“It’s about turning visibility into something bigger.”

Rising with pride is as much a guiding principle as it is a responsibility for Olivia.

“For me, it’s closely tied to visibility, and it means using that visibility to create space for others, particularly where showing up authentically may still carry risk,” she says.

After more than a decade with the firm and as head of Strategy and Operations for Investments at State Street Investment Management, she’s always felt able to be herself at work, something she recognizes not everyone experiences — and that awareness has shifted her perspective.

Olivia has come to see that the strongest teams don’t just perform; they connect. When people feel at ease contributing, conversations take on a different energy, and ideas tend to go further.

“With teams that feel genuinely supported and able to contribute openly, you see a very different level of engagement…and ultimately better outcomes,” she explains.

Through her work with State Street’s Pride and Friends Network and, particularly, through her participation in reverse mentoring — where colleagues from the community mentor senior leaders to expose them to lived experiences and fresh perspectives — she’s gained a deeper appreciation for the subtle ways people navigate how they show up. She’s clear that allyship isn’t about getting everything right, but about staying curious and being willing to learn, even when something is unfamiliar or uncomfortable.

That insight has reshaped her leadership style, prompting her to listen more deliberately, structure conversations more thoughtfully, and include diverse perspectives from the outset rather than as an afterthought.

For Olivia, this year’s Pride Month theme comes down to inviting broader input and making inclusion part of everyday decision-making. Ultimately, she says, “Rising with Pride” means creating a culture where everyone feels seen and heard.

To rise with pride doesn’t always involve a bold moment or declaration, says Michal, Operations Manager for EMEA Reporting. Sometimes, it’s quieter. For him, it was the decision to show up more authentically and speak more openly.

Early in his career, rising often meant adapting, even blending in. Today, it means something different — staying grounded in his identity, values, and purpose, while elevating colleagues’ voices and contributions.

“It’s about standing taller because of authenticity, not despite it,” he reflects. “I’m more comfortable speaking up about things that matter, whether that’s inclusion or wellbeing.”

That mindset shift became possible when Michal, who has been with the company for 10 years, got involved with the Pride and Friends Network. He now leads the Poland chapter. Through genuine support from his peers, their trust, and, more importantly, the freedom to lead authentically, his voice has grown stronger.

Rather than being treated as adjacent to his role, his contributions to Pride and Friends were recognized as leadership with real impact. That validation helped build his confidence and reinforced a powerful concept — a culture of inclusion helps shape how people grow, contribute, and lead.

That spirit is present in how he mentors others, invites quieter voices into discussions, and supports colleagues in showing up as their whole selves, rather than a filtered version of themselves. When employees can speak freely, openly contribute, and feel like they belong, they don’t just succeed — they thrive, he says.

“It means normalizing honesty without fear.”
 

For Meenakshi, the “Rise with Pride” theme is about courage and honesty. It begins with the decision to take up space without apology.

“I don’t believe in fitting into a mold anymore; I believe in shaping environments where people don’t have to shrink to belong,” she says.

That clarity didn’t come overnight. It developed over time, shaped by experience and strengthened through community, particularly her involvement with State Street’s Pride and Friends Network. This participation gave her something both simple and transformative — the freedom to be her authentic self. In turn, that sense of freedom built more than confidence; it reshaped how she engaged. She began to speak candidly, without second-guessing herself.

Today, Meenakshi’s focus is not only on delivering outcomes, but on influencing how they’re achieved, with a sharper awareness of what it takes to create truly inclusive, collaborative environments.

“That shift — from passive awareness to active participation — has been important” to shaping how she shows up and makes an impact, she says. She puts that into practice by listening with intent, paying attention to those who haven’t been heard, and speaking up when something feels off.

Meenakshi reminds us that rising with pride is reflected in the decisions we make. When inclusion becomes part of how people lead, collaborate, and show up for one another, it stops being an initiative and becomes part of the culture.
 

Rising through action

Each of these stories demonstrates that the theme “Rise with Pride” is a shared mindset, grounded in awareness, intention, and forward motion. They also highlight the vital role employee networks play in creating space for connection and advocacy, while shaping careers and fostering a deeper sense of belonging. Together, they reflect our ongoing commitment to moving forward together with openness, respect, and purpose this Pride Month and beyond.