Meet 25 individuals championing workplace equality across five European countries. The awards ceremony is held under the matronage of KPH

On May 9, 2025, the EPBN – WISE Role Models Award Ceremony will take place at the Copernicus Science Centre in Warsaw. The event will honor 25 LGBTQIA+ role models and allies from five European countries (France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic) who actively promote equality in the workplace. The ceremony is organized by the European Pride Business Network (EPBN) and held under the matronage of the Campaign Against Homophobia.

About the Event

The ceremony will be held from 17:00 to 22:00 at the Copernicus Science Centre. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from distinguished leaders in politics, business, and civil society. Speakers will include:

• Katarzyna Kotula, Ministry for Equality

• Krzysztof Śmiszek, Member of the European Parliament

• Matthias Weber, Chair of EPBN

• Justin Nelson, Co-founder of NGLCC (USA)

• Christophe Margaine, WISE Project Lead

• Representatives of companies such as Microsoft, Orange, Legrand, and Sephora

At a time when equality and inclusion are under threat across the globe, this ceremony sends a powerful message: Europe must lead by example. We must not only protect our values of dignity, democracy, and diversity, but turn them into a competitive advantage. By recognising LGBTIQ+ role models, we show that inclusive workplaces are more innovative, more resilient, and more successful. This is not just about fairness, it’s about shaping a Europe that attracts top talent, drives scientific progress, and leads the world economically and socially, said Matthias Weber, Chairman of the European Pride Business Network (EPBN).

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The EPBN – WISE Role Models Award Ceremony is part of the Workplace Inclusion for a Sustainable Europe (WISE) initiative, co-funded by the European Commission’s CERV programme, and supported by Orange, Legrand, Société Générale, Sephora, and Label Paris Europe.