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inclusion

A Message from Our President: Celebrating & Reflecting on Pride Month

 1024 576 Engenium Group

As we come to the end of Pride month, I find myself not only celebrating but also reflecting on how far this marginalized group has come. As a member of the LGBT+ community and an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), I enjoy the opportunity to break boundaries and push for advancement for all minority or marginalized groups. Pride has evolved drastically over the years, but it still serves as a great reminder to see how far we have come since the Stonewall riots in 1969 and to continue pushing for equal opportunities for the LGBT+ community.

While I don’t consider myself a “prominent figure” within the community, I try to lead by example to those around me and dedicate myself to the causes and organizations I believe in. My involvement in the LGBT+ community in Washington, DC began by joining the DC Cowboys Dance Company in 2003, where I served as a member for about 7 years. This non-profit dance group was committed to providing entertainment, advocating for inclusivity and acceptance, and raising money for those living with HIV/AIDS and AIDS prevention programs. Through electrifying performances and meaningful engagements, the group promoted visibility and celebrates the rich diversity within the LGBT community.

From there, my passion for progress and involvement only grew. I founded Engenium Group in 2011 as a best-in-class MEP engineering firm, with a mission to nurture long-lasting client relationships with a focus on putting people first. We put a spotlight on innovation, communication, and creating opportunities for diversity within the AEC industry, and have since been recognized as one of the ten largest LGBT-owned businesses within the District of Columbia. I am proud to say that our business delivers a unique engineering relationship to those in our industry, and continues to work under the concept of leading by example and driving positive changes through the spaces we design.

While Pride celebrates LGBT+ members, it’s also a wonderful time to support and uplift those of any minority. I encourage others to be themselves no matter who they are or what they believe in, whether part of the LGBT+ community or others. At the end of the day, I have a tremendous amount of empathy for those that have felt marginalized or have faced discrimination, and hope to serve as an advocate of empowerment, equality, and inclusivity in our society. As we wrap up Pride month, I wanted to leave some resources to groups and organizations that I find are making a difference in the world: