Luminary Catalyst Award: SDG&E
SDG&E and their staff exemplify allyship in action. As an organization, SDG&E leads by example, backing their values with financial support and meaningful action that have lasting impact.
They consistently reaffirm their commitment to inclusion and belonging, creating an LGBTQ-affirming workplace, and funding vital LGBTQ+ initiatives. Their dedication to our shared mission has made them a bold corporate influencer, demonstrating how one organization’s LGBTQ-affirming values can set the standard for others to follow, sparking transformational support for our community.
Beyond their corporate influence, SDG&E’s staff actively support LGBTQ+ events and initiatives, from serving on The Center’s Board of Directors to over 60 employees marching in the San Diego Pride Parade last year— some as members of our community and many as allies. This includes the 100+ members of their LGBTQIA+ employee resource group, True Colors. SDG&E and their staff exemplify what it means to be a community ally, bringing visibility and support to the LGBTQ+ community through consistent action and unwavering commitment to their values.
Sarah Holstrom
VP of Events – True Colors ERG
“My name is Sarah Holstrom, and I am a proud lesbian who loves the community here in San Diego. I have been a passionate advocate and member of the LGBTQIA community since coming out at the age of 17, when I helped launch the first Gay-Straight Alliance at my high school. Since coming out, I have been an active volunteer with San Diego Pride in various roles, as well as an original founding member of the True Colors ERG at San Diego Gas & Electric. I am always looking for new volunteer opportunities and ways to get more involved with this community that has embraced me for all these years.
“SDG&E does not just talk about inclusion and belonging; we demonstrate it with our actions. Whether by participating annually in the San Diego Pride Parade, encouraging our employees to participate in Dining Out for Life, or simply ensuring our employees continue to represent the various cultures and diverse backgrounds that make up our LGBTQIA community. Some of our employees even serve on the board of The Center and are engaged members of True Colors, which helps us share current events and stay informed about ways to get involved and support the community.
“It is truly an honor and a reflection of the hard work, passion and dedication of the employees at SDG&E. Working for a company that continues to recognize that our differences are our greatest strengths makes me incredibly proud of the people I work with and the core values SDG&E stands by: Do the Right Thing, Champion People and Shape the Future.
“Allyship is needed now more than ever! We must continue to ask our trans family how we can support each and every one of them during this turbulent and unsettling time. We must educate ourselves and amplify the voices of those who are marginalized and underrepresented. We must take every opportunity to stand up and speak out against bullying and hate toward the beautiful people who make up this brilliant community.”