Celebrating Pride Month at Remitly: Employee Spotlights

Last updated on July 25th, 2023 at 09:48 am

At Remitly, diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, is deeply rooted in our purpose and mission. Our focus every day is to tirelessly deliver for our customers, many of whom are immigrants. Internally, we are committed to continuously improving on our policies, practices, and programs that make our culture more equitable and inclusive.

We have several channels for employees to share news and information, so we may deepen our knowledge. We regularly hold activities around DEI and make space for everyone to share their experiences and thoughts with the team.

As part of this effort, in honor of Pride Month, we’re celebrating just some of our many amazing LGBTQ+ employees. Read on to learn more.

Andrea B. – CS associate

I am passionate about sports, and more specifically about soccer. I love movies, taking a walk and eating burgers.

This was the first work environment where I felt comfortable and secure about my identity. I’ve never found any judgment or exclusion, instead I found support which makes me feel that no matter who we love, Remitly is a huge family that embraces and promotes our individuality. ♥ 

Lisa C. – Director, Digital Support (she/her/hers)

I’ve spent more than a decade in digital. But, once I found customer support, there was no turning back. I absolutely love that I get to spend every day using my passion for content strategy to help our customers.

For me, being out at Remitly means showing up authentically every single day. And, because others are encouraged to do the same, we’re building this incredible culture where we’re constantly pushing each other to learn and show up for our teammates and our customers in ways we maybe never even knew we could.

Octavio C. – Learning & Development Specialist

I am part of the Learning & Development team. I am crazy about hiking and places with water, the ocean, lagoons, and pools. Recently, I started taking swimming classes, and I’m loving it!

I’ve been in Remitly since 2018, and it has just been one of the greatest things that ever happened to me; working with a team so diverse, open and creative has been nurturing. Remitly has opened the doors for me to develop myself in so many ways and discover many of my hidden talents.

Daniel E., PhD – Director, Consumer Insights (he/him/his)

I lead the Consumer Insights team at Remitly. When we’re not backpacking or traveling, my husband, dog, and I live in Seattle.

I can’t believe what I get to do on a daily basis: talk with our amazing customers, work with smart and talented colleagues, and help to drive growth and strategy throughout the company. Remitly has given me so many opportunities, and I feel lucky to be here.

Helder F. – Customer Protection Associate / Incubation (he/him/his)

My name is Helder, and I am a Pansexual man and as a proud member of the LGBTQI+ community. I want to take the time during the Pride Month to applaud the community that inspires me so much. All the courage, bravery and relentless pursuit of kindness from all members is what keeps me going forward despite the prejudice that we face as a community every day.

I have never been more comfortable in a working environment. Period. Everyone is respectful in the most genuine way, I believe that we have an inclusive culture. Something that I really appreciate is the fact that you feel welcomed by everyone regardless of your gender, orientation, or race.

Agner G. – CS Incubation French (he/him/his)

I’m a polyglot, a vegetarian, and a fan of all kind of expressions of art. I love animals and nature. Traveling and music are my best therapy.

My short experience here has been fantastic! Remitly is a place where you can embrace your true colors and show them to everybody. Same DNA, but born this way.

Irene K. – Manager, Content Marketing

I’m a language & literature geek with an MFA in creative writing—I feel lucky to bring those passions to my job. Raised in rural WA, I lived all over before returning to Seattle. I share a busy home with my wife, sons, dogs, cats, mother-in-law, and an unruly garden.

I’m proud to work at Remitly because our mission is genuine. Working in content, I think a lot about connecting authentically with our customers. It’s an exciting challenge with a global audience with many different cultures, languages, and identities. It keeps me learning and growing.

Diversity isn’t just a buzzword at Remitly; it’s fundamental to what we do. That brings a lot of smart, talented people to our team who want to learn from each other. It’s a great place to be out, and a great place to grow as a professional and a human.

Ben P. – Risk Program Manager, Customer Success (he/him/his)

I’m a born and raised Seattleite who likes to spend time playing video games, exploring new languages, connecting with friends, and visiting family (both local and abroad).  

Working at Remitly over the past year has been a phenomenal experience. At Remitly, I am empowered to bring my full self to work, which enables me to truly lead authentically and joyfully. By celebrating our own varied lived experiences in our global team, we are able to diligently focus on improving experiences on behalf of our customers.

Jaron R. – CARE

I am 23 years old, currently living with my parents, I have 1 sister and a dog named Dominic—he is like my baby. My hobbies are: listening to music, walking, and reading.

It has been an amazing journey. I never knew I was going to be promoted in 1 year. People here are amazing. I’ve been able to be friends with some of my colleagues and the benefits are awesome too.

Luciano P. – CPT

I consider myself approachable. I love helping others, foxes, traveling and spending time with my besties. In my free time, I love reading and writing, working out and doing some outdoor activities.

Being here at Remitly I felt myself free and accepted as the very first time I came in, I found a place where I can express myself and thoughts that no matter our sexual orientation we all have rights, we all are equal, equipped and qualified to develop ourselves as individuals but also as professionals.

Rich S. – Content Manager, Customer Success (they/them/theirs)

I just turned 30 this year and I love it! My name is Rich and I’m from the Philippines. I’m a digital content manager working in Customer Success. I also happen to be trans nonbinary.

I’ve been with Remitly for four years now. I’ve been lucky enough to work with great female leaders who saw my potential and created a space for me to thrive. I also have the great pleasure of working alongside phenomenal men that value my work, listen to my words, and respect my identity. I look forward to the day where more members of the LGBTQIA+ community, especially those from underrepresented minorities, are able to take their respective seats at the bigger and better table that we’re all building together. Happy Pride. Mabuhay!

Maria U. – CPA (she/her/hers)

I’m currently 22 years old. I’m bi, and my hobby is makeup. It’s something I’m really passionate about and helps me de-stress.

I feel really comfortable with the company because it allows us to express ourselves in any possible way. And just with this activity, you can see our management team is focused on demonstrating that Remitly is an inclusive company and cares about their employees. I never felt comfortable in any previous company that I worked for to express my sexual preference, but at Remitly, I feel confident that no one will judge me based on my sexual orientation. I have met very supportive coworkers that have made me feel more confident about it.

Lelaina V. – Sr. HR Generalist (she/her/hers)

By day, I’m an HR operations nerd serving our US team. By night, I direct plays with my theater company and hang out with my rescue dog.

I came out as a lesbian while working at Remitly, which was a fantastic experience. It’s such a comfortable environment that I told colleagues before telling all of my family members (sorry Grandma). Now, I get to help make our employee programming more LGBTQ+ friendly, from administering our parental leave program to getting our HR vendors to change field names from “preferred pronouns” to “pronouns.” It’s great to work for a company you’re proud of and one that’s proud of you.

About Pride Month

LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) Pride Month is celebrated every June. 

Originally celebrated as “Gay Pride Day” in U.S. cities, “Pride,” as it’s often called, has grown to encompass a month-long series of events and celebrations. Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and people around the world hold LGBTQ+ Pride Month events globally. 

Memorials are also held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.

Happy Pride from all of us at Remitly!