Colleague Spotlight: Celebrating Pride Month

June is recognized as Pride Month, and it's the perfect time to reflect, celebrate, and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ is an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, and the countless affirmative ways in which people choose to self-identify.

At ConnectWise, we believe in fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive place for our colleagues to work and belong. I spoke to several colleagues who either identify as members or allies of the LGBTQ+ community to learn more about what this month means to them.

Some colleagues wished to remain anonymous. We respect their privacy by not including their names but sharing their responses to further educate others. By amplifying their voices, we aim to create a safe and empowering space for dialogue, understanding, and appreciation. 

Maura Terzolino
Director, Help Desk—Partner Relations

What does Pride Month mean to you?

Pride month is the best time of the year! It is the one time of year that we get to celebrate who we are, come together with overwhelming support, and march as one collective family. The love, acceptance, and feeling of belonging is truly an overwhelming feeling when we are faced with adversity and hate day in and day out (even throughout pride month).

If you've never been to a pride event, you should provide yourself an opportunity to attend. You will experience all the good vibes, love, and an awesome judgement-free zone.

What is something you want to share with others about the LGBTQ+ community?

We are humans and love the same way as everyone else. Just because we might walk, talk, or dress differently doesn't mean we aren't the same underneath it all. You shouldn't hate something or someone just because you don't understand it, you should embrace it and try to learn.

Coming from a member of the LGBTQ+ that knew at a young age who they were and was not supported nor accepted—it is important that we, as humans, are listened to and supported. It is extremely hard on mental health to go through it alone and be forced to keep it to yourself because you're afraid. Afraid of what others are going to say, what your family is going to think, friends walking away, etc. We should not have to live in fear because of who we love.

What do you plan to accomplish in the next five years?

To continue to grow my partner relations department and help our partners grow within ConnectWise!

If you could share a piece of career advice with others, what would it be?

Don't stop. Don't let others tell you that you can't. Believe in yourself. If you want it, go get it—no one else is going to give it to you. You can do whatever you put your mind to.

Trey Mingus
Help Desk Technician 

What does Pride Month mean to you? 

Pride is all about coming together in solidarity and remembering the history, struggles, and celebrations the LGBTQ+ community has been through throughout the decades. Remembering where we came from helps us focus on where we are going. 

What is something you want to share with others about the LGBTQ+ community? 

With the political landscape we find ourselves in today, it can become increasingly difficult to stay positive as a member of the LGBTQ+. Remember the path that we, as a community, have walked down and know that this is a path that we do not walk alone. This community is one of inclusion, love, acceptance, and equality! If you or someone you know and love is part of the LGBTQ+ community, be vocal, be seen, and become an ally! 

What do you plan to accomplish in the next five years? 

Personally, I recently got engaged in December 2022 and plan to get married in late 2024. Professionally, I would like to move up in the company and discover other departments. 

If you could share a piece of career advice with others, what would it be? 

Always learn new things. Whether it’s a new skill, a new way of tackling a problem, or learning a new job, learning new things is a way to keep your career fresh and ever-changing! 

Steph Morris
Business Knowledge Specialist 

What does Pride Month mean to you? 

For me personally, it’s a chance to reflect and thank all those who’ve paved the way. Without their sacrifices, dedication, and perseverance, I wouldn't have the life I have. I am thankful to them that I get to live in a day and age where I can be open and honest about who I am and also have the opportunity to marry my soulmate. 
 
Although I do feel incredibly lucky, there is still so much more to be done to wipe out prejudice. 
There are still countries where this is illegal and punishable by death. 

What is something you want to share with others about the LGBTQ+ community? 

We are just people with the same dreams and aspirations as everyone else.

What do you plan to accomplish in the next five years? 

My wife and I hope to have our own home—this is our main life goal! 

If you could share a piece of career advice with others, what would it be? 

Work hard and always try to showcase your best skills as often as possible. 

Allies and others who wished to remain anonymous 

What does Pride Month mean to you? 

• Every month is Pride Month. It doesn't matter who, what, or how you are. Everyone deserves to be treated with the same dignity and respect as any other human being.
• I have a lot of friends who are members of the LGBTQ+ community and are going through a lot relating to their status. I have nothing but support for those who identify.

What is something you want to share with others about the LGBTQ+ community? 

• While I may not understand or believe the same things people in the community do, I still respect them as humans and respect their opinions and beliefs.
• I know we have some members of this community on staff. We should recognize them if they want and let them know we all care.

What do you plan to accomplish in the next five years? 

• As a stroke survivor, I intend to return to what I was doing before it happened, sticking with ConnectWise as much as I can.
• Get my master’s degree in cybersecurity or IT.

If you could share a piece of career advice with others, what would it be? 

• Do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life.
• Learn something new in technology.
• Study! And stay connected with your old classmates. Make a Slack or WhatsApp group chat to be able to keep in contact and support each other.