#ASBPride: John's Story - Embracing Your Pride

At American Savings Bank, individuals from all backgrounds, interests and sexual orientations are celebrated and supported. It’s important that we create a safe space and inclusive environment that encourages everyone to talk about, appreciate and respect unique differences.

Annually celebrated in October and spearheaded by the Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation, Honolulu Pride Month promotes inclusion, diversity and respect. ASB is proud to support the LGBTQ+ community all year long – including during National LGBTQ+ Pride Month every June.

As part of our festivities this Pride month, we’re excited to launch our ASB Pride Story video series where our teammates and community partners share personal experiences on inclusion and diversity. This week, hear from John Ward, Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing and Product Officer.

“I wanted to make a difference and an impact. I knew that from an early age,” said John. “But that wasn’t going to happen if I was openly gay. So I locked it away for a long time.”

For many years, John struggled with sharing his identity with his family, employers and friends. It wasn’t until he joined ASB that he felt comfortable and accepted.

“I never told my boss or work,” said John. “I know for a fact that at many of the places I worked at, if they knew I was gay, I would’ve been fired. When I started at American Savings Bank, I knew that it would be different.”

ASB has received numerous awards for being a diverse and inclusive workplace and a great place to work including being named to Hawaii Business Magazine’s Best Places to Work in Hawaii for 12 consecutive years. In 2020, ASB launched ASB’s Diversity Council, a group of highly engaged teammates that discusses topics and ideas related to enhancing diversity and inclusivity.

ASB is proud to be a workplace where teammates feel welcome and empowered to embrace and tell their stories. Stay tuned for another ASB Pride Story next week.

Do you have a Pride story you’d like to share or want to learn more? Click the button below and tag or message us on social media!
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