VTS, a leader in the commercial real estate industry’s leasing and asset management platform, announced recently that it has partnered with Out in Tech, the world’s largest community of LGBTQ+ technology professionals that seeks greater diversity, inclusion and belonging in the technology sector.
As a founding member of Qorporate, a membership program for companies committed to improving opportunities for LGBTQ+ people and other underrepresented groups in technology, VTS will join more than two dozen companies looking to drive workplace inclusion.
“At VTS, our vision is for every team member to bring a full expression of themselves – including their unique experiences, thoughts, and backgrounds – to their work. We believe that creating an environment that facilitates this, both in our offices and across the broader technology sector, is critical to our continued success,” said Nick Romito, CEO and co-founder of VTS. “We are incredibly proud to be a founding member of Qorporate and to support Out in Tech’s initiatives. We look forward to working with the team and other members to help foster a more diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual can innovate and thrive.”
Recruiting and retaining women, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals – especially tech talent – is one of the biggest human resources challenges facing companies today. VTS established a diversity and inclusion program in 2017 and has implemented ongoing initiatives that have seen results across every team. VTS also hosted Out in Tech interns this summer. VTS and Out in Tech will collaborate to create a peer network for sharing practices, exploring emerging topics in workplace inclusion and equity and related initiatives.
According to a 2017 study by the Kapor Center for Social Impact, LGBTQ+ employees were most likely to be bullied and experience public humiliation or embarrassment, both at significantly higher rates than non-LGBTQ+ employees. Qorporate brings together LGBTQ+ employee group leaders, talent acquisition professionals, and other HR leaders from across the USA and UK to help companies recruit and retain employees from underrepresented groups and take an intersectional approach to creating a culture of belonging.
“When it comes to diversity in tech, 30 minds are better than one,” said Andrew Lowenthal, executive director of Out in Tech. “By weaving together the collective experiences of our founding members, we will shine a light on what’s working, push the envelope with new ideas, and create a more equitable and inclusive workplaces for all underrepresented groups. We’re thrilled to have VTS as a founding member.”
Qorporate member companies will receive early invitations to major Out in Tech events and conferences, a private virtual community for council delegates and priority access to speaking opportunities and event partnerships around the world. In addition, a job board will connect LGBTQ+ candidates with job listings from Qorporate member companies that are actively seeking to build a stronger pipeline of diversity for the future.
For more information about Out in Tech and joining Qorporate, click here.
