“This campaign, along with the efforts of our partners, was integral in encouraging our governor to veto the bill, and a movement was born,” according to the ONE Community website.
As of press time, The Washington Post reported that a bipartisan group of Arizona lawmakers again pushed a proposal to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity despite repeated failures to obtain a hearing due to opposition from social conservatives in the legislature. The most recent Municipal Equality Index lists Phoenix, Tempe and Tucson among the top three in LGBTQ inclusion in municipal law and policy.
Another way ONE Community is trying to open better dialogue is through the Institute Certification Program, a comprehensive training tool that guides corporate leaders toward building an LGBTQ-inclusive workplace. The training modules are designed so that employees at every level of leadership can learn how their unique influence and responsibilities can lift up the company. Training and modules are available for executives, leaders and employee.
Hughey says the “UNITY institute is so incredibly important” in helping Arizona businesses continue being competitive, recruiting and retaining top talent.
Shelia Kloefkorn, founder, CEO and president of KEO Marketing Inc. in Phoenix and Tempe, echoes Hughey’s sentiments. A tireless advocate for equality with Hughey, she was named ONE Community’s 2019 Spotlight on Success Local Hero.
“Never believe one person cannot make a change. I remember my mom saying she was, ‘writing to her legislature because she cared deeply about an issue and if I don’t write, they won’t know I care,’” Kloefkorn says.