Global Security Pride

Our mission is to support, connect, and elevate the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies within the global security field.

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Who We Are

Global Security Pride is an independent collective of professionals operating within and around the global security industry.

Executive Sponsors

Nick Lovrien
Meta

Arian Avila
Capital One

Leadership Team

David Fortino

Scott Jones

MaraLee Landrum

Michelle Rowe

Lucas F. Schleusener

Jack Suwanlert

James Weston

Todd Woodard

Nick Young

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NEWS

November 10, 2023

Global Security Pride Joins OSAC to Form a New Common Interest Committee

We are thrilled to announce Global Security Pride and the U.S. Department of State Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) & Program Office are working together to create a Common Interest Committee (CIC).“This represents a significant milestone in our journey to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) within the security industry,” says Meta Chief Global Security Officer Nick Lovrien, who co-leads Global Security Pride alongside Arian Avila, Capital One Safety & Security Executive. “I am very proud of OSAC’s commitment to DE&I as we work collectively to drive forward the diversity that advances our industry and enables us to meet the evolving challenges of our complex threat environment.”

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NEWS

November 10, 2023

Global Security Pride Joins with OSAC to Form New Common Interest Committee!

We are thrilled to announce Global Security Pride and the U.S. Department of State Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) and Program Office are working together to create a Common Interest Committee (CIC).“This represents a significant milestone in our journey to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) within the security industry,” says Meta Chief Global Security Officer Nick Lovrien, who co-leads Global Security Pride alongside Arian Avila Capital One Safety & Security Executive. “I am very proud of OSAC’s commitment to DE&I as we work collectively to drive forward the diversity that advances our industry and enables us to meet the evolving challenges of our complex threat environment.”“Since November 2022, I have pledged my support and wholeheartedly endorsed the establishment of this newest CIC,” says OSAC private sector co-Chair Pete Short from Ball Corporation. “This was more than just being an ally fostering diversity and inclusion. This was an absolute recognition that there are still many places in the world where this community faces real threats and security challenges. Through an active and fully supported CIC, all members can be part of a solution to ensure safety, security, and mitigation strategies relevant to all travelers within and outside OSAC while traveling globally.”

Elevating Our Mission

“Born out of the need for visibility, inclusion, and a desire to educate, various members of Global Security Pride–and beyond–have been talking about forming this type of initiative for over a decade,” says co-lead Arian Avila. Founded in 2022, our group is devoted to promoting fellowship among our members, increasing visibility and recognition of LGBTQIA+ members and allies, fostering extensive networking opportunities, and championing DE&I through education, training, and support for our members. Our mission at Global Security Pride is unequivocal: to support, connect, and elevate the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies within the global security field. We are excited to work with the OSAC Program Office and Council, the International Security Foundation (ISF), key stakeholders, and the CIC community to continue this important work.

What is a CIC?

OSAC CICs represent diverse interest groups and provide a platform for public-private information sharing as well as networking for the protection of U.S.-incorporated organizations and their employees overseas. OSAC has 14 CICs and 150+ Country Chapters, representing over 6,000 organizations and 23,000+ individual members.CICs are OSAC’s regional and sector-specific membership groups. Whereas OSAC Country Chapter membership groups focus on security awareness and network building within specific countries, CICs provide a platform where members located anywhere can discuss how their industries or wider regions may be affected by and are reacting to current crises, or to simply convene and share ongoing best practices and security information.CIC meetings are often held virtually so as to not limit participation by location but may also be held in-person around the world. CICs and Country Chapters allow for strong industry- and region-wide networking, free from corporate competition.

What's next for Global Security Pride?

We're already buzzing with ideas for future events, expanded programming, information sharing, and broadening our horizons within the OSAC community. We’re here, and we’re just getting started!In the meantime, we hope to see you at our second annual gathering during OSAC Week.RSVP: Global Security Pride Evening Reception, November 13, 2023, 5–7pm.

Acknowledgements

This milestone was achieved through collective effort, dedication, and love. Special thanks to our executive sponsors, Nick Lovrien and Arian Avila, for their visionary leadership; to Peggy O’Neill and the ISF for their steadfast support; and to Pete Short and OSAC's Executive Board for their commitment to DE&I. We're grateful to everyone who has championed our cause!Lastly, these efforts would not be possible without the founding members and leadership of Global Security Pride: Gil Grein, Scott Jones (Jonesy), Michelle Rowe, Jack Suwanlert, David Fortino, Lucas F. Schleusener, Nick Young, MaraLee Landrum, James Weston, and Todd Woodard.

Questions?

If you have any questions, and wish to volunteer, please contact Kristen Coll.

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GET INVOLVED

Donate

Support our programming by making a contribution via the International Security Foundation (ISF). Use coupon code Pride at checkout to designate the funds be held for Global Security Pride.For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Siobhan Clune, ISF Director of Development via [email protected].

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Volunteer

We invite you to join us in our efforts to support, connect, and elevate the #LGBTQIA+ community and our allies within the security field. We’re just getting started, and together, we can drive meaningful impact! Get involved by filling out our Volunteer Interest Form.

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Volunteer Interest Form

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EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

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PAST EVENTS

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On November 13, 2023, Global Security Pride hosted an evening reception bringing together nearly 300 members of the LGBTQIA+ security community and our allies.

Our second annual gathering featured remarks from our co-leads Nick Lovrien, Meta Chief Global Security Officer, and Arian Avila, Capital One Safety & Security Executive, as well as Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Chair Carlos Matus and International Security Foundation (ISF) Executive Director Peggy O'Neill.

Attendees mixed and mingled over drinks, hors-d'oeuvres, and a special performance by the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C.

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PHOTO GALLERY

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EVENT DETAILS

Monday, November 13, 2023
5:00–7:00 PMNestlé USA
1812 North Moore St., Floor 22
Arlington, VA 22209

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SPONSORS

Thank you to our generous sponsors for supporting this event:

Platinum Sponsors

International Security Foundation (ISF)

Gold Sponsors

Capital One
Nestlé USA

Silver Sponsors

Dataminr
Emergent Risk International

Bronze Sponsors

Control Risks
Crisis24
Meta
Ontic
Sibylline

Patron Sponsors

HiveWatch
I-OnAsia

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Support our programming by making a contribution via the International Security Foundation (ISF). Use coupon code Pride at checkout to designate the funds be held for Global Security Pride.For future sponsorship opportunities, please contact Siobhan Clune, ISF Director of Development.

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