VMware Received 100% Score in 2020 Corporate Equality Index, PRIDE Leader Shares Insights on What it’s Like to Work at VMware

By Laura Folk, HR Source Employee Advisor and Global Co-Lead of PRIDE@VMware
Jan 28, 2020 1:00 PM ET
Campaign: VMware Culture

I recently was appointed as a global co-lead of PRIDE@VMware after five years serving as the co-founder and co-lead of PRIDE@VMware Austin. I’m excited to be developing and executing strategies on a global scale, which is something new for our Power of Difference Communities (PODs) structure. Through my roles with VMinclusion, our corporate-wide Diversity & Inclusion initiative, I have developed leadership skills I could not develop through my current job as a HR Source Employee Advisor.

I have become adept at holding inclusive meetings, managing budgets, presenting, and managing communications. I’ve worked to develop both internal and external branding for PRIDE@VMware. I’ve also been able to develop an executive network both internally and externally, which would have never been possible within my job role.

VMware has officially received our third annual 100% score in the Human Rights Campaign 2020 Corporate Equality Index. The CEI is the premier benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. While we are deservedly proud of this honor, it’s not necessarily our benchmark internally. We use this as a building block for new programs, working to exceed the requirements of the HRC index in our effort to make VMware an industry leader and employer of choice for the LGBTQIA+ community.

I came to VMware almost seven years ago from an organization that was not a diverse, nor equitable, workplace. I’m so proud to be a part of a company that understands that safe and valued employees not only bring innovation, but also simply make the work environment a much better place for everyone. Through VMinclusion’s efforts, I’ve not only been able to be a small voice for social justice, but I’m learning and growing as a person myself. Our culture is what makes us family and what drives success!

To learn more about the 2020 Corporate Equality Index or to download a copy of the full report, visit http://www.hrc.org/cei.