Photo credit: Jonathan Garza
A community outreach initiative that started modestly two months ago grew into an outpouring of support for the LGBTQI community the last weekend in June as almost 200 Credit Karma employees, family and friends marched for the first time ever in the San Francisco Pride Parade for Racial and Economic Justice. Employees from all departments along with senior executives marched in the parade, accompanied by DJ Justin James under 75 3-ft-diameter balloons, handing out rainbow slap bracelets and showing their support for the community.
Plans for the march were well underway by the time reports of the Orlando nightclub shooting started showing up in news feeds. Shirts had already been ordered and a promotional video had been sent internally to let employees know about the opportunity that would be passing right outside the company’s doors on Market Street. After the shooting, CEO Ken Lin sent a note to the financial technology company’s more than 400 employees sharing their grief and encouraging participation. Soon the sign-up sheet exploded and black arm bands were added to the clothing.
“We have a warm, supportive, inclusive culture and this is just one example of how diversity is embraced every day by all of the employees,” said Shelley Newhouse, brand manager and co-organizer.
Event Organizers Shelley Newhouse and Jonathan Garza
Credit Karma is not new to the cause. One of the founders from when the company was established in 2007 is a member of the LBGTQI community. The company also sponsored a brand team to travel to LA for their Pride celebration. “Diversity is in our DNA,” explained Ragini Parmar, vice president of Talent Operations. “We inspire a culture of diversity, creativity and innovation at Credit Karma and place a strong emphasis on diversity in our hiring practices. Our work fosters learning and personal growth for all employees,” she added.
“Empowerment is who we are as a culture,” concluded Jonathan Garza, brand manager and fellow co-organizer. “We come together for the right reasons and have fun doing it.”
Photo Credit: Julia Fu