Diversity, equity and inclusion principles are integral to responsible citizenship, and core to Cambia’s values. Together, we’re able to achieve more when we embrace diverse perspectives.
In order to meet people where they are on their health care journeys, Cambia’s CEO and President Jared Short says we must first listen to fully understand and reflect the diverse needs of our communities.
The Human Rights Campaign’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking survey reporting corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality, first ranked Cambia in 2015.
In 2021, Cambia proudly received our fifth perfect score of 100 on this index, and we owe it to the brave employees who raised their voices and shared their experiences to drive organizational change.
Today we spotlight one of those employees, Experience Design Manager Max Western, whose efforts have been integral to this recognition, and to designing an empathetic office culture.
From She to Ze: Affirming LGBTQ+ Identities in the Workplace
Foundational to an inclusive workplace is a safe space to be open about your identity with coworkers. When it doesn’t feel that way, companies owe employees a forum where they can be heard and outline constructive change. Our Experience Design Manager Max Western explains how pronouns can become a hidden professional barrier and misgendering can feel like a microaggression.
Max says that teams can take steps to normalize the discussion by proactively sharing their preferred pronouns, including them in a signature block, or elsewhere. Together with the PRIDE Employee Resource Group (PRIDE ERG), Max lent their expertise as an UX designer to Cambia’s HR department to normalize these practices, culminating in a formal pronoun use guide and gender-neutral bathrooms at our Portland offices.
Watch Max’s full vignette about improving inclusivity at Cambia in their video with Basic Rights Oregon, an advocacy organization working to end sex and gender discrimination.
