Dow recently announced that four of its leaders have earned recognition on three 2021 OUTstanding LGBT+ role models lists: LGBT+ Executives, LGBT+ Ally Executives, and LGBT+ Future Leaders. A Dow leader has been recognized on one of these lists each year since 2014. Annual rankings are based on a review process of nominees selected among professionals actively contributing to an environment where employees feel safe, respected, and valued both within and outside of the workplace.

“This recognition is a reflection of Team Dow’s dedicated focus on creating a more equal and inclusive workplace and world,” said Amy Wilson, general counsel, corporate secretary, and executive sponsor for Dow’s LGBT+ and ally employee resource group, GLAD. “Dow’s GLAD team, led by Alex Papastrat, and countless other colleagues are the ones who made this possible; they inspire me. Significant progress has been made, but the journey is far from over. And we will continue to work at the forefront across public and private sectors to advocate for full inclusion in all facets of our society.”

Dow leaders honored as Top 100 Leading LGBT+ Executives are:

• Louis A. Vega, president, North America and vice president, government affairs and advocacy (#9)—Vega’s holistic approach to inclusion and diversity in the workplace is best illustrated through his involvement with GLAD. As the group’s global advisor, he has worked with chapters globally to promote a more inclusive workplace and community for all employees. He is a member of Dow’s President’s Inclusion Council, sponsors and leads Dow’s Social Justice Council, and serves as a member of the company’s Operations Team. A leader and pivotal voice on business strategy, people development, and growth matters for Dow around the globe, Vega brings his passion for inclusion to all his discussions and involvements—from engagements with government and industry leaders to serving on the board of directors for multiple civil society groups. In addition, through his service on the boards of numerous other inclusion-focused organizations, he leverages his relationships within the business community and shares his strategic business counsel to promote a more equal world for all.
• Javier Constante, president, Latin America and Brazil—Constante is reportedly keenly aware of the responsibility he has as an influential LGBT+ executive. He uses his position to advocate for others and focuses his attention on challenges faced by the LGBT+ community. He is an active member of Dow’s President Inclusion Council and champions diversity and inclusion as a key part of Dow’s Latin American Strategy. Externally, Constante serves on the board of Brazilian organization Forum de Empresas e Direitos LGBT and is currently leading a public policy initiative to ensure a better and more inclusive environment across Brazil.

The Dow leader selected as a Top 50 Ally Executives is Amy Wilson, general counsel and corporate secretary (#18). Wilson is the executive sponsor for GLAD and has hosted numerous events highlighting topics related to LGBT+ inclusion, including moderating a virtual event during Pride 2021 with Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD president and CEO, and Jim Fitterling, Dow chairman and CEO. As part of Dow’s leadership education series for people managers, Wilson led the session on ESGs, inclusion and diversity in the C-suite and boardroom. In this session, she highlighted her experience with Dow’s board of directors as the company’s corporate secretary and the importance of including all types of diversity, including LGBT+ diversity, at all levels in the organization.

Jarrod Trusler, Dow’s product manager for polyurethanes, was named to the list for Top 100 LGBT+ Future Leaders. Trusler is deeply engaged with GLAD, serving on the global steering team and focusing on external engagement and internal policy projects. In 2020, he completed his tenure as leader of GLAD in Asia Pacific; the final project he launched there was a formal upgrade to the region’s HR definition of “family,” ensuring that LGBT+ families would be recognized for benefits in the absence of country-level recognition of same-sex partnerships. Upon relocating to the Netherlands in 2020, Trusler has launched multiple policy-related projects, such as a review of Dow’s insurance coverage of the needs of LGBT+ individuals and expanded pronoun usage across the region. He is also a regular speaker at internal events and education seminars.

For more information, visit www.dow.com.