diversity in the workforce. Just as each child requires different things from their parent, each team member has unique needs and aspirations. It's our responsibility as leaders to recognize and support these individual journeys.
Pride isn't just about rainbow flags and parades; it's about introspection and growth. It's about recognizing how diversity enhances our lives and our work. By embracing our differences, we create environments where everyone feels valued and empowered.
This Pride Month, let's not just celebrate externally but also look inward. Let's acknowledge the growth, love, and acceptance that the rainbow represents within each of us. Together, we can build a more inclusive and supportive world.