HIV/AIDS in the workplace
Thursday, December 16, 2010 - 12 pm Pacific Time
1 pm Mountain | 2 pm Central | 3 pm Eastern
One hour in length | No cost
As 2010 comes to end, we will use our December Town Call to focus on HIV/AIDS in the workplace in honor of World AIDS Day. This town call will look at the newly published "Recommendations concerning HIV and AIDS and the World of Work" published by the International Labour Office. This document calls for respect for the fundamental human rights of all workers and addresses the global perspective of HIV/AIDS. The call will also contain perspectives from corporations who are involved in creating a workplace that is free from stigma and discrimination and supporting the larger community impacted by HIV/AIDS. Join us as we identify some of the guidelines and best practices from a global perspective!
Download the presentation [PDF]
Download the audio recording [mp3]
Health benefits for transgender and transsexual employees, the WPATH Standards of Care, and the CEI
Thursday, November 18, 2010 - 12 pm Pacific Time
1 pm Mountain | 2 pm Central | 3 pm Eastern
One hour in length | No cost
This highly rated session from the 2010 Summit brings together the practical needs and changes that are needed to make health care equality a reality. What better way to engage your workplace and honor the goals of the Transgender Day of Remembrance than to discover how to have this conversation and be an advocate for all employees. This workshop is intended to help employers achieve fully-inclusive health insurance with respect to the Corporate Equality Index 3.0 criteria and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s Standards of Care. Based on our presenters’ experience with CEI-rated employers’ plans, they’ll walk through and take questions about tips and best practices, pitfalls to avoid, and educational resources to address misconceptions.
Download the presentation [pdf]
Download the audio recoding [mp3]
We are talking more and more about metrics and using them to advance our LGBT workplace equality. If you attended the Summit, wanted to or are already making plans to attend in 2011, this town call provides the metrics and highlights of 2010. It is hard to explain the Summit experience but if you go, you know it is more than the sum of workshops, plenary speakers, sponsors and exhibitors. See what it was all about, add data into your trip report and see what's next during this month's town call.
Download the presentation [pdf]
Download the audio recording [mp3]
Ever thought about working for the federal government. For years, the LGBT community has avoided working in the government sector or been “in the closet” about being LGBT. Times have changed since the days when you worried about a security clearance or losing your job because of being LGBT. Under the current administration there are changes that open the doors for LGBT employees. While there are still some barriers to benefits, many new policies provide support and protections for LGBT employees and their families. Considering federal employment in tough economic times can be an important step. Find out about federal careers and about the presidential appointment program that the Victory Fund is coordinating. This town call is also hosted by Out & Equal’s LGBT CareerLink!
Download the presentation [pdf]
Download the audio recording [mp3]
We
walk into work with a wide variety of experiences and beliefs. Our
uniqueness is the strength we bring to our job, but not realizing our
differences can keep us from being fully engaged on the job. With Out
& Equal, we not only focus on who we are as LGBT individuals but
also our different genders, races, ages and beliefs. How do we talk
about all our diversity and find a way to truly bring ALL of ourselves
to work? Join us as we explore the links for LGBT employees and
spirituality!
August 2010 International Town Call
On Wednesday, August 4, 2010, Out & Equal will host the first of its International Town Call series at 8:30 AM Pacific. The International Town Call series will take place 2-4 times annually, with each call dedicated to the LGBT workplace experience in a specific country. The subject of our first International Town Call will be India, and include insights from corporate, legal, employee and local activist perspectives on the environment for employees who identify as part of the local and expatriate LGBT communities. This International Town Call is being organized in partnership with The Council for Global Equality. Employees with experience working in India or who represent companies with a presence in the country are especially invited to attend.
Download the presentationDownload the audio recording
How do you spell LGBT? A view of the workplace across the generations! There are four generations in the workplace today and each one has had a different experience of “coming out” as LGBT in the workplace. Traditionalists experienced McCarthyism, Boomers had Stonewall, Gen X experienced HIV/AIDS and Gen Y saw the birth of the Logo channel and grew up watching Will & Grace. How have these experiences shaped how to navigate being LGBT on the job? This call will discuss the historical and contemporary differences through the generations and how they connect in the workplace on such topics as recruiting, retention and being “out”.
Download the presentation [PDF]Download the audio recording [mp3]
LGBT issues seem to be in the news all over the country! We watch the Pride parades roll by and hear LGBT marriage and workplace issues being discussed everywhere. Wonder what is happening on the Federal front? This call will provide an update on some of the key LGBT federal legislations, discuss some of the new state department guidelines on passports if you are transgender, and LGBT immigration issues. The call will also provide some insights into the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and what it could mean to the workplace. June brings the LGBT community into the national focus and this call will help us all be informed on what is happening to us around the country! Please add this month’s call to your Pride calendar!
As the discussion increases around the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and workplace equality, we hear more and more numbers! There are twenty-nine (29) states that do not protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Twenty-eight percent (28%) of respondents in a recent study decided not to be open at work because they feel it may be an obstacle to career advancement. Some companies are just beginning to count how many LGBT employees they have in their workforce. Where do these numbers come from and what are the best sources to use when discussing the business case for LGBT inclusion? Join this Town Call and find out what research is being done and how to add metrics to your business case.
Speakers
Over
the last few years, we have seen mergers, acquisitions and
reorganizations in sectors of business. Change is happening all around
us and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are working to maintain their
momentum and focus. Has your ERG been impacted by layoffs? Has the
availability of resources been reduced? Have you joined a new
company that has a different perspective on LGBT equality in the
workplace? These are just some of the questions we will look at in the
Out & Equal April Town Call webinar. Join our presenters as they
share their perspectives, best practices and encouragement to continue
building even in times of change.Stories from the Street: ERGs in Times of Corporate Change
Thursday, April 29, 2010 - Noon Pacific Time1 pm Mountain | 2 pm Central | 3 pm EasternOne hour in length | No cost Download the presentation [PDF]Download an audio recording [MP3]
Thursday, March 25, 2010 - Noon Pacific Time1 pm Mountain | 2 pm Central | 3 pm EasternOne hour in length | No cost Download the presentation slides [PDF]Download an audio recording [MP3] The passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act is once again in the national spotlight. The actual law only adds sexual orientation and gender identity to the current protected employment classes. This
is a huge step but as each emerging group in the workplace has found
out, there is more that needs to be done than just being added to the
EEO policy to ensure an inclusive workplace. Join this month’s town call to get the latest information on the 20 steps to an Out & Equal Workplace. Best
practices and current research will be presented on policies, benefits,
professional development, workplace climate, community commitment and
advocacy. Whether
your company has just started considering the inclusion of LGBT
employees in their policies and benefits or if you are a sector leader
in Corporate Social Responsibility that includes LGBT advocacy, this
town call will provide you with the latest updates to use and help
continue the discussion of what it means to be Out & Equal.
Thursday, February 25, 2010 - Noon Pacific Time1 pm Mountain | 2 pm Central | 3 pm EasternOne hour in length | No cost
Workplace Award Nominations Request
for proposals for the 2010 Workplace Summit workshops will be posted to
our web site, www.OutandEqual.org, at lease one week prior to the Town
Call.
The
Out & Equal Workplace Awards (commonly referred to as "The Outies")
honor individuals and organizations that are leaders in advancing
equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees in
workplaces. Through these awards, Out & Equal provides the business
and LGBT communities with examples of innovative approaches and proven
successes to help create safe and equitable workplaces. The awards are
presented annually at the Out & Equal Workplace Summit, the nation's
preeminent conference addressing LGBT issues in the workplace.
This
webinar will provide insights into the screening committee's
perspective and criteria for honoring innovative approaches and proven
successes, as well as hear from what past winners accomplished in their
quest for equality that set them apart from other nominees.
Call for 2010 Workplace Awards will be posted to our web site, www.OutandEqual.org, at least one week prior to the Town Call.
The deadline for 2010 Workplace Award Nominations is April 30, 2010.
Workplace Summit Workshop Proposals
Out
& Equal's annual Summit offers the chance to unite and share the
information needed to advance LGBT workplace equality. Now more than
ever, Out & Equal workshops are invaluable tools to keep pace with
the multitude of changes happening around us and in the workplace.
This
webinar will explore the 2010 Workplace Summit workshop submittal
process, as well as introduce the core concepts that will be addressed
during this year's Summit in Los Angeles.
Why Present a Workshop?
The deadline for 2010 Workplace Summit Workshop Proposals is April 30, 2010.
This
webinar will provide you with some great and timely guidance, and is
open to all. It is recommended for people and organizations with a
record of support for LGBT workplace equality.
We made it through 2009! So what should we be thinking about for our LGBT and ally organizations during this coming year? There is the potential for incredible change for LGBT employees in the workplace in 2010, and employee resource groups can be a major resource in guiding and informing those changes. For LGBT federal employees, benefits may become part of their compensation package as votes go to the full house and senate on the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009.
In 2010, there is great potential for positive change for the LGBT workforce, and ERGs must be there. In March and April, Census 2010 will arrive, and although still not counting individual LGBT community members, it does provide another opportunity to create more visibility through same sex couples. Then there's the Employment Non-Discrimination Act that will provide federal protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. And then there are the annual events: Pride month, National Coming Out Day, Transgender Day of Remembrance and World AIDS Day!
Join this Town Call to engage on ERG resources in development at Out & Equal, and the latest news and the resources that are available to help shape LGBT awareness in 2010 in your organization, in your state and around the world - including what the U.S. census means for the LGBT community. The events we plan for 2010 may be some of the most pivotal points this year as we educate and outreach to create allies and equitability.
December 1st was the 22nd annual World AIDS Day remembering those who have died and raising awareness about AIDS/HIV in our lives, including the workplace. This month's Town Call will provide the most current updates on the reality of AIDS/HIV in the United States and globally. From 1981 to 2007, over 25 million people have died. However, with improved medical care and better access to that care, there are over 33 million living with HIV/AIDS. These facts and who is impacted by HIV/AIDS extends into all parts of our lives including the workplace. In addition to looking at HIV/AIDS today, the Town Call will explore the intersection of HIV/AIDS and the workplace. What are LGBT Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) doing around HIV/AIDS awareness? What is the workplace response to coming out as positive? And finally, what is the ERG role in philanthropic support as a corporate value? Join our speakers as we both remember and revitalize our perspectives on HIV/AIDS and identify the intersections that create a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Transgender workers are sometimes isolated and may need special mentoring to perform at their best. And sometimes transgender workers are doing fine, but their managers or co-workers may need special mentoring to help them overcome their own obstacles with respect to transgender issues. Consultants and O&E Transgender Advisory Committee members Lori Fox and Jamison Green will co-facilitate, provide practical information, and answer your questions.
Didn’t get a chance to check out all the workshops you were interested in at the Summit? The economy kept you from attending this year? Join us as we highlight the successes of the 2009 Out & Equal Workplace Summit. Our discussion will include a tour of the Summit resources now available online including the trip report, the Summit business case, the program book, workshop presentations and handouts, as well as how to join the Summit subgroup of the Out & Equal Professional Network. Hear perspectives from the Out & Equal program leaders and directors as they report on the powerful work that was done at this Summit. This will also be a chance to reprise one of the most historical moments of the 2009 Summit. This year, the Summit was pleased to host the highest number of US federal employees that have ever attended. With John Berry, Director of the Office of Personnel Management and the highest ranking LGBT appointee by President Obama, as one of our keynote speakers, the federal government recognized the Summit as training. In addition, Out & Equal recognized the government with an Outie Award for LGBT Employee Resource Group (ERG) of the Year, which was presented to GLIFAA, the ERG group from the US Department of State and USAID. With the federal government as our newest sector working toward LGBT workplace equality, we will get a special report from the featured session “The Feds: A Different Kind of Workplace” by panelists Shar Jones and Ajit Joshi. Their insights could impact the best practices of state and local governments, government contractors and the way business is done in the US. The October Town Call will be packed with information that you won’t want to miss and that you can take back to your workplace!
Employee Resource Groups continue to face their main challenge: member engagement. Rather than a challenge in itself, often member apathy is a symptom of an ERG lacking a defined value proposition. In this call, we will outline the way ERGs can balance 3 areas to deliver value: to their membership, their company and their community. We will examine some insights from our 2008 State of LGBT ERGs report, and discuss how finding this “value balance” can get all of your membership excited and engaged. Participants will take away a new perspective and some samples of how they can deliver value.
Presented by Stephen Gould, Associate Director of NETWORKS! with guest ERG leaders including
Tina Seitz
Senior Project Scheduling Engineer at GM and Events Chair, GM PLUS
Steven Kowalski
Executive Development Consultant at Genentech and Chair of Professional Development, Genentech Out & Equal
Additional Town Call materials:
· “Together, Apart” by Human Rights Watch
· Top Tips for GLBT International Assignees (Handout)
The new buzz phrase on the street is cultural competency. It is about understanding culture at a deeper level, understanding the different ways we approach the workplace, and ultimately helping employees become fully engaged and able to bring their best to the workplace. Out & Equal has been teaching for years about the culture of Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) employees, but we have often approached the discussion from a U.S.-born, white perspective. Now we need to look inside and outside our own culture and at other cultures to gain different perspectives that will enable us to work with each other. Do we understand how people of color may perceive the world from their perspective? What can we do to build bridges, create coalitions, and encourage mutual learning so that all of us can contribute to our overall goal of equality in the workplace? And what about the global perspective? What does it mean to be LGBT in another country? As companies now span the globe, we see need to understand more perspectives than we experience in the United States. Join this town call to learn the basics of cultural competency as we look at our multi-cultural LGBT experience - both here in the United States and around the world! Finding ways to connect with other groups will strengthen our own internal diversity and create allies through cultural competency.
Presenters:
Monthly Town Call Webinar – June 25, 2009Sponsored by PG&E
Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 12:00 noon Pacific(1:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight; 2:00 p.m. Central Daylight; 3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight) Where are our LGBT employees? Using self-identification to track gender identity and sexual orientation in the workplace! Download the Presentation Files [PDF]
Register for this Town Call, which will be held on May 28 at noon Pacific time. We will hear about the current state of federal legislation that has the potential to impact LGBT workplace equality. Specifically this Town Call will provide insights into the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, providing equal employment for LGBT employees on a national level, and the Domestic Partner Benefits Equality Act, providing domestic partners with health insurance federal income tax equality. Beyond the legislative landscape, come hear how businesses are now stepping forward to support protections for LGBT employees and their families. Taking the next step in the Advocacy Frontier, companies are now speaking up and out about public policies that protect LGBT employees and oppose attempts that would limit or restrict the rights of LGBT employees. Find out who is setting the benchmark and how you can get involved in this best practice for advancing diversity in the workplace. Discover tools you can apply to impact local, state, and federal actions that can translate to true LGBT equality in the workplace.
This webinar will provide great guidance on an often challenging topic, and is open to all. It is recommended for people and organizations with a record of support for LGBT workplace equality.
Taking a look at faith, sexuality and gender identity at work and how we can build camaraderie and team spirit in the office, boosting production and ERG participation.
Join in the discussion and to hear from those who look at faith and the workplace from a social justice perspective. Our discussion will include:
This webinar will provide you with some great and timely guidance and is open to all. It is recommended for people and organizations with a record of support for LGBT workplace equality.
Thursday, Janaury 29, 2009- 12:00 noon Pacific Daylight(1:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight; 2:00 p.m. Central Daylight; 3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight)
April 2009 Town Call
| December 2008 Town Call | |
| Sponsored by: |
Mark Bromley, Council for Global EqualityMark helped launch the Council for Global Equality to encourage a clearer and stronger American voice on international LGBT human rights concerns. Mark worked for more than eleven years at Global Rights. In 2005, he launched an organization-wide Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Initiative. Mark has served on the Board of International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA).
Cynthia Martin, Retired Marketing ExecutiveCynthia was the first "out" executive at Eastman Kodak Company, during a career that culminated in her role as President of Global Customer Services. As Vice President of Brand, Marketing, and Consumer Experience for Blue Shield of California, she worked on an award-winning rebrand strategy. Cynthia was honored by the Gay Financial Network as one of the 25 most influential LGBT executives.
Marcelo Roman, IBM, Global Delivery Outsourcing ServicesMarcello leads IBM's global learning delivery outsourcing services. His international career started in 1995, when he was assigned as an Olympic Envoy to Spain for the 1996 Olympic Summer Games. In 1997, he joined IBM's Latin America organization. He and his partner, Douglas, live in Atlanta, Georgia. If you are interested in sponsoring an Out & Equal Town Call webinar, please contact Pat Baillie at pbaillie@outandequal.org or call 415-694-6521.Thursday, October 30, 2008
The workplace has always been the focus for Out & Equal Workplace Advocates. Looking first at policies and benefits, Out & Equal has presented the business case for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender inclusion in the workplace. The next step of providing best practices to create a diverse workplace was announced at the 2008 Annual Summit with the creation of LGBT CareerLInk. LGBT CareerLink is a new online LGBT-focused career center. Whether you are an employer or an LGBT professional looking to boost your career, LGBTCareerLink offers Web 2.0 tools tailored to your unique needs. Learn how to market both yourself and your company the virtual way. Learn the current trends and research on hiring and job searching and see a demonstration of the new LGBT CareerLink through this informative Town Call.
Featured Presenters

Julie Beach, Out & Equal Career Development Manager
jbeach@outandequal.org
Julie Beach joined Out & Equal Workplace Advocates in the spring of 2008 as Career Development Manager, responsible for launching Out & Equal's web-based LGBT career development program. Julie was a manager at PG&E for 15 years working in residential marketing and public relations. She then worked in Human Resources at Autodesk for five years in the areas of training, HRIS, on-boarding and staffing. While at Autodesk she earned a master's degree in Industrial Psychology where she did her thesis on LGBT Career Development. Upon graduation, Julie has spent the past ten years bringing the efficient use of technology to nonprofit and government organizations in both consulting and employee roles.
Lori Fox, Chair of the Out & Equal Transgender Advisory Board

Lori Fox is a Transgender woman, living and working in the Chicago area. Her professional background is in Human Resources, Employment Coaching and Diversity Consulting. She has lived and worked in unique cultures, with unique people, as a Director of Human Resources / Training for McDonald's Corporation. She frequently speaks on university campuses and at corporations on Transgender issues.
Download the Slides [PDF]
Mara Keisling Mara is the founding Executive Director of NCTE. A Pennsylvania native, Mara came to Washington after co-chairing the Pennsylvania Gender Rights Coalition. Mara is a transgender-identified woman who also identifies as a parent and a Pennsylvanian. She is a graduate of Penn State University and did her graduate work at Harvard University in American Government. She has served on the board of Directors of Common Roads, an LGBTQ Youth Group, and on the steering committee of the Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition. Mara has almost twenty-five years of professional experience in social marketing and opinion research.
Kristina Wertz As Legal Director Kristina provides legal counsel to transgender people and their families throughout California as well as providing technical assistance to lawyers assisting transgender clients. Kristina oversees many of TLC's public policy advocacy programs, including, leadership development, health care access, economic empowerment, student safety, and bathroom access. She conducts trainings for community members, employers, attorneys, social service providers, health care providers and other institutions. Previously she was a civil rights litigator at the Epstein Group in San Francisco. Kristina has a B.A. from New YorkUniversity and a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School.Download the Slides [PDF]With E.J. Bernacki, director, Corporate Communications at Levi Strauss & Co.; Teresa S. Renaker, Lewis, Feinberg, Lee, Renaker & Jackson, P.C. and presenting on the Bar Association of San Francisco's LGBT Best Practices Report; and Todd A. Solomon, McDermott Will & Emery LLP & author of Domestic Partner Benefits - An Employer's Guide.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Download the Presentation Files [PDF]
Until federal legislation is passed to provide equal taxation of benefits for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees in the workplace, corporations are working to find ways to provide equality for domestic partners. Spousal equivalency provides a way to recruit and retain employees and demonstrates finding creative solutions to solve the additional tax and income burden for LGBT employees. This timely webinar will look at the concept of spousal equivalency and how it can be used right now in your workplace. The webinar will provide an overview of the benefits that currently can be provided to domestic partners. It will also provide more specific ways of implementing strategies to equalize the impact on LGBT employees. Specific ideas on how to do "grossing up" will be discussed. This webinar will provide you with resources, legal perspectives and some insights on the success of implementing spousal equivalency programs. This event is open to all, but is especially recommended for human resources and management representatives who want to take the next step in LGBT workplace equality.

E.J. Bernacki is a Communications Director at Levi Strauss & Co. Among other responsibilities, he serves as the company’s primary spokesperson and communications strategist on issues associated with corporate citizenship (labor, environment, international trade, diversity/inclusion, philanthropy, community relations / involvement, consumer protection, etc.) and a key advisor in the development of company policies in this area.

Todd A. Solomon is a partner in the employee benefits department of the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery LLP in its Chicago office. Todd is the author of Domestic Partner Benefits - An Employer's Guide, which is published by Thompson Publishing, and he is a frequent speaker and writer on employee benefits issues resulting from domestic partnerships and same-sex marriages. Todd’s practice is concentrated primarily on designing and administering pension plans, 401(k) plans, welfare plans, 403(b) plans, and nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements. He also counsels entities regarding fiduciary issues under ERISA, employee benefits issues involved in corporate transactions, and the implementation of benefit programs for domestic partners of employees. Todd is a member of McDermott’s LGBT Diversity Committee. As a member of this committee, Todd has been involved with evaluating the Firm’s domestic partner benefits and working with businesses in Chicago to form strategic alliances in order to advocate for LGBT rights in the workplace.

Teresa Renaker is a shareholder of Lewis, Feinberg, Lee, Renaker & Jackson, P.C., located in Oakland, California. She represents plaintiffs in individual, multi-plaintiff, and class actions under ERISA, including claims for benefits and breach of fiduciary duty. Ms. Renaker is the author of the Employee Benefits chapter of California Domestic Partnerships (CEB 2005). She serves on the American Bar Association s Joint Committee on Employee Benefits and the Bar Association of San Francisco Equality Subcommittee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues. Ms. Renaker is a graduate of Boalt Hall School of Law (University of California at Berkely) and Mount Holyoke College.
Glynda McGinnis
Vernon A. Wall
Jaye Holly
Ann Dunkin
Adam Wolf
Diana Castano joined Boeing in 1986 and has held a variety of human resources positions in Staffing, HR Generalist, Employee Relations, Labor Relations, Equal Employment Opportunity, and College Relations. She is currently a member of the Boeing Global Diversity and Employee Rights organization and manages the affirmative action and diversity programs for several Boeing sites in California. In her role she provides consultation and guidance to site leaders on diversity strategic initiatives and ensuring compliance with Boeing’s overall diversity policies as well as enhancing relationships with diversity stakeholders. Castano manages all of the employee resource groups or affinity groups at her sites including: Boeing Asian American Professional Association, Boeing Black Employees Association, Boeing Employees Association Gays, Lesbians and Friends, Boeing Hispanic Employees Network, Boeing Women in Leadership, and New College Group. Castano is also an ADR advocate and EEO investigator and serves on the board of directors for The Greater Los Angeles Industrial Liaison Group in partnership with Department of Labor, OFCCP. She received her Bachelor of Science in Organization Management from the University of San Francisco, California.Sponsored by Deloitte.
Deborah Dagit is the Executive Director of the Diversity & Work Environment at Merck & Co. Deborah initiated and leads the Diversity Worldwide Business Strategy Team composed of executive leaders from all divisions, who develop strategies for diversity throughout Merck globally. She founded and managed Bridge-to-Jobs, a job placement organization through which she personally placed 400 people with disabilities into permanent employment. She played a key lobbying role in the passage of the American with Disabilities Act. She is the author of "The Promise of Diversity: Reflections on the Not-So-Level Playing Field" and "An Employer's Guide to Hiring and Accommodating People with Disabilities." Deborah was recognized with the Champion Award at the 2006 Out & Equal Workplace Awards.Town Call Sponsored by