‘Pride Month is a Time of Joy and Reflection’: How My Company Fosters Inclusion

“Pride Month is a time of joy but also of reflection,” said Amanda Bolea-Munsch, SVP, Sponsorships Senior Lead at PNC. “It’s a month to celebrate our commitment to cultivating an accessible and inclusive workplace where all feel welcomed, valued and respected.

This includes a variety of events across PNC markets, such as Pride Month celebrations in many of our communities.

Amanda Bolea-Munsch. Photo courtesy of PNC.

At PNC Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) is a core value and a business imperative. The company strives to foster a culture of inclusion in which employees and customers feel welcomed, valued and respected. From individual contributors to senior leaders and executive-level committee members, all employees at PNC play an important role in fostering that inclusive culture. Embracing and promoting D&I makes a better company, a better neighbor and a better investment. PNC offers 13 employee business resource groups (EBRGs) and makes resources, seminars and workshops available to all employees on many topics, including : continuous learning, (dis)ability awareness, D&I in the workplace, managing generational differences, psychological safety, and inclusive language foundations.

Want to learn more? Here, Bolea-Munsch discusses her role, other ways PNC supports LGBTQIA+ employees all year long, and how allies can show solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.

Tell us a bit about your job. What’s your current role, and what’s your day-to-day like?

I provide consultation and support to PNC regional presidents (RPs) in the development and activation of local strategic sponsorships through which our RPs and their local market teams connect, engage and drive visibility with our clients and communities. 

Next, let’s discuss how PNC empowers employees to make a difference. In particular, could you tell us about your LGBTQIA+ employee business resource group? 

I have been involved with the PNC Proud EBRG for several years and have participated in various events, including panel discussions, events with notable external speakers, marching in the Pittsburgh Pride Parade and volunteerism. 

Last month, we volunteered at a community center in Pittsburgh’s Homestead neighborhood.

Beyond employee groups, what are other ways that allies can show solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community?

There are several ways allies can show solidarity:

• Listen to the experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals, ask questions and engage in thoughtful dialogue. Note that not everyone is comfortable speaking about their experience, so be respectful of those boundaries when appropriate. 

• Be visible! Participate in EBRGs, Pride celebrations and events so the community knows you are an ally and a safe space for them to be authentically themselves.

• Educate yourself on issues that matter to the LGBTQIA+ community.

• Support LGBTQIA+ businesses and organizations with funds or volunteerism.

Finally, how does PNC support the LGBTQIA+ community all year long? 

PNC is a safe place to bring your full self to work. With several visibleLGBTQIA+ leaders in the company, PNC exemplifies Diversity & Inclusion all the way up the ranks, which provides a sense of confidence that everyone can be open about being part of the LGBTQIA+ community if they so choose. 

Additionally, PNC partners with various organizations whose missions are to advance D&I in the workplace. We also have great benefits for those who wish to build a family through adoption or fertility benefits.