The financial institution has been recognized in the first edition of the EPBN-WISE LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Awards as one of the European companies most firmly committed to LGBTIQ+ inclusion in the workplace. The award recognizes organizations that have implemented concrete measures to create safe, diverse, and inclusive working environments.
The recognition forms part of the European EPBN-WISE project, ‘Workplace Inclusion for a Sustainable Europe,’ promoted by the European Pride Business Network. The initiative aims to champion LGBTIQ+ equality in the workplace through assessments, mentoring programs, strategic training, and shared tools across European organizations. This first edition of the awards, which recognized and celebrated 28 leading European figures and 14 inclusive companies, seeks to acknowledge businesses and organizations that have promoted inclusive actions and policies in the workplace.
The award honors BBVA for its work in integrating LGBTIQ+ diversity into its global diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy. Since 2019, the bank has promoted initiatives focused on cultural transformation, the visibility of role models, training, collaboration with specialist organizations, and the development of specific protocols to ensure a respectful and safe working environment for everyone.
Alicia García and Javier Conejero, members of BBVA Be Yourself, receive the EPBN-WISE LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Award. - BBVA
“This accolade reflects our efforts to embrace a corporate culture in which each and every individual can be themselves, grow professionally, and contribute through their authenticity. At BBVA, we view inclusion as a shared responsibility and as a driver for building more diverse, empathetic teams that are better prepared to respond to the needs of a pluralistic society,” said Carlos Pérez Beruete, Head of Culture and Engagement at BBVA.
Among the main initiatives promoted by BBVA are the equality and anti-harassment agreement for LGBTI people approved in 2023; the trans diversity protocol designed to support gender transition processes in the workplace; and guides on new family models and inclusive language. The bank promotes these initiatives through Be Yourself, its employee group for LGBTIQ+ employees and allies, which is active in Spain, Europe, Mexico, and South America and works alongside Diversity teams to develop internal resources, awareness initiatives, and spaces for dialogue.