Learning From Pride Month: Inclusion Paves the Way for Equality
Business
Daniela Porcellato is a program associate on our Corporate Citizenship team. She leads Oracle’s volunteering efforts across Latin America, but her passion for making the world a better place doesn’t end there. A proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Dani is a tireless advocate for diversity in all its forms. In honor of Pride Month, she reflects on the important role that inclusion must play in creating a more equal world.
A life-long calling
A former teacher, Dani has always been motivated by uplifting others. Her role at Oracle now allows her to do that on a much larger scale. “I would never have thought my career would turn out the way it did, but I’ve always been a people person, so this opportunity has allowed me to put one of my biggest passions to work in a corporate environment, which means I can create a much bigger impact on many more fronts,” she explains.
Whether it’s empowering the LGBTQ+ community or elevating minorities, Dani is motivated by the desire to remove barriers and create opportunities for people who society has marginalized. Her role includes managing initiatives such as Oracle Academy, our global philanthropy program which provides free STEM education and learning resources to millions of students and educators across the globe. “This role has given me the chance to meet amazing organizations working on human rights, better education, and empowering minorities. I’m so happy to be able to encourage and promote these values and opportunities at Oracle and beyond.”
Fight for what’s right
It’s obvious that Dani is someone who tries to be the change she wants to see in the world. Always ready to pitch in and pay it forward, she’s an active member of employee groups such as the Oracle Pride Employee Network, Oracle Women’s Leadership, and our Diversity and Inclusion team. “I truly believe in the power of community and how our individual contributions generate a collective impact,” she shares. “I am always trying to learn, to be a better listener, a better communicator, and a contributor towards a truly inclusive world.”
Her diversity and inclusion philosophy is rooted in respect for people from all walks of life. “We all come from different experiences and can learn from each other,” she suggests. “For me, diversity and inclusion is about propelling a mindset that values our differences and celebrates them as strengths, giving us the opportunity to do better, be better, and inspire others to be their best selves.”
Dani goes on to explain that she sees diversity as a fact, and inclusion as a choice. “We don’t need to have the same experiences, the same feelings, the same struggles: that’s impossible. But we do have the power to learn and change. There are no wrong questions or answers, as long as there is respect, willingness, and commitment to fight for what’s right.”
Putting privilege to work
Dani feels fortunate to have grown up in a supportive environment that accepted her for who she was. “I know I’m very lucky to have grown up in a pretty open-minded family and surroundings,” she confides. “I had a very good experience coming out, but as I met other members from different backgrounds, I got to realize that, sadly, my experience was one of privilege and one in a million.”
Dani decided to use her privilege to make the path easier for others. “Hearing all of these not-so-happy stories made me think about my own path and how lucky I was, so I decided to put my best quality to work and help to tell all of these stories, hoping to empower others to live as their true selves, and promote spaces where everyone has equal opportunities.”
United in Pride
For Dani, Pride Month is a time when we celebrate how far the fight for equality has come, while recognizing how far we have yet to go. It’s also a safe space where she can be 100% herself.
“Celebrating Pride is celebrating ourselves,” she emphasizes. “It means who we are matters. And even though we may have different backgrounds or experiences, we have the opportunity to share our stories with each other, and make the struggles visible too. We know there’s still a long way to go, but the idea of having Oracle as an ally on this journey is super encouraging, and it definitely reassures me that we’re on the right track.”
Having an employer that walks the walk when it comes to diversity and inclusion means a lot to Dani. “I’m so proud to work for a company that encourages people to be their true and best self,” she concludes. “We’re all engaged in this transformation—we understand innovation comes from different points of view, different voices. And those voices are being heard at Oracle. We’re united in pride. We’re proud of who we are, and the progress we’re making towards a more inclusive future.”
Dani’s top five principles for success
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