Fusion: Providing a safe space for all

At Textron Systems, our employees are able to take part in events put on by our various employee resource groups (ERGs) throughout the year. Each of our ERGs has different missions and goals, but they all strive to foster a culture of inclusivity and belonging in the workplace.

Fusion is an ERG with a mission to help shape the workplace by creating a safe and welcoming environment for employees who identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies. Unlike our other ERGs, Fusion is present across most of Textron’s business units, allowing for a much larger network of employees and an opportunity for enterprise-wide events, such as lunch-and-learns, speaker panels, etc.

“Through Fusion, I hope to provide some level of community for those within the LGBT community and allies within Textron to connect,” said Brianna, Aerospace Engineer and Fusion Co-Chair. “Education is also important so that we can all be more supportive and welcoming to one another.”

Throughout the year, Fusion hosts several events, encouraging people to join and network, but more importantly, encouraging them to learn something new. Co-Chairs Brianna and Nicole often receive great feedback and thanks from colleagues for providing insightful information on several different topics.

“Everyone seems to always take something away from our events,” said Nicole, Executive Assistant to the CEO and Fusion Co-Chair.

Of the events Fusion has hosted within the past year, a couple favorites of the co-chairs have been the Harvey Milk Lunch-and-Learn and a Trans Day of Visibility speaker panel.

“The speakers on the [Trans Day of Visibility] panel largely had family members who were trans or may have been part of the community themselves,” Brianna said. “Personally, I found it very touching to hear their perspectives.”

Whether you identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, you’re an ally or you want to learn more and become an ally, Fusion is excited to welcome you.

“Fusion provides a sense of belonging in the workplace,” Nicole said. “We’d love to continue to grow the Fusion community and continue to include new members and board members. The more people that get involved, the more we can have fun together, learn from one another and continue to grow our networks.”