“Our impact has to extend beyond the workplace for representation and visibility within our society”
BY MYGWORK, IMAGE PROVIDED
Josie Jerge, a professional at Thermo Fisher Scientific, spoke with myGwork about finding strength in community and excelling in scientific quality assurance. From navigating life as a lesbian to exploring diversity and inclusion efforts at Thermo Fisher, Josie describes the importance of advancing LGBTQIA+ equality in the workplace and wider society, and how it can benefit everyone.
Can you tell me about your childhood – where did you grow up; did you have any hobbies?
I grew up in Fredericksburg, VA and enjoyed running, playing basketball, and playing sousaphone in my HS marching band. For as long as I can remember, I always knew I was a lesbian and didn’t fit the traditional idea of gender stereotypes. I grew up in a strict household and had to hide who I was from my family but luckily, I had friends that I eventually felt safe to confide in and they helped me grow to feel safe to be who I was, thanks to their support and their accepting families.
Can you share your personal journey with the LGBTQIA+ community?
Middle school to high school was a harder time for me as far as feeling safe and happy to be who I was. I am lucky to have had friends that were accepting of me, but I still felt insecure. Later in college, I really started to understand the importance in community after meeting and becoming friends with people who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. They really helped me feel seen, despite having different experiences and backgrounds, and allowed me to grow into a more confident, proud person. Since then, I’ve grown to be able to share that same support and community with others in general and with my more recent hobbies of hiking and rock climbing.
What has been a standout moment in your career so far?
I started working here back in 2020 right after I graduated college with a B.S degree in biology. From starting as an assistant scientist, to leading teams in lab, and eventually finding my interest in quality assurance, my standout moment has been my growth and adaptability throughout my career so far.
How does Thermo Fisher Scientific strive for inclusivity and provide an open space for LGBTQIA+ employees?
Thermo Fisher has business resource groups to provide support and an open space for LGBTQIA+ employees. They provide events throughout the year and have helped me connect with employees across departments. I also personally appreciate the initiative to provide more gender-neutral bathrooms for employees on-site.
Throughout your career, have you noticed any developments in attitudes towards the importance of diversity and inclusion?
I believe the importance of diversity and inclusion has always been reflected in the teams I’ve worked with. I’ve personally only experienced positive encounters from coworkers and management that I’ve worked with and have felt safe to be who I am. Pronouns have been a hot topic in society; however, everyone I work closely with has been respectful and open to learning.
What immediate improvements would you like to see being made for LGBTQ+ equality in the future – both in the workplace, and wider society?
In this unprecedented time of growth and challenges, it’s very important we focus on staying informed and working to ensure all LGBTQIA+ [individuals] are safe. More improvements can be made towards employment opportunities and leadership experience for LGBTQIA+ people. And in general, our impact has to extend beyond the workplace for representation and visibility within our society.
Thermo Fisher Scientific is a proud partner of myGwork, the LGBTQIA+ business community. Find out more about LGBTQIA+-friendly job opportunities at Thermo Fisher Scientific.
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