If you follow Bright Horizons, – you may have heard us talk about diversity, equity, inclusion, how we empower our employees to bring their WHOLE selves to work every day, and how we support them... but what can that look like?

Let’s talk to Denay, Center Director, on their experience working with us, their career progression, how their center staff and families have embraced their queerness, how Bright Horizons has evolved over the years (as well as why you should work here too)!

KD: Hi Denay! Can you introduce yourself and tell us your position at Bright Horizons?

DM: Hi, my name is Denay. I identify as queer, trans, non-binary and use they/them and he/him pronouns. I have been in the position as Center Director since 2019 and have been with the company since 2013.

Wow! 10 years – congrats! How did you get started with us?

DM: When I joined Bright Horizons, I started as a Preschool Teacher and worked my way up to Lead Teacher, then Assistant Director, and now Center Director!

As a queer person, do you feel seen and heard at BH? What has your experience been like?

DM: Being a trans, non-binary, brown, Indigenous person, simply existing and living a life centered around finding joy is revolutionary and an act of resistance.

Bright Horizons is the first company that has allowed me to bring my whole self to work each day. I have been out as non-binary for a few years now and have felt so much support from my Regional Manager and higher-ups, as well as my peers.

Being out at work and supported by your coworkers is so great. I’m glad that is your experience! What would you say is one way someone can be a better ally at work (or just in everyday life)?

DM: Being a good ally means putting your compassion before your need to understand. It means being responsible for your re-programming, in a way that puts love and acceptance in the forefront of how you see the world around you. It means understanding that we will never be done gaining knowledge about the human experience for ourselves and others.

What is your experience with the families at your center?

DM: The families that are part of my center’s community have embraced my queerness/trans-ness and have frequently expressed that they are happy that their children have an adult to guide them on embracing their authentic selves, no matter what that looks like.

I love hearing that the families embrace you (as they should)! What would you say to someone who feels that children are “too young” or “won't be able to understand”; in terms of gender identity and/or visibility to LGBTQIA+ people?

DM: I would say that not having access to information, not being allowed space to ask questions, and without witnessing representation, we are limiting children's ability to see the world in its wholeness and taking away their opportunities for self-discovery.

When we are only exposed to a singular experience (especially one that doesn’t include a spectrum of identities) we reinforce exclusivity, rather than inclusion. Believing that we are required to fit into a box, or never given the opportunity to see the world outside of that box, often manifests in self-doubt/self-hate and an inability to embrace humanity in its wholeness.

Alternatively, exposure to diversity and being presented with the multitudes that humans possess not only allows a child to discover and embrace who they are, but creates and reinforces inclusion, understanding, and community.

I couldn't have said it better myself! Since you started with us in 2013, have you seen any significant changes in the workplace in terms of diversity and inclusion?

DM: Yes – especially since the pandemic, and the emboldening of BLM and LGBTQIA+ rights being challenged, I feel that Bright Horizons has made substantial progress in elevating voices of those being oppressed, and understanding their role in upholding values that create inclusive and diverse environments.

Also, I am part of the BH Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG) and my division’s Diversity Pillars – and I have seen Bright Horizons work towards educating staff on how to best support the many intersections of marginalized people, on understanding privilege and adversity, as well as creating access to resources and education.

I love going to our weekly ERG meetings; they’re filled with HEARTfelt conversations, and I leave feeling like I learned something new every time. One last question. What would you say to someone considering applying for a career at Bright Horizons?

DM: Do it! Working here has given me an opportunity to be seen and respected as who I truly am. It has also provided me with a platform to use my voice in a way that betters my community, supports my peers, and fosters growth in the workplace.

Thanks so much for talking with me, Denay!

DM: Thank you!

Interested in a career at one of our Bright Horizons centers? Check out our current openings today!