Insights Championing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion with passion and impact
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) are critical pillars in
our organization, shaping an inclusive and welcoming workplace.
To highlight the remarkable strides made in embedding ED&I in everything we do, and in conjunction with Pride Month, we interviewed Kyle A. Kellogg, an LGBTQ+ employee leading the Equilibrium North America Employee Resource Group (ERG). Let’s discover his inspiring journey.
Surprising
acceptance
Kyle's journey within
the engineering and construction industry has exposed him to the challenges
faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. However, he has also found the industry, often
perceived as homophobic, to be unexpectedly accepting.
The
inherent diversity and close-knit nature of construction teams at AtkinsRéalis have
fostered a shared understanding and collaboration. This, in turn, often leads
to a greater acceptance of differences. Kyle acknowledges that not everyone will
have the same positive experience and believes that more work needs to be done
to foster an open and inclusive environment for all.
A
transformative experience
A traumatic event where
Kyle was the target of homophobia – during a construction course given by one
of AtkinsRéalis ’s external providers – revealed the unwavering support of his
colleagues and leadership in our organization. This experience ignited a
passion within him to establish a safe space and a community of like-minded
individuals. Inspired by a successful UK-based employee resource group, Kyle
joined forces with fellow employees and launched Equilibrium in the United
States in September 2021. Starting with a modest group of 10 to 15 members,
Equilibrium rapidly grew to 147 members in the United States and Canada.
While Equilibrium
serves as a haven for LGBTQ+ individuals, nearly half of its members are
passionate allies who enthusiastically lend their support, recognizing the
importance of standing up for equality and inclusion.
The
importance of leadership
As an
employee-driven initiative, Equilibrium benefits from a global sponsor, Mike
Newton (SVP, Human Resources, USA), who advocates for Equilibrium and secures
funding for their events. Additionally, Érik Ryan (EVP, Marketing, Strategy and
External Relations) acts as the global ally to LGBTQ+ employees and, to Kyle’s
words, goes above and beyond in his support, acting not only as an ally but
also as a champion.
The
involvement of leaders for ERGs is crucial as they lend credibility and
legitimacy to the groups they get involved with, driving meaningful change and
encouraging broader participation.
Building
trust and overcoming fear
Joining an ED&I group can be daunting, but Equilibrium actively cultivates
an environment that fosters trust and understanding. This ERG strives to create
an open, accepting, and retaliation-free space where individuals can embrace
their true selves without fear of judgment.
Kyle
understands that some employees may question the need for an LGBTQ+ safe space,
for Pride parades or marches, especially if they perceive equal rights have been
achieved in many countries.
For him,
these are opportunities to embrace diversity and show support for fellow
humans. Pride parades offer a tangible, in-person platform to stand together
and combat homophobia. They provide a space to amplify voices, address
remaining challenges, and inspire everyone to foster positive change. By
marching, they not only represent their organization but also send a powerful
message to potential future employees and aspiring engineers who may be
hesitant due to perceived homophobia.
Embrace
the journey
Kyle's journey
within the engineering industry sheds light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+
individuals, but also the power of support, allyship, and proactive initiatives
like Equilibrium. Through their collective efforts, Equilibrium members and
allies exemplify the transformative impact of ED&I initiatives in our
workplace and inspire others to embrace their true selves in pursuit of
fulfilling careers in our organization. Bas du formulaire
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
![Blueprints and a hard hat on a table with hands writing over the blueprints.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/gCtvIzX4lkgElwjcrKkQGQ/75/shutterstock_1807436797-min.jpg)
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/25/2024
Summary
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is on track to become a global tech hub centered around innovation and digital entrepreneurship. Vision 2030 has already made waves in transforming the nation’s
![A picture of Shaila smiling in a pink jacket](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/Fs4sXhd4S0XBCwjcq4c3aQ/75/Shaila+TN+3.png)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/24/2024
Summary
Hello! I'm Shaila, Associate Director and IT Business Partner at AtkinsRéalis in India. I lead diverse projects, nurture teams, and champion equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I). Using my
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![Picture of Wannacha smiling in a white shirt.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/cZibr30WnEaV9AjcqrybMA/75/WANNACHA_TN.png)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/23/2024
Summary
Hello! My name is Wannacha, and I joined AtkinsRéalis in Seoul in early 2024 as a process engineer. I'm proud to bring a unique blend of technical expertise and my own cultural insight
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![A picture of Adam Brooks in a suit smiling.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/NqMOvndEIk_fNQjcqnc8-w/75/Adam+Brooks+-+TN.png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/23/2024
Summary
Hello, I'm Adam. And, remarkably, I'm nearing my 40th anniversary with AtkinsRéalis! What started as an ‘apprentice’ as a trainee straight out of school has evolved into a fulfilling career, w
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![Photo of Mahalakshmi with the AtkinsRéalis logo](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/np3xO56nN0OfAwjcqnc8-w/75/Mahalakshmi+TN+(1).png)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/23/2024
Summary
Hi, my name is Mahalakshmi. I'm an Associate Group Data Architect at AtkinsRéalis and a mother of two. I began my career in September 2010 at Infosys before moving on to a longer stint
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![Close up hand signing contract with pen](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/sO_H58P5iUnIiwjcqgqs_A/75/shutterstock_1286215696-min.jpg)
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/22/2024
Summary
In 2021, the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) inaugurated the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI), a collaborative regional approach to address climate change. The goals of this
![Graphic representation of faces in different colours.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/A3iXatQHh0g6wQjcpU9v8w/75/TT50+(1).png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/16/2024
Summary
Fantastic news: AtkinsRéalis has been named one of The Times' Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality in 2024! This prestigious honor shows how dedicated everyone at our organization is to promot
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![A Picture of Jo smiling outdoors.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/TIMW30C24kg6wwjcpU9v8w/75/Jo_tn2+(1).png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/16/2024
Summary
My name is Jo, and I'm a nuclear safety engineer at AtkinsRéalis. My primary role is to provide engineering and safety advice during the design and operation of nuclear facilities and for the
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![Construction projects in Riyadh - the city from an aerial view](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/GMVm1QEtGEHPsQjaDNNiZg/75/Riyadh.jpg)
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/12/2024
Summary
Skip to Quantity Surveying jobs in Riyadh The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is in the midst of a period of economic and sustainability-led transformation. Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al-Saud (MBS)
![Photo of Jo smiling for the camera](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/i7X_O905VkVDXAjcoieojA/75/JO+TN+(1).png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/11/2024
Summary
Hello! My name is Jo. As a Nuclear Safety Engineer at AtkinsRéalis, my experience so far has seen me work across various project lifecycles - from generic design assessments to nuclear new bui
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![Picture of Mei smiling in front of a screen.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/kMLdoAfTNU6hLQjcpIXZ2Q/75/Mei+1.png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/11/2024
Summary
I'm Mei, a chartered engineer with extensive experience in water and wastewater engineering projects in the UK and internationally. I’m the Water Sector Lead and Project Director in AtkinsRéal
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![A Picture of Paul smiling.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/RBMGnUs9gkJQ5gjcoHiKiQ/75/paul+miller+(2).png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/10/2024
Summary
Hello. My name is Paul, and I'm the Practice Director for Risk at AtkinsRéalis. Risk management is a dynamic field where problem solvers thrive on keeping projects and programmes secure and on
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
AtkinsRéalis
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more