PSE is committed to the fight for racial justice

Bellevue, Washington (6/1/2020) CEO Mary Kipp’s letter to PSE team

 

To the PSE team,

Many of us are experiencing a range of emotions as we’ve witnessed the horrific, inhumane treatment of George Floyd in Minnesota resulting in his murder. It is something that cannot be unseen. It cannot be unwitnessed. And it cannot be sugar-coated. It is yet another example of the racist acts and experiences that have taken the lives of countless African Americans and other people of color in this country.

I cannot stop thinking about the individuals who have been tremendously impacted by racism costing their lives – George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery – one person on this list is too many. These names are household names but for all the wrong reasons. These names are people – human beings – with families and friends who love and miss them. Many of us are so blessed that our family members, children, parents, siblings and friends are still here for us to love and for them to love us back. I’m grateful for that every day. I don’t pretend to know exactly what they are feeling but I grieve with these families for the loss they are living with the best way I can.

While it’s difficult to know what to do, I will tell you where I started as a person. I’ve been reaching out to people in my life to let them know I care about this and to listen – not to tell them how I think they should feel or to explain away the circumstances or to debate with them about the reality of racism or to somehow be angrier than they are in protest – I started by listening. I’ve learned from every one of these conversations and I expect to continue to learn. We all can learn from each other when we listen.

During these trying times and in the midst of a pandemic, figuring out ways to take action are more complex. If you feel compelled to do something as I do, find a relevant cause or community organization that means something to you and get involved. Talk with your family, neighbors, colleagues and community leaders about what’s going on and what you can do. Advocate for doing the right thing. Be a part of creating a future that values humanity for everyone.

As the President and CEO of this company, I’ve shared that diversity, equity and inclusion are very important to me and to the future of PSE. Inclusion is critical to our collective healing. All PSE employees must feel safe and comfortable to be who they are and to bring themselves to work. Without our employees, we don’t have a company. Our culture must have room for every employee to be included and respected for what makes us different and what we have in common. Racism, harassment and bigotry are real and cannot be excused or explained away. If you see something, say something. And know that none of these horrible things will be tolerated at PSE.

We ALL have a voice.

Mary E. Kipp