Name: OutPro (Rise Up: Creating an Inclusive Workplace)
Start: 2022-10-11T11:30:00-04:00
End: 2022-10-11T13:00:00-04:00

This event has passed.

OutPro (Private - time and details TBD) 1

Create Great Community: OutPro

Navigating the workforce for anyone, especially in today’s climate, is fraught with anxiety. This is even more so the case for LGBTQIA+ individuals. As companies face staffing challenges and changing priorities among the workforce, creating a safe and inclusive work environment has become vital for organizational success.

With employee wellness being top of mind for many employers, this OutPro event will focus on how business leaders can create an inclusive workplace for existing and future employees. We’ll also tackle tough questions like: what are the biggest challenges and anxieties facing LGBTQIA+ individuals today, and how do business leaders address these in order to set their organizations up for long-term success?

You won’t want to miss this OutPro Lunch & Learn!

Tuesday, October 11
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Grand Rapids Chamber
Members: $25 / Non-Members: $40

Meet the Speakers

Natalie Drew, HR Manager, Laker Food Co., Grand Valley State University

Natalie (she/her) is a new arrival to western Michigan. In November 2021, Natalie arrived from Texas to begin her role as HR Manager for Laker Food Co (Aramark) at Grand Valley State University. Prior to her role at GVSU, Natalie served in the same position for three years at her alma mater, Texas A&M University. After six years in the Army, Natalie began her HR career began in 2010 as an HR Generalist for an IT consulting firm in Houston, TX. She also serves on the Board of Directors as the Treasurer for Colorado-based non-profit, RAWtools.

As a transgender woman, Natalie has a passion for using her position to help create truly inclusive working environments for all people, especially LGBTQIA+ employees. She has crafted policies related to transgender restroom access, as well as using her experience in the area of nonviolent conflict resolution to help employees resolve disputes in ways that foster respect. She has also served on the Engagement Committee for Chartwells Higher Ed, and traveled throughout the West Region of her previous company delivering courses on creating a culture of respect in the workplace. Natalie joined the OutPro Council in June 2022.

In her free time, Natalie enjoys spending time with her wife, son, and daughter. She and her wife, Heather, are Doctor Who fans and love geeking out and going to comic cons together.