Celebrating Pride Month at Cadence: A Global Commitment to DEI
June is a time of celebration, reflection, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. It's a month that commemorates the ongoing pursuit of equal justice under the law for the LGBTQ+ community and celebrates the accomplishments of LGBTQ+ individuals. At Cadence, we proudly champion these values year-round. During Pride Month, however, we shine an extra light on our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This year, our celebrations spanned the globe, from flag-raising ceremonies to thought-provoking discussions, culminating in a vibrant Pridefest at our headquarters in San Jose.
Flag Raising Ceremonies Around the Globe
Unity and visibility are core principles of the Pride celebration. In a symbolic act of solidarity, Cadence displayed the Pride Progress Flag at many of our office sites around the world. These events marked the beginning of Pride Month and signified our ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community. From the United States to Europe and Asia, the rainbow flag, a universal symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, flew high and proud, reflecting our global commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
An Enlightening Conversation with Megan Smith
At Cadence headquarters, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to host Megan Smith, CEO of shift7 and former US Chief Technology Officer—and the first woman to hold that office—as part of our Pride Month celebrations. Megan's visit was as impactful as it was inspirational as she shared her insightful perspectives on technology, diversity, and social change. Her passionate encouragement to challenge existing norms and harness innovation for societal progress left us feeling empowered and optimistic about the future. During her talk, Megan underscored the significance of inclusion in technology and how it can profoundly change the world for the better, stating, “We have a culture problem, not a pipeline problem,” when speaking on the barriers to finding diverse tech talent. Her work with shift7, aimed at nurturing tech talent from diverse backgrounds, is a testament to her commitment to creating a more inclusive and innovative industry. Our team's enthusiastic participation and thoughtful questions further reinforced our collective dedication to these important ideals.
Pridefest: A Celebration of Community and Diversity
The highlight of our Pride Month celebrations was the second annual Cadence Pridefest event, held at our corporate headquarters. A culmination of love, diversity, and community, the event featured various local LGBTQ+-owned businesses, showcasing their products and services for employees to purchase goods and make connections. SV Pride, Bill Wilson Center, Adolescent Counseling Center, The LGBTQ Youth Space, and Grammarly—our Words Matter partner—joined us, offering resources and information to employees, further strengthening the bonds between Cadence and the community we live and work in. Colleagues gathered to connect, laugh, and share joy, encapsulating the spirit of inclusivity and connection that lies at the heart of Pride.
Our celebrations throughout Pride Month inspired employees to come together to support our commitment to creating a workplace and industry that values diversity, promotes equity, and includes everyone. These events, while celebrating the history and impact of the LGBTQ+ community, remind us that we all have a role in continuing to lay the foundation for a future where everyone can feel safe and encouraged to be their authentic self at work.
