IDAHOBLIT: Project Mosaic Is Helping LGBTQ+ People Bring Their Full Selves to Work
Interviews
This week marks International Day Against Homophobia Biphobia, Lesbophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBLIT), where LGBTQ+ rights activists and allies come together to push forward equality and shine a light on the LGBTQ+ trailblazers that have fought for our rights.
JPMorgan Chase has long been a supporter of equality in all forms, including for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2021, the organization strengthened its commitment by creating the Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs - a full-time, global team dedicated to driving LGBTQ+ equity and inclusion internally and externally.
A core pillar of this initiative focuses on advancing career opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community. For many LGBTQ+ people, finding a work environment where they can feel safe to be their full selves can be a challenge. JPMorgan Chase’s Project Mosaic program is putting an intentional focus on creating career pathways for LGBTQ+ people, especially those that identify as transgender and nonbinary.
In recognition of International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Lesbophobia and Transphobia on May 17, we spoke with two people involved with Project Mosaic to learn what the day means to them and how JPMorgan Chase is helping promote a more inclusive culture for the LGBTQ+ community around the world.
Thank you for chatting with us Daniel and Wesley! Can you both start by telling us a bit about yourselves and your roles at JPMorgan Chase?
Daniel: My name is Daniel Clarke, and I am a Program Director on the Emerging Talent team at JPMorgan Chase. I have the privilege and honor of overseeing four different Emerging Talent initiatives – including Project Mosaic - that create career pathways for individuals who sometimes are overlooked in traditional recruitment processes.
Wesley: I’m Wesley White, and I joined the firm in 2022 as a Project Mosaic intern. I now work as a Program Coordinator with the Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, helping to manage the office's administrative and governance-related work.
Daniel Clarke, Program Director on the Emerging Talent Team at JPMorgan Chase, oversees Project Mosaic
What sets Project Mosaic apart from other hiring programs for the LGBTQ+ community?
Wesley: Getting to meet and working alongside other Project Mosaic interns who held identities like mine was unique and invaluable. The program also allowed me to network with LGBTQ+ leaders across the company. I got a chance to speak with a non-binary senior leader during a panel event about imposter syndrome. They helped me see that I could bring my full identity to work and be not only accepted but nurtured.
Daniel: Project Mosaic is different from many internship programs because being enrolled in a college degree program is not a requirement. This enables us to engage more participants who have the skills we’re looking for. Project Mosaic partners with LGBTQ+ organizations that are directly connected to communities, allowing us to reach talented individuals outside of traditional talent pipelines. The program is our way of inviting this community in and letting them know there’s a place for you at JPMorgan Chase.
What does IDAHOBLIT mean to you?
Daniel: To me, IDAHOBLIT means to remember. I remember those that have come before me, who fought for the rights I have today. The people who advocated for equality even though they were ridiculed, persecuted and attacked. I also remember that today the fight for equal rights continues. Finally, I remember my duty to be the best ally I can be to other members of the LGBTQ+ community by listening, supporting, encouraging and giving them a voice.
Wesley: IDAHOBLIT reminds me that although the LGBTQ+ community has made significant progress, we still have a long road ahead until all of us are fully safe from discrimination. Recognition days like this are important to draw attention to the issues facing our communities, as well as amplify resources to build resilience.
Wesley White, Program Coordinator with the Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs at JPMorgan Chase, first joined the firm as an intern through Project Mosaic
Everyone deserves to live in a world without discrimination. What is JPMorgan Chase doing to try to make this a reality?
Wesley: JPMorgan Chase is making LGBTQ+ equity and inclusion a priority. One way we approach this is through dedicated allyship programming. We host regular allyship training to build awareness about the community and equip employees with the tools needed to contribute to an inclusive culture. Externally, JPMorgan Chase’s philanthropic efforts and partnerships with strategic nonprofits are helping the most vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community access more opportunities and thrive.
Daniel: At JPMorgan Chase, we strive to create a world where everyone can be their most authentic selves. Through our DEI Centers of Excellence, we’re bringing this to life for our employees, as well as our customers, clients and communities. Whether it be through financial education, supporting diverse small businesses or nonprofit partnerships, we are committed to creating a more equitable culture that represents the communities we serve.
