June is Pride Month and we’re celebrating by sharing a story about SRP employee Lora.
For Lora, Pride takes many forms. The SRP Executive Assistant explained that for her, it all starts by being active in her community.
“I get involved because I care and want to impact the community for the better,” said Lora. “I am proud that I have been a part of making a difference by giving my time.”
A lifetime commitment to community involvement
Lora’s long history of volunteerism has spanned decades, interests and even jobs.
Like many others, she began her career with SRP in 2003 as a Customer Contact Center representative. Shortly after, she volunteered for the Fiesta Bowl, a role in which she has served ever since.
“I like to stay busy,” she explained of the nearly 20-year commitment.
After leaving SRP to pursue a different role, Lora volunteered with two local LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, queer, intersex and asexual) nonprofits. She began volunteering for Phoenix Pride in 2008, becoming a board director in 2009, and also spent time volunteering with one•n•ten. SRP supports both organizations through its community partnerships.
A personal connection to the cause for Lora
The causes are near and dear to Lora’s heart, she explained, as she began volunteering with both organizations not long after coming out.
“Volunteering in a community that you belong to provides a safe place to be yourself,” said Lora. “It also provided new opportunities for me to learn and grow and to support others.”
When she returned to SRP in 2016, Lora decided to help both women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community network and grow by serving two of SRP’s 10 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Women’s Interest Network (WIN) and SRP Proud. During her time with WIN, she organized massive events like SRP’s annual celebration of International Women’s Day.
Never one to rest on her laurels, Lora recently joined SRP’s newest ERG, A.D.A.P.T. — Abled and Disabled Allies Partnering Together — and she remains active with SRP Proud.
It’s clear that Lora genuinely enjoys giving back. “If I can make a difference in someone’s life, that is all I need,” Lora said.