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Home > Mining Companies > Vale S.A. > News > Proud Lesbians: hear the...
Vale S.A.

Proud Lesbians: hear the stories of female employees who help Vale create a more aware and inclusive environment

Jun 28, 2021

During the LGBTQIA+ Pride’s month, Vale reinforces its commitment to diversity and takes the opportunity to share stories and raise awareness on the theme, based on the trajectory of our employees. Today we are going to tell stories of some of our openly lesbian employees, who carry the pride of being part of Vale with them and are much more than a letter in an acronym!
 
 
Pamella Almeida
 
Pamella Almeida, a technician specialized in conveyor belt maintenance, has been with Vale for 11 years. From operational trainee to team leader, the professional says that she has experienced discrimination in the workplace before, but the support provided by Vale was fundamental for her to be able to speak openly about the subject and engage in affinity groups, becoming an example in the team.
 
For her, the market is walking timidly towards an effective change regarding the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people, but the evolution since she started her career can be noticed.
 
Discrimination and prejudice still exist; this is a fact. But the opportunity, this voice that Vale is giving us, has been creating values and the opportunity for us to break down barriers, impose ourselves and speak.
 
 
Rosileide Silva
 
Administrative assistant Rosileide Silva has been part of Vale´s team for over 10 years. With the pandemic, her journey became focused on the challenge of acting on behalf of everyone´s safety, helping with the Covid-19 testing schedule, in addition to having her demands with the PPCM - Planning, Programming and Control of Maintenance – and some contractors from Porto Norte.
 
After a decade at Vale, Rosileide has already worked in several areas and has seen many advances regarding the diversity agenda. She is proud to be part of the LGBTQIA+ affinity group and says she already had the opportunity to learn a lot about gender and sexuality issues.
 
To be able to say today that you are a woman who likes other women, within Vale, in this world of men, is a very big step forward. Today, I introduce my wife to everyone as my wife. It's very natural. Looking at Vale 10 years ago and Vale in 2021, I see how far we still have to go, but also how far we have come in terms of that square world of just men or just women.
 
 
Marcela Silvestre
 
About 15 years ago, Marcela Silvestre left Rio de Janeiro for Minas Gerais, to join Vale´s supply logistics team at the Gongo Soco mine. She currently works in the facilities area as a VPS specialist. Her work routine includes contact with the public, leadership training and development of the entire team.
 
She says that for a long time she was afraid to talk about her sexual orientation in the corporate market. But, with the support and acceptance of one of her managers, she shared her story with her colleagues at the company, a moment that Marcela describes as liberating. For her, talking about the subject makes all the difference and managers have a fundamental role in this transformation process.
 
There was this time where I went to give a lecture about my story. I left because I had a meeting, but I was told that there was a third-party employee who felt free to open up about her sexuality, right then and there, to everyone. I thought it was fantastic! It means that by talking more and having more communication channels, we end up encouraging and helping other people.
 
 
Navita Ramdass
 
Navita Ramdass is a ground control engineer in training in Sudbury, Canada. She has been in Vale for almost 2 years and is currently part of the team responsible for the mine support system, carrying out inspections in active mine areas and reporting problems. In addition, she also works with the rock engineering group to mitigate seismic risks.
 
Her vocation for working in mines comes from her family, Navita's father also worked in this area and was her example to pursue her career. She says she feels lucky to have worked in places that are hospitable to LGBTQIA+ people.
 
I feel that diversity and inclusion groups have made significant progress in raising awareness and educating people about the situation of minorities, making the LGBTQIA+ community feel welcome. There is still a lot to be done, but the work that is being done today is not just for me, but for everyone else who will come after me.
 

Source: http://www.vale.com/brasil/EN/aboutvale/news/Pages/proud-lesbians-hear-the-stories-of-female-employees-who-help-vale-create-a-more-aware-and-inclusive-environment.aspx

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