Shine your light – network leader Daniela tells us about Shine

Daniela Brünisholz works as an HC Operations Associate at PwC. She uses the pronouns she/her and is the network leader of the LGBTQIA+ initiative called Shine.

1. What’s Shine and how do we make a difference regarding LGBTQIA+ at PwC?

The global initiative Glee, now called Shine, came to life roughly twelve years ago. Since then, there are many local initiatives in almost every country PwC operates in. Our goals are raising awareness about LBTQIA+ topics and providing a platform to actively put diversity and inclusion into action.

At PwC Switzerland, we organise awareness sessions, like for example the transgender awareness session on the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) in May, have ambassador programmes in various locations in Switzerland and provide support and assistance on our internal communications page regarding coming out or being an ally.

Our team of six board members and I care deeply about shaping the PwC culture so that everyone feels welcome and can be their authentic self. We do that through acting as the first point of contact for LGBTQIA+ matters, e.g. in case of discrimination and in collaboration with the Ethics Office. Further, we’re very keen on raising awareness and making LGBTQIA+ rights visible and tangible for everyone. And most importantly, we aim to achieve an environment and culture where LGBTQIA+ matters are always considered and not only seen as a nice to have. It’s about destigmatisation as well as creating a sense of belonging for everyone.

2. What motivates you to go above and beyond with Shine?

When I was travelling and working abroad, I realised that I needed to create a sense of belonging in every place I stayed. Humans are wired for connection; if that connection is missing or there’s even discrimination at place, we feel physically and mentally unwell. Through my engagement with Shine, I want to create a safe space for everyone to fit in and come as they are. Every person deserves to be seen, heard and included. Being diverse and inclusive in our day-to-day actions is the only way we can strive as a group of people and grow by learning from each other.

Nowadays, everyone agrees that an organisation needs to be diverse and inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities to be operationally successful. Being part of a company that does not only understand that but also puts it into action – like for example when our CEO Andy Staubli publicly declared he’d vote yes for the ‘Ehe für alle’ and encouraged all to do so, too – makes me feel we’re on the right track for change.

"We’re very keen on raising awareness and making LGBTQIA+ rights visible and tangible for everyone. And most importantly, we aim to achieve an environment and culture where LGBTQIA+ matters are always considered and not only seen as a nice to have. It’s about destigmatisation as well as creating a sense of belonging for everyone. "

3. And what’s in store for the future of Shine?

The relabelling as a Swiss LGBTI initiative is the next big step for us. To fulfil the criteria, we need to keep evolving and putting words into actions. One of our aims is to roll out a signature template indicating the pronouns for all employees.

Some of the measures already decided on are upskilling trainings for HR and the “Pronoun Day” in October where we will discuss the importance of pronouns in everyday life.

Also, we’d like to feel the pulse of our employees and will possibly launch a LGBTQIA+ survey to provide support in accordance with the results.

Generally, we’re very excited for the future of our diverse community of solvers.

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Shine your light – network leader Daniela tells us about Shine

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