#DeloittePride, #DeloitteProud

July 19, 2018

We met with a member of the planning team, Kori Kelly, Senior Campus Recruiter for Deloitte Services LP, to get her thoughts on the parade and what pride means to her.

How did you get involved in the pride parade?

KK: I moved to Chicago ten years ago and have attended the Pride Parade eight of those ten years; it is truly one of my favorite weekends in Chicago. What better way to spend a summertime weekend than celebrating love and equal rights?

After starting my career at Deloitte, I was given the opportunity to have a different experience at the Pride Parade and decided to upgrade from being a spectator to marching! My first year marching with Deloitte made me very proud to work for an organization that not only marched and showed up that day but also walks the walk every day of the year by having a focus on inclusion and acceptance in the workplace and beyond. I love that you can be your authentic self in the workplace here. 

My second year marching with Deloitte in the Pride Parade was soon after the tragic mass shooting in Orlando, FL.  Marching then somehow became that much more important to me because I felt that the LGBTQ community needed more encouragement and support than ever.

This year I decided it was time to be more involved and spread the word and love, so I got involved with the behind-the-scenes planning of Deloitte’s presence at the parade. I made it my personal mission to promote the event and encourage attendance. I am part of something I am proud of and I want to share that story and experience with people.

What was it like on the day of the parade?

KK: On the day of the parade, we hosted a block party in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. We served pizza, played music, and set the stage for a great time. Local and national Deloitte leaders attended and shared encouraging words. Then it was time to load onto the float and march! The parade is essentially 4-miles of dancing and throwing candy through the streets of Chicago’s northside neighborhoods. It’s a huge celebration.

What other opportunities are there at Deloitte to get involved as a member of or ally to the LGBTQ community?

KK: Deloitte has ways to support the LGBTQ community, both on a local office through our Inclusion Councils and national level. There are also countless opportunities to volunteer in your community, go out and network and meet amazing people!

Read more about our inclusion initiatives at Deloitte.