Belonging at Western Union

Career By Gail Sarmiento July 11, 2023

At Western Union, we believe that fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace is a foundation for growth and success. Building a team across different backgrounds and identities reflects the diversity of the millions of people we serve.

We are committed to providing an inclusive work culture where employees feel they belong. This June 2023, our global offices celebrated Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) through various activities.

Argentina

Last June 26-30, our team in Argentina celebrated Pride Week, where employees were invited to decorate their workstations to support the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, different activities were organized, like trivia designed to educate others about the colors and symbols associated with LGBTQ+ and the importance of respecting these communities.

Costa Rica

On June 20th, our teams at our Latin America Regional Operations Center (LAROC) hosted an event on “Sexual Orientation and Identities,” where a keynote speaker from Alianza Empresarial para el Desarrollo (AED) was invited. The goal was to help companies and employees expand their knowledge and foster ideas for executing their DEIB initiatives.

 

Following the success of the June 20th event, on June 25th, the LAROC BELONG Employee Resource Group (ERG) invited everyone to attend the “Marcha de la Diversidad 2023” Pride parade, held in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Pictured are our employees Alejandro Serrano (left) and David Montes (right), our Belong LAROC ERG leader at the Pride parade.

Mexico

June 21 and 28 were important dates for our team in Mexico. The team learned about the myths and realities of being a trans woman, and they met women who inspire and transform our ways of working.

   

On June 27th our employees were invited to visit the first virtual Diversity Museum.

Lithuania

Our European Regional Operation Center (EUROC) DEI Committee invited everyone to join Vilnius Pride 2023 on July 1st in Lithuania. Led by members of the LGBTQ+ and volunteers, the event was organized through the Lithuanian trans people’s rights and mutual support association “Trans Autonomija” and the civil society initiative “Demonstruokimes.”

This year’s Vilnius Pride march was dedicated to four leading causes:

  • Ensure that legal and medical trans resources are available to all trans people.
  • Having the right to marriage, partnership, and adoption, regardless of the gender of the partners.
  • To repeal the provisions of the Law on the Protection of Minors enabling censorship.
  • Protection against discrimination for all people.

One of our employees, Can Berk Cebici during the event.

Perú/Chile/Panamá

Our colleagues received supplementary materials to discuss DEIB and why it matters. Moreover, employees were encouraged to participate in the “Tearing down barriers” discussion by Diego Pacheco from eap Latina, where they could dive deep and talk about the plight of the LGBTQ+ community.

Philippines

Our Asia Regional Operation Center (AROC) in Quezon City joined the Philippine Financial & Inter-industry Pride’s (PFIP) “Bring it On!” Sportsfest 2023. The PFIP Sportsfest aims to drive a more LGBT-inclusive workplace environment and comprises various sporting events to engage its members in a fun and healthy competition.

AROC Site will also join The PFIP Pride Summit 2023, which will take place on July 27-28th in the Philippines. Western Union is featured as a Silver Partner of the event.

USA

It was a busy June for our team in the North America region. We started the month with an Ice Cream Social event at our HQ in Denver, CO, sponsored by the LGBTQ@Western Union and The Black Employee Network ERGs, where our colleagues enjoyed their favorite ice cream scoop courtesy of Little Man Ice Cream.

Last June 21-22, our colleagues gave back and connected with the Denver community and customer base at the annual Juneteenth Music Festival. Led by our DEIB Team and The Black Employee Network ERG, our team showed up to promote Western Union’s products and services and current opportunities to festival the goers.

Capping off the month, our teammates and loved ones in the US participated in the 2023 Denver PrideFest & Parade. This two-day festival aims to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and showcase Western Union’s commitment to supporting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. We’re thankful to everyone who showed up and showcased their pride in this exciting event.

Our ability to confidently serve the emerging needs of our customers starts with honoring what makes our employees unique. We aspire to become the world’s most accessible financial services company, and this is only possible when diverse minds and perspectives come together. Visit our careers website and join us for what’s next.