News
Global Security Pride Evening Reception
The Global Security Pride (GSP), the newest Common Interest Committee (CIC) for the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), held its second event on November 13, 2023, an Evening Reception at Nestle’s new Arlington headquarters.
The elegant space and festive atmosphere welcomed a capacity crowd of 300-plus attendees from across the global and domestic security communities. Planned by the GSP Committee, the event included good food and signature cocktails, entertainment by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., a photo booth and 360-degree photo booth. Most important, it was an opportunity to welcome GSP officially to OSAC, celebrate the hard work of the GSP Committee and underscore how vital representation within the security industry is for LGBTQIA+ professionals and how critical allies are to creating a more welcoming, inclusive environment.
SPONSORS
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors of the event!
In thanking the event sponsors, Arian Avila, GSP Committee Co-Lead, Vice President, Safety and Security, Capital One, also thanked the tireless dedication and passion of the GSP Committee and encouraged anyone interested in joining the committee to contact her.
INSPIRING REMARKS
The evening included several wonderful remarks about the support for and importance of this event, shared by individuals who have put a great deal of time, talent and thoughtfulness into GSP.
Nick Lovrien, GSP Committee Co-Lead, ISF Board Member, Chief Global Security Officer, Meta:
“A year ago [at our first GSP event in November 2022], we said that we’re going to be back in a year and introducing the first pride CIC. OSAC is the most important public private partnership there is in the security industry. We all work together to safeguard our people and our entities overseas. Our LGBTQIA+ community is the most at-risk community overseas. There are 65 countries where it’s illegal for anybody to be LGBTQIA+. If we can keep them safe and secure, we can keep everybody safe and secure.
The GSP CIC will be really critical to help create these security programs and create a community. It’s a proven fact that diverse teams are more successful. They deliver better results. We also know that community matters. Our CIC will create visibility and awareness, and that awareness creates a quality for all.”
Carlos Matus, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Director of The Diplomatic Security Service, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, U.S. Department of State:
“I’m really happy to be here this evening. I want to applaud, loudly, the work that Global Security Pride has done over the past year. Diplomatic Security Service is fully committed to your mission of supporting and elevating the community within the global security field. The work that you’ve done, that you’re doing matters, and it’s important to our youth. Collectively, we must build on inclusive industry where everyone feels like they can show up at their personal best. It’s also my pleasure to welcome you as OSAC’s newest Common Interest Committee. This milestone would not have been possible without the work and dedication of many of you in this room.”
Peggy O’Neill, Executive Director, International Security Foundation (ISF):
“The ISF is committed to your journey, want to support you and honored to be able to do that. Now that you are a CIC, I ask that you integrate with the other CICs. You have so much to offer them, from being on panels to getting involved with the next OSAC Topical Forum, the International Travel Safety and Security. We have a lot to learn and you have a lot to share.”
To read more about the ISF’s DEI initiatives, visit securityfdn.org/DEI.
Pete Short, OSAC Private Sector Co-Chair, Director of Corporate Security, Ball Corporation:
“Since November 2022, I have pledged my support and wholeheartedly endorsed the establishment of this newest Common Interest Committee. This was more than just being an ally fostering diversity and inclusion. This was an absolute recognition that there are still many places in the world where this community faces real threats and security challenges. Through an active and fully supported CIC, all members can be part of a solution to ensure safety, security, and mitigation strategies relevant to all travelers within and outside OSAC while traveling globally.” (From the OSAC Announcement preceding the GSP Evening Reception.)
Congratulations to Global Security Pride on becoming a CIC, for what you’ve accomplished and all that you will achieve to further respect, representation and rewarding collaboration across the security industry.
Interested in sponsoring the GSP? Visit securityfdn.org/cic or contact Siobhan Clune, ISF Director of Development, at [email protected].