Out in Tech and VTS launch membership program to help LGBTQ+ in the tech sector

Qorporate, an LGBTQ+ corporate council tech firm, is launched by leading proptech company

Leading commercial real estate industry leasing and asset management company, VTS, has announced that it has entered a partnership with Out in Tech, a community of LGBTQ+ tech professionals looking to diversify the technology sector.

Qorporate, a membership program for companies looking to improve opportunities and working environments for LGBTQ+ people and other marginalized groups in technology, was founded by VTS. The commercial real estate management company is joining over 24 companies that are driving workplace inclusion. Other Qorporate founding members include Automattic, Bank of America, HP, PayPal and Snap Inc.

“At VTS, our vision is for every team member to bring a full expression of themselves – including their unique experiences, thoughts, and backgrounds – to their work. We believe that creating an environment that facilitates this, both in our offices and across the broader technology sector, is critical to our continued success,” said Nick Romito, CEO and Co-Founder of VTS. “We are incredibly proud to be a founding member of Qorporate and to support Out in Tech’s initiatives. We look forward to working with the team and other members to help foster a more diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual can innovate and thrive.”

It's no secret that in the tech sector, women, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals have a harder time finding and securing the jobs of their dreams. It's a human resources headache for companies today. VTS created a diversity and inclusion program back in 2017 and has been launching initiatives to help marginalized people get the same opportunities as white men in the sector. VTS hosted the Out in Tech interns during this past summer, two thirds of which became full-time VTS employees. Out in Tech and VTS have plans to further collaborate to create a network for sharing information on things like emerging topics in the workplace, like inclusion and equity, and other related topics.

According to a 2017 study by the Kapor Center for Social Impact, LGBTQ+ employees were most likely to be bullied and experience public humiliation or embarrassment, both at significantly higher rates than non-LGBTQ+ employees. Qorporate brings together LGBTQ+ employee group leaders, talent acquisition professionals, and other HR leaders from across the USA and UK to help all companies, regardless of size, recruit and retain employees from underrepresented groups, and take an intersectional approach to create a culture of belonging.

“When it comes to diversity in tech, 30 minds are better than one,” said Andrew Lowenthal, Executive Director of Out in Tech. “By weaving together the collective experiences of our founding members, we will shine a light on what’s working, push the envelope with new ideas, and create more equitable and inclusive workplaces for all underrepresented groups. We’re thrilled to have VTS as a founding member.”

Companies that are members to Qorporate will be offered early invitations to major Out in Tech events and conferences, a private virtual community for council delegates, and priority access to speaking opportunities and event partnerships around the world. In addition, a job board will connect LGBTQ+ candidates with job listings from Qorporate member companies that are actively seeking to build a stronger pipeline of diversity for the future.

SOURCE VTS
Edited by V. Haviland

Join us November 12-15 for the Property Portal Watch Conference Madrid 2019.