Pride Month is celebrated in June to honor the Stonewall Uprising in New York City that took place on June 28, 1969. Stonewall was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. Today, Pride Month is a time to recognize the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer, with a plus to hold space for expanding and new understandings). It’s also a time to feature team members who enjoy bringing their authentic self to work each day.
Denise Mannon is Easterseals PORT Health’s Chief Compliance Officer. She joined our organization in 2017 and is one of those people you instantly like when you meet her. She’s smart, thoughtful and has a great sense of humor. We recently had the privilege of sitting down with Denise to talk about her experiences working at Easterseals PORT Health.
Hi Denise, what do you do at work?
“I’m part of the executive leadership team and lead Compliance, Quality Management and Credentialing throughout the organization. This means my team and I get to work with all programs to ensure ongoing quality improvement and regulatory compliance.”
Why do you think it’s important to recognize Pride Month?
“For me, it’s about remembering past advocates, allies and champions whose bravery made it possible for me to live authentically today.”
Do you personally do anything to celebrate Pride Month?
“Beyond just doing something in June, I’m always doing something to further my knowledge on the history of my community and to just simply be thankful!”
What would you like to share about being part of the LGBTQ+ community?
“Regardless of the great strides we’ve made, it seems we’re still waiting for the other shoe to drop…for the rights we have today to be taken away by elected officials and the courts. There’s a feeling of ‘well, this is how it is today, but it could be gone tomorrow’. My marriage is legal today but it may not be tomorrow. No one should feel like that when thinking about their rights and freedoms. However, this is a reality for marginalized groups.”
How has Easterseals PORT Health been an ally to the LGBTQ+ community?
“Our leadership is supportive of the LGBTQ+ community in their practices and policies. It’s not just lip service here. There are concrete actions put behind the words.”
Does this impact you at work?
“Absolutely! I can be my authentic self at work without worrying about reprisals from anyone. If anyone has a problem with me because I’m married to another woman, I don’t worry about it. I know Luanne, our CEO, has my back…period! At Easterseals PORT Health, acceptance is the norm, not the exception.”
What would you say to someone from the LGBTQ+ community who is considering a job at ESPH?
“This is a great place to work where the authentic you will be respected and recognized by your work and your character.”
We have a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Which IDEAL (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Authenticity, Learning) principle do you relate to the most?
“I love that we have a Diversity Council that is meaningful, real and who advises our leadership on how to be better and do better. I can’t pick one IDEAL principle in isolation as I believe they all have to be present for any one of them to be meaningful.”
ABOUT US
Easterseals UCP and PORT Health are trustworthy, compassionate partners providing exceptional disability, behavioral health and addiction treatment services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our diverse and inclusive 2,600 member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home, facility and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia. Learn more at eastersealsucp.com.
