June is Pride Month – an opportunity to honor and celebrate the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) community. This week, we are thrilled to introduce Steven, Store Leader and Vice President of GE PROUD, Giant Eagle’s LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group (BRG).

GE PROUD works to ensure that Giant Eagle is an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ Team Members, Guests, and neighbors, as well as their allies and families.

Steven, Store Leader in North Ridgeville, OH

Tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up and still live in Brooklyn, a small suburb outside of Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating high school, I went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in business management from Cleveland State University all while working at Giant Eagle. I love being involved in my community; I am currently a city councilperson.

What is your role in Giant Eagle? What do you love most about your job?

I am a Store Leader and the Vice President of the GE PROUD Business Resource Group (BRG) at Giant Eagle. What I love most about this job is the people that I have had the privilege of interacting with daily for the last 13 years.

What does celebrating PRIDE Month mean to you?

Pride Month to me is the celebration and recognition of LGBTQ+ culture. It is also a time where we honor those that paved the way for modern day understanding and acceptance.

How do you think one can become a better ally and support the LGBTQ+ community?

I think it is very important for people to be open minded and willing to learn. As an educated society, we can make a world of difference when we try to understand people who are different from ourselves.

How important is the role of the GE PROUD BRG and how is it supporting the inclusion, equity, and diversity goals of the organization?

The GE PROUD BRG has been instrumental in supporting LGBTQ+ Team Members and allowing everyone to feel safe, comfortable, and supported while at work. The BRG has also helped the company to earn the Human Rights Campaign’s designation of ‘Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality’ for the last two years.