Amplifying Voices and Strengthening Alliances | Starship Technologies | Starship Technologies | June 2024

In celebration of Pride Month, Starship Technologies is proud to amplify the voices of our Global Ambassadors. These passionate individuals offer valuable insight into why advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community is paramount in their countries. Their perspectives highlight the importance of advocacy and the work we do to foster a culture of inclusion across our organization.

At Starship, diversity and inclusion are not just ideals, they are foundational principles that guide everything we do. We firmly believe that fostering an environment where everyone is valued and respected is non-negotiable. By supporting the LGBTQ+ community, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to equality and justice both inside and outside of our organization.

Kadri Sal, What does an inclusive workplace at Starship Technologies look like to you?

“Our inclusive workplace fosters a sense of belonging and respect for everyone, regardless of their background or identity. Here are some key aspects I envision:

• Public Commitment to DEI: Our values, website, and participation in Pride events clearly demonstrate our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with a specific focus on LGBTQ+ inclusion.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Creating an LGBTQ+ ERG provides a safe space for employees to connect within the company, share experiences, and advocate for their needs.
• Promoting support: Educational workshops help foster a culture of support and encourage heterosexual employees to speak up and support their LGBTQ+ colleagues.
• Authenticity and Action: Our commitment to DEI and Pride is important. Our policies and practices must reflect our values, and actions speak louder than words.”

Juan Canahui, How can allies best support LGBTQ+ colleagues at Starship Technologies, both in and outside of the workplace?

“Being an ally means supporting one another. In this context, it means supporting historically marginalized groups and communities, even if you don’t identify as a part of them. Here are some important steps you can take to be an ally:

• Educate YourselfTake the initiative to learn more about the history and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. Here are some resources to help you further: The Trevor Project Resource Center, Library of Congress& Human Rights Campaign Resources.
• Make an effort Providing inclusive opportunities for LGBTQ+ colleagues Share your opinions and expertise. Be an active listener and open to knowledge. Being a good listener helps people in the workplace feel welcome and supported. Also, try to use everyone’s preferred names and pronouns. Avoid making assumptions about someone’s gender, sexual orientation, or family situation.
• Do the right thing If you see a colleague being treated unfairly or discriminated against, speak up against discriminatory comments or actions. Always do so respectfully and through appropriate channels.

Following these steps will help create a more inclusive, supportive and equitable environment so we can work as one team and consistently deliver results.”

Zeeshan Chaudhary, How can Starship Technologies support its LGBTQ+ employees in places where it can be more difficult to be LGBTQ+, particularly in the tech industry?

“Supporting LGBTQ+ colleagues in areas where prejudice is strong can be difficult for businesses, but they can take steps to ensure their well-being and representation. This includes implementing comprehensive policies to ensure equality and prohibit discrimination, maintaining a safe work environment, and offering confidential reporting of harassment and discrimination.”

Creating safe spaces, such as groups or Slack channels, allows LGBTQ+ employees to connect and support one another. Training and education promotes understanding of diverse identities. Flexible work arrangements, including remote work, are essential in areas where LGBTQ+ employees may face hostility.

“These are the minimum actions an open-minded company should take. Additional steps like promoting visibility and expression show LGBTQ+ employees that they are valued and supported, which boosts morale for themselves and the community at large.”

Matti Markovara, During Pride Month, what message would you like to convey to Starship Technologies employees around the world?

“As we celebrate Pride Month, let’s take the opportunity to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community. This month is a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion, acceptance and the courage to be yourself.”

Together, we can and have created a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, and we will continue to promote diversity and celebrate the unique perspectives that each of us brings to the table.

Remember, our strength lies in our diversity. By embracing each other’s differences, we can create a more innovative, compassionate and united workplace. Keep shining and be proud of who you are!”

Our Global Ambassadors play a vital role in our efforts to promote inclusion and support for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. They bridge cultural gaps, provide local insights, and advocate for inclusive practices in their local areas. Their presence is critical to showcasing our commitment to driving diversity and inclusion around the world.

In line with this effort, we deployed Pride Bots across participating campuses to serve as remote Pride parades as part of a company-wide effort to celebrate with the LGBTQ+ community, with the goal of fostering an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome and accepted for who they are. By integrating these activities into our work, we hope to drive culture change, boost employee morale, and create a more collaborative workplace.

Beyond Pride Month, we will continue to implement a variety of initiatives and programs to support Starshippers from all walks of life.

These efforts include:

• We provide ongoing learning opportunities to educate our entire workforce on diversity, equity, and inclusion. These communications are designed to foster empathy, understanding, and effective collaboration within the context of our work in autonomous technology and delivery.
• We regularly review and update our policies to ensure they are inclusive and supportive for all employees, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
• We continually seek employee feedback to identify areas for improvement and ensure our efforts are making a meaningful difference. This feedback loop allows us to adapt and evolve our strategies to better meet the needs of our diverse workforce.

As we come together to celebrate Pride Month, let’s pause and reflect: are we really doing enough, or are we just scratching the surface of meaningful change?

Diversity thrives when actively fostered. Starship is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our employees and community. Currently, we have Starship employees representing 26 different nationalities, three genders, and four pronoun groups.

Celebrating difference goes far beyond colorful banners. Whether you’re a customer, partner, or advocate, now is the time to seize the moment and make a meaningful impact. Together, we can foster a space where authenticity is valued, stories are shared, and vulnerability is embraced with empathy.