“Entergy is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 3rd Annual Pride Build event,” said Nyka Scott, vice president of customer relations for Entergy New Orleans. “This partnership reflects our commitment to inclusivity and to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to live in a safe, affordable and welcoming environment.”

Decades of systemic discrimination have often barred LGBTQ+ families and individuals from homeownership. The Pride Build event raises awareness of the need for affordable housing and its power to transform lives. In partnership with local organizations and volunteers, NOAHH undertook the construction of a home for a local family in need. This project was more than just a construction endeavor. It served as a powerful statement of support and recognition for the LGBTQ+ community and highlighted the important role affordable housing plays in building strong and diverse communities.

“Our mission is to responsibly build communities where families can thrive, in homes they can afford,” said Marguerite Oestreicher, executive director of NOAHH. “By providing a safe and affordable home for the Martin family during Pride Month, we are also building a foundation of acceptance and inclusion. This project reflects our belief that everyone deserves a decent place to live regardless of their background or identity.”

The event received widespread support from the community. Volunteers from various sectors came together to contribute to the project, including over 20 staff members from Entergy New Orleans. Through the Pride Build, the participants were given a unique opportunity for employee engagement while also cultivating an environment of inclusivity and acceptance.

As the presenting sponsor, Entergy is honored to partner with NOAHH to support the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community. We look forward to continuing our partnership with NOAHH and other organizations in our efforts in building more inclusive future.

“At Entergy, we have always taken pride in creating a truly inclusive workplace,” said Kathryn Collins, senior vice president and chief human resources officer. “We are honored our efforts in diversity and inclusion are being recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation 2022 Corporate Equality Index, which measures public commitment to the LGBTQ community.”

The 2022 Corporate Equality Index assesses employers based on:

• Workforce protections.
• Inclusive benefits.
• Supporting an inclusive culture and corporate social responsibility.
• Responsible citizenship.

“Together with our LGBTQ employees and allies, we remain committed to fostering an authentic and inclusive culture for each other and our customers,” said Julie Harbert, senior vice president, corporate business services, and executive sponsor of the Pride employee resource group.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation has worked for 40-plus years advocating for LGBTQ equality and increased understanding and inclusion for its more than 3 million members and supporters nationwide.��For more information, read the .��

While we may be celebrating pride at a safe distance this year due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, Entergy is committed to creating a culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging for all employees, this month, and every month.

Pride month has looked different for all of us this year. Our Pride Employee Resource Group had plans to participate in the New Orleans Pride Parade for the fourth year in a row. Instead, we hosted a virtual pride parade for employees to share how they’re powered by pride – even at home.

We also showcased our Pride locally by flying the Pride flag over sites like Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station.

And a group of employees plan to participate in the 2020 NOLA Pride Virtual Run and Walk where proceeds will benefit the PFLAG New Orleans Scholarship Program.

These activities and support wouldn’t exist without organizations like our employee resource groups, where employees can come together and show their support for a common cause. While we know that diversity, inclusion and belonging are good for the bottom line of any business, we are committed to these efforts because it is the right thing to do.

The premiere utility becomes a reality when it draws on the collective knowledge, skills and abilities of the entire workforce for the benefit of all its stakeholders. No one can be left out of this picture. That’s why Entergy maintains a respectful and safe place for all employees – regardless of age, sex, race, sexual orientation, religion or any other category.

By treating each other with dignity and respect, we can help make all employees feel safe when they come to work. That is how we power life.