Tell us about yourself and your role at Revamp.

I am Tim Zhang, a Project Manager on the Development Services Team at Revamp. I am based in Cary, North Carolina, and have been with Revamp for over two years.

What initially drew you to Revamp?

Veronica, our wonderful recruiter, did! She reached out to me after I uploaded a pride post a few years ago and raved about Revamp, and it stuck in my mind for a few months until I finally made the jump to come here myself. 

Can you share a moment at Revamp when you felt especially seen or valued as a member of the LGBTQ+ community?

I don't have a long, sappy story here at Revamp (and there is nothing wrong with having one!). There was no specific moment for me, and I don't think there has to be. At Revamp, I can be my "normal" self, whereas I had to code-switch often in the past. 

What does Pride Month mean to you personally, and how do you see it reflected or evolving within the workplace?

Personally, the core of Pride is fighting to simply exist as an average Joe, being treated as an equal to others around you. I hope for workplaces to evolve to a point where employee resource groups (ERGs) for LGBTQ+ folks or other minority groups are no longer needed. One way or another, these groups are formed out of a need to combat prejudice. And to be clear, there is a stark difference between removing ERGs due to the lack of prejudice versus removing ERGs due to prejudice. 

If you could tell your younger professional self one thing about navigating the workplace as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, what would it be?

You will make plenty of mistakes as you navigate the workplace, but remember you have allies and cheerleaders everywhere! Make sure to keep them close as you grow and return the favor.