Employee Spotlight: Rachel Walker

We’re thrilled to celebrate Pride Month, queer joy and the LGBTQIA+ community with stories and reflections from employees about their experiences.

Rachel Walker, process improvement lead at Lennox and board member of our PRIDE employee resource group, opens a weekly Q&A series for the month.

Read on for Rachel's take on representation at work and Pride Month.

Tell us about your role at Lennox?

A. I lead process improvement initiatives for our residential business Distribution Centers.

What does Pride Month mean to you?

A. Pride month to me means celebrating my authentic self and freedom to be me—as well as celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and those that fought for our rights.

Tell us about a moment in Pride Month that influenced or shaped your career.

A. The Equal Protection Clause in the U.S. Constitution was impactful to have the right to marry, it gave me the courage to be out at work.

How important is representation in the workforce to you?

A. It’s extremely important to have representation, as it provides a feeling of safety and comfort knowing you are celebrated and supported.

Favorite quote or mantra?

A. “It is absolutely imperative that every human being’s freedom and human rights are respected, all over the world.” – Jóhanna Sigureardóttir, politician and former prime minister of Iceland

Who inspires you?

A. My 11-year-old niece—I want to ensure that her and her generation are not having to fight for basic human rights.

If you could have a conversation with a civil rights activist, who would it be and why?

A. Audre Lorde as she fought oppression on all fronts as a civil rights activist. She was a black woman and a lesbian—a true trail blazer for civil rights. She left behind quite the legacy, as her words are often present at events pertaining to civil rights movements.