We celebrate the differences that make us unique all year long, but we’re taking this time to highlight coworkers who are members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community. Gaybrielle B., Assistant Branch Manager in Kearney, NE, feels like she’s surrounded by positivity and support during her Enterprise workday, and is appreciated as a gay, black woman.
What initially attracted you to a career at Enterprise?
I was interested in how the company focuses on employee development and how they create a diverse and inclusive work environment.
Tell us about your career with Enterprise. How did you start and how did you get to where you are now?
I started as a Management Trainee in Grand Forks, ND in 2015. I stayed in Grand Forks for two years, after which I was promoted to Management Assistant and applied to a position in Rapid City, SD.
I think that most of my success and career development has been built on networking, training and working with diverse people in the company.
Why do you enjoy working for Enterprise?
I love the people I work with. I can honestly say that’s a huge piece for me. I’m constantly surrounded by positivity and support. Over the last year I’ve learned how much Enterprise cares about me as a person. Not just me at work, but me at home and as a person. I feel appreciated as a gay black woman, and it’s not often you have that.
What has surprised you most about working at Enterprise?
Most people think when you’re renting vehicles you sit behind a desk and hand over some keys. It’s so much more than that. The customer service part was challenging. The numbers part was challenging.
Everything was a surprise outside of renting a car.
When did you come out at work, early or late in your Enterprise career? Why is it important for you to be out at work?
I came out pretty early in my career. I’m pretty sure it was during my interview that I mentioned it to my areamanager. I shared it with the rest of my coworkers within the first six months. I’ve grown up in environments where I’ve had to hide who I am for so long, and I’ve gotten to a point where I don’t want to have to worry about how someone perceives me because of one little part of my life. I want people to love me for me.
How important do you think it is to have LGBTQ+ role models at work?
I think it’s very important. I think for me that really stands out because I know there are people who get concerned about who they are when they are applying for a job.
How does Enterprise support LGBTQ+ employees and allies?
Last year I was able to put up our first Enterprise booth at Pride in Kearney, NE. I reached out to HR, and they were so involved. They purchased the Pride supplies and we were able to provide an Enterprise Foundation grant for the Kearney PFLAG organization.
Does Enterprise embody an inclusive work environment? What does that look, sound and feel like?
Yes absolutely. They take the time to host trainings, for example making sure new hires understand that Enterprise has no tolerance for discrimination, and that we are an inclusive and diverse environment. If I’ve ever been in an uncomfortable conversation, they have always gone above and beyond.
What has it been like to work for Enterprise during the time of COVID-19?
It’s definitely been challenging. I know at the end of March, when COVID-19 was peaking, it was stressful. But our Regional Vice President has done a great job at organizing calls and relaying information to his teams.
