Recently, SRP joined more than 3,000 Arizona organizations and businesses in signing the #OpenAZ UNITY Pledge.
The UNITY Pledge is a public declaration to support and advance workplace equality and non-discrimination policies in housing and public accommodations for gay and transgender Arizonans.
Created by ONE Community Foundation, a member-based coalition of socially responsible businesses, organizations and individuals who support diversity, inclusion and equality for all Arizonans, the pledge is an important step toward equal rights in the state.
UNITY pledge: a signature to celebrate
SRP’s Senior Director of Human Resources, Renée Castillo, signed the pledge in a ceremony alongside ONE Community representatives and members of SRP Proud, one of SRP’s Employee Interest Groups.
Patty Gomez, Senior Human Resource Analyst, Employee & Labor Relations, and one of the leaders in bringing the signature to bear, said that community and collaboration led to the signature.
“Many people helped make this happen. I feel like it truly reflects SRP’s values toward diversity and inclusion,” said Gomez.
Hector Jaramillo, SRP Proud Chair and Senior Human Resources Technician, Diversity & Inclusion, explained what the UNITY pledge means to him — and to the larger business community in Arizona.
“This signature shows the community that all are welcome at SRP,” he said.
Support from the top
SRP had support from its highest ranks in signing the pledge, which has been supported by other local companies, such as the Phoenix Suns, Fry’s Food Stores, American Airlines, GoDaddy and PetSmart.
“As a public utility that has been powering Arizona homes and businesses for more than 100 years, SRP believes in treating all people, including our customers, employees and members of the community, with respect and dignity. The UNITY Pledge is an embodiment of that dedication in action, and we are proud to sign.”
– Mike Hummel, SRP’s General Manager and CEO
The #OpenAZ movement advocates for equal rights in Arizona’s employment, housing and public accommodations statutes for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals and their allies, with the simple belief that an open and inclusive Arizona is good for business.