A pandemic can’t stop our pride

Quest’s Pride Employee Business Network (Pride Network) had big plans to celebrate Pride this year. The all-inclusive group planned to hold several company-wide initiatives and events for LGBT History Month in June. Events included scavenger hunts, a capstone event featuring senior leaders, and a special in-person event with the Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI). The Hetrick-Martin Institute provides community, basic needs, health, education, and career services to thousands of LGBTQ youth every year. Quest and HMI had plans to provide career planning training, run an essential needs supply drive at our headquarters, and raise awareness of HMI by inviting them to our capstone event featuring the many talents of the HMI young adults.

Then COVID-19 spiked and changed everything. But that didn’t stop our Pride Network. They found creative ways to keep every commitment. They partnered with the Quest Marketing team to launch a new Pride logo to support a new virtual approach. They held fun, online scavenger hunts for Quest employees, turned capstone events into virtual webinars, and most importantly, they revamped how they supported HMI. “It was a pleasure working with the HMI team, especially program director Alayne Rosales,” said Kevin Buonaiuto, one of the co-leaders of the Pride EBN. “HMI’s belief that all young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential is in direct alignment with the Pride Network’s mission statement. These young people are our future, and I’m proud that Pride and Quest Diagnostics had the opportunity to play a role in their development.” The Pride Network worked closely with Quest’s Talent Acquisition team to design a three-hour career planning workshop online, complete with age-appropriate materials and t-shirts featuring our new Pride logo for participants. They executed the essential needs supplies drive via an Amazon wish list. And they invited Quest employees who understand the challenges LGBTQ youth can experience to share their stories, offering hope and direction. Finally, the Pride Network supported HMI and Stomp Out Bullying with $1,000 donations on behalf of Quest. “We’re proud of our Pride Employee Business Network for what they’ve been able to achieve so far this year,” said Cecilia McKenney, Senior Vice President, and Chief Human Resources Officer. “In an unusual year, they are finding new and exciting ways to keep their commitments and continue Quest’s long tradition of partnering with the community to celebrate Pride all year. Their efforts also go a long way in keeping Quest a place where everyone can feel comfortable being themselves at work.”