Pride in the Park

By: Lee Faris

Creating a culture of collaboration is critical at David Johnston Research + Technology Park (R+T Park). Our strength as a community comes from our ability to bring together diverse minds and skillsets and foster inclusivity year-round. During Pride month, companies in the park are showing their support with various initiatives celebrating then 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Celebrating pride in R+T Park helps companies to create workplaces where employees feel comfortable and excited to come to work. OpenText is demonstrating this commitment by bringing people together and encouraging critical conversations around the subject.

“During Pride Month, we are focused on creating opportunities for colleagues to come together, share perspectives, and build connections and community…”

-Shubha Apte, Corporate Citizenship & Inclusion Program Manager, OpenText

“During Pride Month, we are focused on creating opportunities for colleagues to come together, share perspectives, and build connections and community across our organization,” says Shubha Apte, Corporate Citizenship & Inclusion Program Manager at OpenText. “These efforts are part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a workplace culture where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported throughout the year.”

In times of economic uncertainty, many companies have needed to reluctantly pull back from pride month. R+T Park tenants have shown that celebrating pride can be fun, inclusive, and accessible- without breaking the bank.

Accelerator Center: Fostering Community 

This year, Accelerator Centre kicked off Pride Month by bringing the community together for their Pride Scoop Social, in partnership with SPECTRUM, Waterloo’s first ever rainbow community space. Their organization provides support, resources, and programming to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. 

The Pride Scoop Social brought together founders, allies, innovators and community members. It served as a space for low-pressure networking while celebrating inclusion, diversity, and belonging in the tech ecosystem.

“At Accelerator Centre, we believe entrepreneurship is for everyone,” commented Ruth Casselman, CEO of Accelerator Centre. “Creating an inclusive innovation ecosystem isn’t just about representation—it’s about ensuring every entrepreneur has the opportunity to contribute, grow, and succeed. Pride Month is a celebration of the diversity that strengthens our community, and a reminder of our ongoing commitment to allyship, equity, and building spaces where everyone belongs.”

EY: An Educational Lean 

A willingness to learn is key when creating more inclusive workplaces- and that’s why EY tested their knowledge with some Pride Month Trivia. This event challenged employees to show what they know about the significance of the month, influential 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and important historical facts. Placing education at the center of their initiative allowed employees to grow their understanding, while building community and having fun. 

TextNow: Celebrating diversity 

TextNow, is showing their support during pride month with initiatives directed at both employees and customers. To show their allyship, TextNow customers are able to change the icon of their app to a special Pride edition, pictured below. 

Their Pride initiatives extend to staff as well. This year, they’re launching an internal storytelling initiative where employees are invited to share their experiences with pride, and what it means to them. 

Later this month, TextNow is bringing their employees together virtually for their fifth annual drag bingo. This fun and inclusive celebration of pride will help strengthen employees sense of community, while celebrating diversity of expression.

“Pride is both a celebration and a reminder of the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe, seen, and supported,” says Zee Gunjevic, People Program Manager at TextNow. “At TextNow, we believe inclusion is built through everyday actions, meaningful conversations, and a genuine commitment to belonging. Pride Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community while continuing the work of building a culture where everyone can thrive.”

More than a Month 

At R+T Park, valuing inclusivity and celebrating diversity moves beyond June. TextNow supports employees by creating spaces for learning and discussion with educational Employee Resource Groups. These groups include the Pride ERG, where employees can learn about and celebrate what it means to be 2SLGBTQIA+ year round. Initiatives like this help maintain the culture of inclusivity at R+T Park that makes employees feel welcomed and supported in the workplace. 

Inclusivity initiatives in the park don’t have to end with Pride month- and they don’t have to be flashy. Small gestures that remind employees they matter speak volumes, and help foster the inclusive and diverse community R+T Park is proud to be a part of.