Amplifying Voices and Strengthening Allyship | by Starship Technologies | Starship Technologies | Jun, 2024

In the spirit of Pride month, Starship Technologies is proud to amplify the voices of our Global Ambassadors. These passionate individuals offer invaluable insights into why advocating for the LGBTQ+ community is paramount in their respective countries. Their perspectives illuminate the significance of allyship and underscore the steps we’re taking to foster an inclusive culture across our organization.

At Starship, diversity and inclusion are not just ideals but fundamental principles guiding our every action. We firmly believe that fostering an environment where everyone is valued and respected is non-negotiable. By standing with the LGBTQ+ community, we demonstrate our steadfast commitment to equality and justice, both within and beyond our organizational borders.

Kadri Salu, what does an inclusive workplace at Starship Technologies look like to you?

“An inclusive workplace at our company fosters a sense of belonging and respect for everyone, regardless of background or identity. Here are some key aspects I envision:

• Public Commitment to DEI: Our values, website, and participation in Pride events would clearly demonstrate our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), with a specific focus on LGBTQ+ inclusion.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Creating an LGBTQ+ ERG would provide a safe space for employees to connect, share experiences, and champion their needs within the company.
• Promoting Allyship: Educational workshops could help cultivate a culture of allyship, encouraging straight employees to be vocal supporters of their LGBTQ+ colleagues.
• Authenticity and Action: Genuine commitment to DEI and Pride is crucial. Our policies and practices should reflect our values, with actions speaking louder than words.”

Juan Canahui, how can allies best support their LGBTQ+ colleagues at Starship Technologies, both in and out of the workplace?

“To be an ally means to support one another. In this context, supporting a historically marginalized group or community — even if you don’t identify as a member of that community. Here are a few key steps that you can take to be an ally:

• Educate yourself. Take the initiative to learn more about the history and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. A few great additional sources are The Trevor Project Resource Center, The Library of Congress, & Human Rights Campaign Resources.
• Make an effort to foster inclusive opportunities for LGBTQ+ colleagues to share their perspectives and expertise. Be sure to listen actively and be open to receiving knowledge. Being a good listener in itself can help folks in your workplace feel welcomed and supported. Also, strive to utilize everyone’s preferred names and their pronouns. Avoid making assumptions about anyone’s gender, orientation, or family structure.
• Do the right thing if you notice your colleagues being mistreated or discriminated against. Speak up against discriminatory remarks or behaviors, and be sure to do so respectfully and through the appropriate channels.

By following these steps, you can create a more inclusive, supportive, and equitable environment so that we can Work As One Team and Always Deliver.”

Zeeshan Chaudhary, what can Starship Technologies do to support LGBTQ+ employees in regions where being LGBTQ+ is more challenging, particularly in the tech industry?

“Supporting an LGBTQ+ colleague in a judgmental region can be challenging for a company. However, steps can be taken to ensure their well-being and representation. These include implementing inclusive policies to ensure equality and prohibit discrimination, maintaining a safe work environment, and providing confidential reporting for harassment or discrimination.

Creating safe spaces, such as groups or Slack channels, allows LGBTQ+ employees to connect and support each other. Training and education help foster understanding of diverse identities. Flexible work arrangements, including remote work, are crucial in regions where LGBTQ+ employees may face hostility.

These are the minimum actions an open-minded company should take. Additional steps, like promoting visibility and representation, show LGBTQ+ employees that they are valued and supported, uplifting them and the entire community.”

Matti Markovaara, what message would you like to share with our global workforce at Starship Technologies during Pride month?

“As we celebrate Pride month, let’s take this opportunity to honor and support the LGBTQ+ community. This month is a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion, acceptance, and the courage to be ourselves.

Together, we can and have created a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Let’s continue to champion diversity and celebrate the unique perspectives that each of us brings to the table.

Remember, our strength lies in our diversity. By embracing each other’s differences, we build a more innovative, compassionate, and united workplace. Keep shining brightly and be proud of who you are!”

Our Global Ambassadors play a pivotal role in our efforts to champion inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. They help bridge cultural gaps, provide localized insights, and serve as advocates for inclusive practices within their regions. Their visibility is crucial in demonstrating our commitment to diversity and inclusion across the globe.

In line with this commitment, we rolled out Pride Bots across participating campuses, serving as a remote pride parade in a company-wide effort to celebrate alongside the LGBTQ+ community. This initiative aims to foster inclusive communities, where all feel welcome and encouraged to embrace their true selves. By integrating these activities into our operations, we aim to promote cultural change, enhance employee morale, and build a more supportive workplace.

Beyond Pride Month, we continue to implement various initiatives and programs to support our Starshippers of all walks of life.

These efforts include:

• Providing continuous learning opportunities to educate all employees about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity. These communications are designed to foster empathy, understanding, and effective allyship within the context of our work in autonomous technology and delivery.
• Regularly reviewing and updating our policies to ensure they are inclusive and supportive of all employees, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Continuously seeking feedback from our employees to identify areas for improvement and ensure that our efforts are making a meaningful difference. This feedback loop allows us to adapt and evolve our strategies to better meet the needs of our diverse workforce.

As we gather to honor Pride month, let’s pause and reflect deeply. Are our efforts truly sufficient, or are we merely scratching the surface of meaningful change?

Diversity thrives when actively nurtured. Starship is committed to cultivating a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our workforce and communities. At present, we have Starshippers from 26 different Nationalities, representing three genders, and four pronoun groups.

Celebrating differences goes way beyond colorful banners. Whether you’re a customer, partner, or advocate, now is the time to seize this moment to make a meaningful impact. Together, we can cultivate spaces where authenticity is valued, stories are shared, and vulnerability is met with empathy.