The winner of our June Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Pineapple* GOAT Award is our Alumni Experience Manager, Brittany Baker. In her role, Brittany onboards new bootcamp graduates into our growing alumni community and keeps them engaged through panels, reunions, newsletters, alumni stories, networking opportunities, and so much more. She’s the glue that keeps our diverse alumni community connected and thriving.
This award is presented on a monthly basis to a Galvanize employee who exemplifies our company-wide commitment to DEI. The purpose of this award is to celebrate the efforts and accomplishments of our team members working to advance our DEI goals, which include creating and improving our systems and processes for a sustainable, successful present and future for both our team and our students.
Below, read a brief Q&A with Brittany and the coworker who nominated her for the award.
Q&A with Brittany Baker
What is your response to receiving the DEI Pineapple GOAT award?
I am excited and honored to be the recipient of the DEI Pineapple GOAT award. It is wonderful to work for a company, and with such amazing people, who value and know the importance of DEI.
Why is DEI important to you?
DEI is important to me because it allows others to learn about things that they might not have thought about during their upbringing. It also is what allows each person to be unique and is a great reason to take the time to talk to others and hear their stories. This opens up perspectives about things that may not have been thought about a certain way and is a great learning experience. Having grown up in a fairly homogeneous population, I am constantly working on learning new ways to integrate and improve DEI in both my personal and professional life, and it’s one of the reasons that I love working with and talking with both our staff and our alumni. It constantly pushes me to assess how I think about new ways to approach things.
Why do you like working at Galvanize?
I like working at Galvanize because of the impact that our programs and alumni community foster. I am constantly amazed by how fantastic the people who I get to work with are and how willing they are to go out of their way to help figure things out or answer a question. Their ability to keep the students’ well-being and success a priority throughout the entire process is extremely rewarding to witness. As the Alumni Experience Manager, one of my favorite parts is witnessing the transformation of students into alumni and learning about their different backgrounds and how these programs are impacting and changing their lives.
Q&A with Nominator Toni Warren, Director of Operations – New Programs
Why do you believe this person should be nominated as a Galvanize GOAT?
She has volunteered to be on multiple committees, brings the community together, and goes above and beyond to make everyone feel included. Brittany is a pleasure to work with and always puts people first. She is a natural community-builder and collaborator. Her desire to learn about others and share experiences creates an environment where people feel welcome, confident, and important.
How does this person make Galvanize a better place?
Coordinating and moderating Diversity in Tech and Women in Tech panels.
How do they embody our company values?
She builds community and fosters connections.
What do you personally appreciate about this person the most?
Brittany is a team player, hospitable, welcoming, fun, driven, and a teacher.
_____
*Why is the word pineapple in the award name, you might ask? Fair question! The pineapple has long been a symbol of hospitality, warmth, and welcoming. Here at Galvanize, we’ve adopted the symbol, incorporating its meaning into our values. We often refer to our team members as “pineapples” as we strive to embody the ideals of working together, openness, and kindness toward all staff and students.
