Jill Gannon: “Allies Are Essential in the Workplace, Serving as Eyes and Ears to Ensure There Is Equality, Fairness, Understanding and Respect Across All Efforts”

Jill Gannon, HIV Regional Sales Director & Women at Gilead Co-Lead, spoke to myGwork about allyship and the role of everyone I the workplace in pushing forward change.

Hi Jill – thanks for chatting with us! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Jill Gannon and I have the pleasure of working with the HIV Community Liaison team partnering with the community across the US West coast to enhance HIV education and patient engagement in care. I often say this is one of the best roles at Gilead as it is patient-facing, customer-focused and works alongside the community every day.

Why do you think allies are important?

Allies are critical in amplifying voices, perspectives and opportunities. Allies proactively listen to see how they can best support and actively show up to support the needs of their peers.

What is your experience of being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community?

My experience of being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community spans across championing the success of my internal colleagues while advocating for equality and opportunities of those we work with externally.

For me, it was never a decision to be an ally as it felt more of an imperative to keep showing up for the people who matter to me. I witness the passion and perseverance so many members of the LGBTQ+ community showcase every day and want to be a part of making those efforts more successful and equal opportunities more accessible.

How do you think allies can be more vocal?

This starts with action and continues with endorsement. Actions do speak louder than words and the two together are what drive change. I would encourage individuals to ask questions about how they can support their colleagues and peers and lead by example with those efforts.

How can allies help create an inclusive workplace?

Allies are essential in the workplace, serving as eyes and ears to ensure there is equality, fairness, understanding and respect across all efforts.

What does it mean for you to be an ally?

Being an ally means being united with and empowering alongside individuals part of a common group. To be an ally for the LGBTQ+ community means being constantly present and visibly advocating for their experiences and equality.

What’s the role of allies within your employee resource groups?

Within the US HIV Business Unit and the Community Liaison team, the element of allyship is at the forefront of our efforts. We receive training, resources and peer support on how to best partner and show allyship, with a commitment to constant learning.

As a lead for our Women at Gilead Employee Resource Group, collaboration with Pride Alliance and our LGBTQ+ Community is constant and a commitment. As we have overlapping goals, we partner to achieve these objectives to support our internal employees and the communities we serve. This starts with awareness and expands with actionable takeaways to implement into our employees’ work and personal lives.

Have you been involved in any activities with your organization’s LGBTQ+ network?

The Pride Alliance Employee Resource Group at Gilead/Kite is a fabulous organization that I am an active member of as well as a peer supporter parting our regional Women at Gilead ERG efforts. These efforts also intersect with my day job managing our HIV Community Team attending many Pride events and parades across the West coast for the past decade. 

How does your allyship show up for other marginalized people?

I am also passionate about creating and advocating for opportunities for women and highlighting the intersections with culture, race and identity. I serve as the co-lead for our Women at Gilead Employee Resource Group, and we routinely connect with our counterparts to plan, implement and measure how we can impact our common objectives together.