myGwork spoke with the Analyst Relations Specialist about role in the PrideMatters employee resource group
BY DYLAN MANN-HAZELL
In this insightful interview, myGwork spoke with Mikaela Rego, an Analyst Relations Specialist at Colt Technology Services, to explore her journey of self-discovery and advocacy for the LGBTQIA community. With a supportive family behind her and a heartwarming love story that spans across continents, she reflects on pivotal moments in her career, including her instrumental role in the PrideMatters employee resource group at Colt.
Hi! Could you introduce yourself, and tell me a bit about your background and career journey leading up to your current position at Colt?
I’m Mikaela Rego, an Analyst Relations Specialist at Colt. My career began in retail at Sainsbury’s, followed by a B2B cold calling sales job in London (which wasn’t for me!). After graduating with a BA in Sport and Fitness Management, I pivoted due to injuries and ended up in tech/telecoms. I joined Colt’s graduate scheme, and the rest is history!
Can you tell me a bit about your childhood – where did you grow up; did you have any hobbies?
I was born in Canada but moved to England at 10, so my childhood was cold and snowy. The rest of my childhood and growing up was here. I enjoyed playing football until the start of university, where multiple injuries affected me (including tearing my Achilles twice!) I also love cooking (my dad’s a chef), gaming, and I’m a movie nerd!
Can you share your personal journey with the LGBTQIA community?
I was in denial about being a lesbian for a long time, thinking it was just a phase since I didn’t know anyone else LGBTQIA to talk to. I convinced myself I was straight for years. At 20, I came out at university, and though my mum, sister, and best friends had guessed, telling my dad and nan was harder. Thankfully, they both accepted me, and I’m lucky to have a supportive family. Despite some negative experiences, I stay true to myself and believe we must support each other, especially in today’s uncertain world. Those who aren’t supportive don’t deserve my energy. We must be allies to one another.
Fast forward to now – I met my fiancé online through Call Of Duty! She’s from near Seattle, WA, USA and we’ve been doing long-distance for three years. I proposed last year in Brighton when she visited! Next, we’re planning to get married, having her move in with me this year, and finally living the life we’ve always wanted here in England… and getting a dog, I hope!
What has been a standout moment in your career so far?
There’s been a few but one of my proudest moments was organizing and hosting an in-person panel for Pride Month at Colt, as part of our PrideMatters employee resource group. The theme was “Connecting With Pride”. I’m also proud to have been a founding member of the network and co-hosted Colt’s first ally training with a colleague seven years ago, reaching around 200 employees globally.
How does Colt strive for inclusivity and provide an open space for LGBTQIA employees?
We’ve made great progress with our PrideMatters network. While we know acceptance levels vary globally across the LGBTQIA community, we are still working hard at Colt to create a safe and inclusive culture where everyone can bring their true selves to work and feel safe at least in our offices and in the workplace. We’re supported by an amazing Executive Sponsor, our Chief Legal Officer, and a great Head of Diversity and Inclusion. We’ve implemented policies like our Transition at Work and Global Parental Leave, which recognizes same-sex parents’ families. We also run allyship training, partner with LGBTQIA charities, and host awareness events and panels. I’m lucky to work for a company that supports change and encourages employees to be their authentic selves. I also support our Women @Colt network and neurodiversity in our DAN network which is important for me too.
Throughout your career, have you noticed any developments in attitudes towards the importance of diversity and inclusion?
Absolutely. Whilst we’ve made great progress, there is still a lot of work to be done so we cannot stop or slow down. That goes for the rest of the world, now more than ever. The importance of diversity and inclusion has definitely grown, especially with the younger new generation. There are more resources and access to support than ever, and I am proud to be a part of that change.
However, the rise of technology and social media has also brought more challenges on top of the already existing issues, more propaganda, more keyboard warriors, discrimination etc. I feel like one moment we progress forward and then the world takes three steps back. But we’ll continue working together. Allies are crucial to the LGBTQIA community right now.
What immediate improvements would you like to see being made for LGBTQIA equality in the future – both in the workplace, and wider society?
That’s a big question! We need more education and support programs, especially for parents of LGBTQIA children and the next generation, to keep fighting for equality. People must stop being active bystanders and stand up for equality. “Freedom of speech” as some certain individuals call it, should never justify homophobia, racism, or discrimination.
Is there anything we haven’t discussed already that you would like to include?
“Love is Love.” It shouldn’t be hard for people to understand. Being LGBTQIA doesn’t harm anyone, we are not a threat to society! We’re simply trying to live our lives with a sense of belonging, happiness, and safety, and express our true selves, just like everyone else. There are definitely far bigger issues in the world. Be proud of who you are and never let anyone tell you it’s wrong to be LGBTQIA. We need each other and allies to support, now more than ever.
Colt is a proud partner of myGwork, the LGBTQ+ business community. Find out more about LGBTQ+-friendly job opportunities with Colt here.
DIVA magazine celebrates 31 years in print in 2025. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
Brilliant column!
Well done Mikaela for all your hard work and making a difference.