ASBURY PARK, NJ — Next week, Garden State Equality will bring together business, healthcare, education, nonprofit, advocacy, and public sector professionals as well as college students and retirees for its annual Equality at Work Symposium at Bell Works in Holmdel, New Jersey.
“At Garden State Equality, we believe diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are crucial in making every workplace safe and affirming not just for LGBTQ+ workers but workers of all marginalized backgrounds,” said Deputy Director Brielle Winslow-Majette (she/her). “That is why we create this space every year.”
Equality at Work, presented by ADP, will feature workshops and presentations from leaders and experts across an array of disciplines, including:
- Angela Harvey, growth facilitator, LGBTQ+ activist, and social worker, who will help attendees become more authentic in their workplaces;
- Cathy Renna, Director of Communications for the National LGBTQ Task Force, who will share lessons learned from her nearly 30-year career in advocacy and crisis communications;
- Edie Grauer and Chef Pearl Thompson, antiracism trainers, who will discuss the state of DEI today;
- Shana Francesca, CEO of Concinnate LLC and scholar of ethical leadership and living, who will bring attendees up to speed on neurodiversity in the workplace;
- Juan Carlos Barrera and Alyssa Remantas of Integrated Care Concepts & Consultation, who will show business leaders how to promote equal access to mental health services;
- Nat Moghe and Yarrow Willman-Cole of New Jersey Citizen Action, who will teach attendees about LGBTQ+ rights, health equity, and paid leave; and
- Gus Peneranda, Executive Director of the New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce, who will reveal the business side of the Garden State’s LGBTQ+ community.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to swing by two all-day offerings during Equality at Work. One is the Integrated Care Concepts & Consultation Wellness Space, a room full of calming activities, comfy seating, no judgment, and good vibes. The other is the Inclusive Workplace Policy Drop-in Clinic, presented by private policy consultant Aaron Potenza.
Participants will cap off the symposium with the most unique networking event they’ll ever attend. Harmonica Sunbeam, the Comedy Queen, will eschew the usual awkwardness of networking by hosting a one-of-a-kind drag show which will surely get folks talking.
“Equality at Work is a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging symposium unlike any other,” said Winslow-Majette. “Where else can you learn about the power of storytelling, hear from advocates fresh off the heels of a major legislative victory, receive a personalized policy consultation, then attend a networking drag show — all in one day?”
Equality at Work is proudly sponsored by ADP; Sills Cummis & Gross; PSEG; Ingredion; First Energy; Pashman Stein Walder Hayden; Booskerdoo; and Jersey Freeze.
“By creating environments where all workers are encouraged to bring their entire selves — and are respected when they do so — we all succeed.” said Senior Director of Development Erin Baskin Bradshaw (she/her). “Employees feel more secure, knowing they won’t lose their jobs for being queer or trans; while employers benefit from talent optimization, improved retention, and increased innovation.”
