MESSAGE FROM EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP STRATEGIST
Lyzel Krebs
“Our nine global Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at TNC develop and execute initiatives according to their strategic plans that align with our One Conservancy goals for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Each ERG has a 10-member Steering Committee, and these individuals often step outside of their daily expertise to ensure that our underrepresented colleagues are heard and understood.
From storytelling to policy review, our ERGs ensure our employees are recognized, appreciated, and included in important discussions. This year, the ERGs have started start working directly with members of the Executive Leadership Team so that top decision makers gain the perspectives of all our employees.
On a personal level, staying engaged with each ERG helps me be an active ally. As a child of Filipino immigrants, my identity was shaped by navigating multiple perspectives independently to find my place. I rarely had the support or encouragement to speak up for myself, so empowering people is something I’m passionate about. I’m honored to work with and connect with our ERG leaders, and I'm excited to see their hard work reflected here. I look forward to what they will accomplish next!"
Nature’s Pride Guides International Celebration of LGBTQ+
To help guide TNC colleagues and business units with their Pride celebrations across the globe, Nature’s Pride created a Pride Participation Guide and Toolkit. TNC Europe is excited to work with the Nature’s Pride ERG to be part of the annual Pride parade in Berlin, Germany on July 22, 2023. For centuries, Berlin has been celebrated internationally as an epicenter of queer culture and refuge for LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and additional sexual identities) artists, writers, musicians, and intellectuals. Nature’s Pride will have representatives in attendance in Berlin and the message of TNC’s banner is centered around speaking up for all people which will further the ERG’s ongoing mission to:
- Celebrate the role of diversity in nature
- Elevate LGBTQ+ voices in conservation decisions
- Learning from the diverse communities TNC relies on to mitigate climate threats
- Denounce homophobic practices and policies that harm LGBTQ+ identities and rights
“As a conservationist and mother of a transgender son, the connection between conservation and LGBTQ rights is deeply personal to me. By supporting this year’s Berlin Pride, TNC is helping amplify voices in celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and the fight for equality.”
— Marianne Kleiberg, Regional Managing Director, TNC Europe
Regional Managing Director, TNC Europe
Marianne Kleiberg
Marianne leads the Europe team as a catalyst for global conservation impact, supporting and leveraging the vital work of the Conservancy worldwide. In her role as Europe Regional Managing Director, Marianne engages with business leaders, governments, philanthropists, and global change agents to support and accelerate large-scale and lasting global conservation impact. In addition, she serves as Chair of the TNC UK Foundation Limited.
Marianne is a native of Norway and lives and works in Berlin. Before joining TNC, she worked as an international development consultant and operations manager of a manganese mining company in Panama and worked in the Norwegian timber industry. She holds a master’s degree as a Fulbright Scholar in Latin American Studies with concentration on political ecology.
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As a conservationist and the mother of a transgender son, the connection between nature conservation and LGBTQ rights is deeply personal to me. I believe it is essential to work together to recognize the intersectionality of these issues at the global level.
We found hope when we moved to Berlin as a LGTBQ family. We are constantly inspired by the history of Berlin's queer culture, which demonstrates the power of diversity and inclusion in creating vibrant and sustainable communities. I am also inspired by my organization’s commitment to a more just and sustainable future for my son and all future generations.
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By supporting this year’s Berlin Pride, TNC is helping to amplify voices in celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and the fight for equality. LGBTQ Pride events bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate the diverse LGBTQ community and to advocate for LGBTQ rights. Perhaps now more than ever, Berlin Pride is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of marginalized communities and of the importance of coming together in solidarity.
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As we navigate the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and discrimination, it is critical that we remember the power of diversity and the importance of coming together in solidarity. The Nature Conservancy’s continued commitment to activate DEIJ as a priority in the communities we serve is something that inspires me every day.
By working together, we can create a world that is more resilient, more just, and more sustainable for all of us, regardless of our gender identity, sexual orientation, or cultural background.
Read Marianne Kleiberg’s Connect blog post on Berlin Pride here.