In college I had an interesting experience: I was cast on a reality show as the only LGBT cast member. This gave me my 15 minutes of fame. When thinking about how to positively use my 15 minutes, I first thought of the Human Rights Campaign, or HRC. The organization works to achieve and protect LGBTQ equality.

As a trusted resource to the LGBT community, I knew I could count on it to provide feedback and guide me in the right direction, as they’ve done with so many others.

I finished college and started to sift through job offers before I looked to HRC again. I knew they would offer guidance on inclusive work environments. Something that was helpful was its Corporate Equality Index (CEI), their annual ranking of companies and their commitment to diversity and LGBT equality.

The CEI was an important tool in my job selection process. I wanted to work for a company that reflected my own values of being committed to diversity, inclusion and LGBT rights. It was this seal of approval that inevitably led me to AT&T.

Now, as an AT&T account executive and president of the Los Angeles LEAGUE chapter, the company’s LGBT employee resource group, I can honestly say I’m happy with the guidance HRC offered. This year marks the 14th consecutive year AT&T has earned a 100% distinction from HRC on the Corporate Equality Index (CEI).  I couldn’t be more proud.

AT&T shows its commitment to the LGBT community year in and year out.

This year, we sponsored our Live Proud on Campus scholarship contest. It provided 3 college students with $10,000 scholarships and money to lead their very own LGBT equality initiative on their campuses.

This holiday season, we’re sponsoring the True Colors Fund benefit concert in an effort to eliminate LGBT youth homelessness with our Live Proud Holiday campaign. Learn how you can get involved here. LEAGUE celebrated its 30th anniversary. And we’re proud to say it’s one of the oldest LGBT employee resource groups in America.

AT&T earns its reputation as a valued LGBT community partner each and every day. This continued dedication to the LGBT community builds my trust in AT&T, much like it has done for HRC for the last 14 years. I’m proud to work for a company that supports me and my community, and champions diversity and inclusion throughout our business.

For more information about AT&T’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, go to about.att.com/sites/diversity.

Geo Herrera
Geo Herrera Client Solutions Executive, AT&T Small Business Solutions and President of LEAGUE at AT&T Los Angeles