Outie Awards (the “Outies”) recognize individuals and organizations who are leaders in advancing equality for LGBTQ people in workplaces globally. Outies are awarded at the annual Out & Equal Workplace Summit.
This award recognizes an Ally who has made a significant contribution to advancing LGBTQ workplace equality. This person is an action-oriented change maker. They uplift the voices of marginalized groups, have shown a unique commitment to LGBTQ workplace rights, and have used their talents to further that cause, even if at some risk.
Winner
ARNE SORENSON, MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL
Arne Sorenson is president and chief executive officer of Marriott International, Inc. Since 2012, Sorenson has presided over the world’s largest, and one of the most admired, hospitality companies. In 2014, Marriott’s popular #LoveTravels message revolutionized global hospitality not only by expressing a warm welcome to LGBTQ travelers but also by reminding everyone that they belong. Marriott leads the way for LGBTQ diversity and inclusion with years of perfect scores on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index, #1 ranking on the 2020 DiversityInc Top 50 list, and #17 on the 2020 FORTUNE World’s Most Admired Companies list. Standing up for racial justice, Sorenson spoke out to honor the life and grieve the loss of George Floyd and voice Marriott’s commitment to helping dismantle systemic racism in America. Sorenson’s leadership builds LGBTQ inclusion and intersections into Marriott’s longstanding commitment to human rights, dignity and acceptance.
“As CEO of the world’s largest hospitality company, Arne Sorenson brings his commitment to diversity and inclusion to everything that flows through Marriott. We see this in his authentic gift to engender pride within associates and create a memorable welcome for all guests. He begins with a personal example, treating each person with equal dignity and respect, while growing a global organization that sets the industry pace for cultural competence and welcoming all.”
Honorees
ANDY LYBROOK, RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL
Andy Lybrook is a Senior Manager of Technology and National Co-Chair of the Pride Inclusion Network at Raymond James Financial. Lybrook is a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ community and is integral in giving the Pride Network the momentum and capacity needed to drive change at the company. During his leadership, Lybrook guided many successful initiatives, including – adopting transgender healthcare benefits for employees and their dependents, organizing LGBTQ recruiting events, raising the Pride flag at numerous office locations during the month of June, increasing LGBTQ programming and training for employees, and more. In his previous job, Lybrook served as the co-chair for the company’s LGBT ERG in Singapore and put his own safety and reputation on the line in order to promote LGBT equality in a country with strict anti-LGBT laws. As a straight, white, cisgender ally, Lybrook creates opportunity for discussions across the company and uses his own privilege to encourage leadership to enact real change.
“Whether working with internal or external groups, in Florida and around the world, Andy has always sought to shape a future where all can live into their full, authentic selves. He has established himself as a leader in the LGBTQ+ community and uses that platform to lift the voices of those around him.”
LORI SCHECHTER, MCKESSON CORP
Lori Schechter serves as the EVP, Chief Legal Officer, and General Counsel at McKesson Corporation. She has been an advocate for the importance of safe places and shared voices, something she learned from personal experience as the parent of a transgender child. She makes her allyship for the LGBTQ community at work a priority by providing financial and leadership support for the LGBTQ programs, events, and sponsorships hosted by McKesson’s LGBTQ ERG. Schechter is instrumental in setting the tone in McKesson as a place of inclusion – recently, she hosted a series of roundtables discussing the current movement towards racial justice and checked in on employees to ensure they feel safe at work. Her teams are filled with LGBTQ representation and serve as a model at the company for how effective diverse teams can be.
“Lori has dedicated time and energy to the LGBTQ+ community. She applauded the Supreme Court’s recent decision on workplace protections, and has been very vocal about the horrific consequences of racial and social injustices, and importance of learning more about how to be the best supporter and ally for children, friends, family, and the LGBTQ+ community. Lori is dedicated to progress – and learning from other’s stories, experiences, challenges, and accomplishments.”
MOre 2020 Outies