TAGS: Media Release
March 2019
GLOBE to increase efforts in creating a stronger bond with Victoria’s Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex communities
On International Woman’s Day 2019, GLOBE, the leading LGBTI organisation that represents Victorian professional and small business owners, today announced the appointment of Cordelia Attenborough and Michelle Sheppard to the GLOBE Committee of Management in the position of LBTI Consultants.
In addition, Meg Edwards, current GLOBE Membership Director, has been appointed to the newly created LBTI Inclusion Director position and will transition into the role over the next month.
Dan de Rochefort, GLOBE President was excited by the new appointments saying “The appointment of Meg (Edwards) is a natural progression. Meg has played a pivotal role fostering a stronger connection between GLOBE and Victoria’s Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex communities.”
“We’re conscious that we really need to shift the dial on our programs and events to ensure they are more open and inviting, therefore, the addition of Michelle and Cordelia, both very prominent people within our Community, means GLOBE now has a powerhouse of LBTI people to guide us into a bright and inclusive future.”
In her new capacity as GLOBE LBTI Inclusion Director, Edwards will play a pivotal role fostering a stronger connection between GLOBE and Victoria’s Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex communities.
Edwards said: “I’m excited to be able to focus my efforts advocating for the LBTI community at GLOBE. My appointment to this new position solidifies GLOBE’s commitment to becoming a more inclusive organisation, providing an offering to all professionals and small business owners, recognising that the LBTI communities have a diverse range of wants and needs.”
de Rochefort, went on to say “the creation of the LBTI Inclusion Director and LBTI Consultant positions on the GLOBE Committee of Management has been a long time coming. We know that we (GLOBE) need to do much more to engage with Victoria’s Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex communities, and through these appointments, we are now letting the community know that we’re serious about these intentions.”
In a recent community survey, GLOBE identified that their footprint in the LBTI community is small, with women representing only 18% and non-binary people only 5%. The survey went on to highlight that more needs to be done to create deeper, more meaningful relationships with the wider community.
Edwards said: “GLOBE has an incredible brand within our community, and the opportunities to transform our offering to ensure it is inclusive of all with ensure the longevity of our organisation and more importantly, the growth of our community. I am excited to take on this challenge and cannot wait to make a meaningful difference.”
About Cordelia
Since moving to Melbourne in 2018, Cordelia joined Minus18 in an online community moderation position as well as being part of the Youth Advisory Committee for the Queer Ideas Festival. During this time, they also begun their Internship with Unicorns and volunteer work with Monash Universities diversity and inclusion department.
About Michelle
Michelle is a transgender woman, public speaker, diversity trainer, and radio presenter who has spent the last five years advocating for Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Non-Binary (TGDNB) people. She has worked with various organisations, including the AFL, Corporates, Local City Councils, Universities as small businesses, to help build inclusive and safe workplaces for LGBTIQ+ people. Michelle has received national recognition for her contribution to the LGBTIQ+ Community.
About Meg
Originally from Adelaide, Meg made the move to Melbourne in 2013 and has worked in banking for 10 years in various roles across Small Business, Corporate and Institutional Finance.
When Meg moved to Melbourne, she took an active role in the creation of Westpac’s Victorian LGBTI Employee Group (GLOBAL). Her passion for LGBTI inclusion then saw her joining the Midsumma board in 2014. She spent 3 years working with the staff and volunteers of Midsumma to assist with strategic development and community consultation.
END RELEASE
CONTACT
Dan de Rochefort | GLOBE President
E-mail: dan.derochefort@globemelbourne.com.au
ABOUT GLOBE
GLOBE (Gay and Lesbian Organisation of Business and Enterprise) is a not-for-profit community group established in 1992. GLOBE supports LGBTI individuals, businesses and community groups so they can engage and develop their business and community interests in an environment that encourages diversity and inclusiveness.
RESOURCES
Website: https://globemelbourne.com.au/
About us: https://globemelbourne.com.au/about/about-globe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GLOBENetworking/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/globenetworking/