At CDK Global, we believe in empowering employees from all different backgrounds. We strive to create an inclusive culture that encourages employees to show up at work as their authentic selves. Our Inclusion & Diversity Impact Team helps bring our commitment to inclusivity to life by providing employees the opportunity to discuss their own unique experiences and educate our employees on important inclusion topics that drive belonging. In celebration of Pride Month, our LGBTQIA+ employees had the chance to share their experiences of being out at CDK. Check out what they have to say!

Can you share your experience as a LGBTQIA+ colleague at CDK?
Since my first day at the Seattle office, I have met so many amazing individuals at CDK who have shown me how inclusion should feel. CDK is the first company that allowed me to feel comfortable being open about my sexuality. The first time I openly spoke of my sexuality at work was during an interview. I told the hiring manager how I wanted to defy stereotypes of openly gay African American males. The conversation moved her to tears, and from that moment on, I felt empowered to tell my story.

How has CDK enabled you to be your authentic self in the workplace?
I have always enjoyed being involved with my community, and the CDK Impact Teams allow me to find new ways to be my authentic self. I am a part of the Inclusion & Diversity and Community & Sustainability Impact Teams. The biggest impact I have felt was the response I received when I volunteered to be project lead for Pride Month 2021. At first, I was very hesitant to raise my hand for the role, but I was immediately met with so much support and encouragement. It is a great feeling to know I have such a huge team of support behind me.

Can you share your experience as a LGBTQIA+ colleague at CDK?
When I first came to work here in 1990, the world was a different place. Having worked in a lesbian bar for the six years prior, I was out and proud. Coming to work here was difficult and I wasn’t sure I would stay long due to the environment. There were a handful of gay people here at the time and we all struggled with our coworkers.

At the time, there were no policies around harassment or politics in the workplace and people considered sexual orientation to be political. There were a lot of anti-gay legislative bills in Oregon in the 90s. In Oregon, citizens can create a bill, collect signatures and have it placed on the ballot. It caused a lot of division in the state and that’s when HR stepped in and started creating some policies.

As time went on, my coworkers got to know me and realized I’m human, just like them and all I wanted was the same rights and respect as everyone else. Today, it’s not an issue at work.

How has CDK enabled you to be your authentic self in the workplace?
I think our CDK values are designed to steer us toward being our authentic selves and being open is the one that resonates the most with me. I don’t hide who I am or the issues I’ve faced in my roles here, whether they’re personal or professional. It makes it easier for others who may be struggling to reach out because I may have faced similar issues. Supporting and helping others makes me feel good and that’s part of being my authentic self.

Can you share your experience as a LGBTQIA+ colleague at CDK?
Thankfully, I am a positive story of being open and gay within CDK. Even from early on, no one on my team has excluded me or made me feel awkward. I recently married my husband last year, and it was warmly accepted. I didn’t get the impression from anyone that I was different. Instead, I received congratulations all around. While some people might be surprised when I say “my husband,” no one continued to look at me askance or bat an eye afterward. Instead, I usually would get a reply of “what’s his name?” It very much made me feel included and welcomed. I’ve had a great experience being part of the CDK team.

How has CDK enabled you to be your authentic self in the workplace?
CDK has allowed me to be my authentic self by giving me the flexibility to express myself creatively and by providing a safe all-encompassing environment. Through little things like color coordinating within a flexible dress code to wearing geeky graphic tees on Fridays – I can express more of who I am as an individual. But more importantly, my colleagues provide me with security and support. My colleagues create an inclusive environment where they appreciate my input and ideas and give me the courage to move forward on a day-to-day basis.

We remain committed to encouraging inclusion across CDK. Our journey reminds us to be open, curious and welcoming of different views so that everyone can be their best selves at work.