Get to Know Lead Mechanical Engineer Lauren May

Lauren is a lead mechanical engineer working in New Construction out of Seattle and has been with McKinstry since her internship back in 2015. As a member of McKinstry’s Pride Alliance, Lauren sees this month as both a celebration of how far we have come as well as a call to action for our ongoing mission to propel equality forward for future generations. In the Q&A below, learn about Lauren’s role at McKinstry, the meaning of pride month to her, how individuals in the workplace can better support the LGBTQ+ community and more.

Learn More About Lauren’s Experience

What is your role at McKinstry/ how did you get there?

I am a Lead Mechanical Engineer working in new construction in the Seattle office. I have been with McKinstry since starting as an intern in the engineering department in 2015. I graduated in 2016 & was hired full time and have been at McKinstry ever since. McKinstry’s leadership & people first values speak volumes for how our people are treated with dignity and respect. It’s been incredibly easy to stay here and be valued, seen, & invested in by my company these last 8 years.

What is the meaning of Pride Month to you?

Pride is a reminder of the incredible hard work done by the LGBTQ+ people before us. It is our duty to them, as well as the next generation, to live visibly and be active in our progress towards equality. It’s a time to celebrate our history, fight discrimination and honor the differences of people far and wide. Today, pride month symbolizes how far we’ve come we’ve come as a community and to celebrate out loud and proudly.

How can individuals best support the LGBTQ+ community in the workplace?

Be genuine and your authentic self, whether you are LGBTQ+ or not. By doing so, you open doors for others around you to be themselves. Be curious, not judgmental, of the world and the people around you. Participating and being an active ally in affinity groups, you open yourself up to seeing the strife of others and remember the unique perspectives of different world views.

“Every time someone steps up and says who they are, the world becomes a better & more interesting place”
-Captain Raymond Holt (of Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

This photo was taken on the 4th of July 2015, only a couple weeks after the Court ruled on marriage equality in June of 2015.

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