“It’s crucial to recognize that Diversity and Inclusion (DNI) is a continuous journey, not a one-time action”
BY DYLAN MANN-HAZELL
Marina Del Frate, HRBP Coordinator at Reckitt Industrial, believes it’s important to stand up for all marginalised communities, regardless of whether you identify with them. myGwork sat down with Marina to discuss her passion for the arts and how this connects with her unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Raised in Brazil, family has always served as an anchor in Marina’s life. In particular, her close bond with her younger brother stands out as a profound source of strength and connection, shaping her outlook on life. Marina recognizes the importance of empathy, support, and understanding in personal relationships – a mindset she has kept close to her heart along her path through the world of diversity and inclusion.
“I’ve made errors; I’m not perfect. No one is. But it’s always a learning journey, and if we have mutual support and continuous action, then tomorrow is a whole new world. It’s a path that we all need to follow to have a more inclusive and fairer world for everyone.”
Starting with a background in public administration at university, Marina found her niche in Human Resources through internships in the corporate world. This route led her to become a Business Partner in various HR functions, culminating in her current role at Reckitt Industrial as an HRBP Coordinator specialising in supply areas.
Marina’s impact at the company is most pronounced in her passionate involvement in Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, particularly within the LGBTQIA community. As president of an ERG group, Marina focuses on year-round inclusion efforts, going beyond token gestures during awareness events such as Pride Month. Her dedication stems from a deep-seated belief in equity and empathy, as well as the need for advocacy for marginalised communities throughout the year.
“It’s crucial to recognize that Diversity and Inclusion (DNI) is a continuous journey, not a one-time action,” says Marina. “We have a long path ahead and must advocate for more effective policies that promote non-discrimination and equal opportunities in all workplaces.”
Marina’s leadership of the ERG reflects her personal commitment to ongoing actions to create a more inclusive environment based on mutual support. Her advocacy journey is characterised by a willingness to learn and grow – something she considers an important part of authentic allyship.
One pivotal moment that showcased Marina’s proactive approach to inclusivity was when she advocated for better-fitting caps for employees with diverse hair types in the factory. This act of inclusivity, outside of her usual remit, exemplified her passion for driving positive change within the business landscape. To Marina, true allyship means standing up for marginalised communities, regardless of whether you are a part of them or not.
A formative event in Marina’s life happened in 2020 when despite the challenges posed by lockdown, she married her husband, a magician she met through a shared love for the arts. Acting and musical theatre are not just hobbies for Marina but serve as pillars of passion. They have acted as empowering influences, improving her ability to connect with others on a deeper level, both in a personal and professional context.
Marina’s move to Reckitt Industrial allowed her to align personal and professional values with the company’s people-first principles and approaches. There, the commitment to diversity and inclusion is palpable. Initiatives to improve recruitment practices, training to mitigate workplace biases, and support for LGBTQIA rights underscore the company’s dedication to inclusion. By partnering with forums and participating in awareness days such as International Women’s Day and Pride Month, the company sets a standard for embracing diversity across its operations.
Emphasising continuous progress, Marina advocates for ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts including the necessity for workplace-wide policies that prioritise equality. She also underscores the need for global legislative advancements to solidify civil rights, calling for collective action in empowering marginalised communities.
“Improved legislative advancements are important to ensure civil rights and equality for all people. While progress has been made in Brazil, with rights for same-sex couples, there is still much room for improvement in the legal framework to achieve true equality for everyone.”
The impact of Marina’s initiatives –from advocating for better workplace conditions to driving inclusive recruitment practices — showcases the value of her commitment. Through sharing insights from her journey, Marina encourages everyone to take action, stand up for marginalised communities, and champion equality wherever they can.
Reckitt is a proud partner of myGwork, the LGBTQ+ business community. Find out more about Reckitt and apply to their LGBTQ+-friendly job opportunities.
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