ALCOA Refinery manager Mark Hodgson is the Australian LGBTI Inclusion Awards 2018 Leader of the Year, winning the category for championing inclusion in his male-dominated traditional workplace.
Accepting the award in Sydney on Friday, Mr Hodgson thanked Pride in Diversity, award hosts, for the much-needed action and discussion on LGBTI inclusion to ensure it was on agendas across Australia.
“Standing here today in Sydney couldn’t be more different to my life as a manager of an industrial workplace across the country in WA’’ he said.
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“The message is far reaching and understood.”
Up against a high calibre of nominations, Mr Hodgson stood out to the judges for the complexity in bringing about culture change in the mining industry.
“My wish for every employee to bring their ‘whole selves’ to work and to feel included and valued for who they are and for the diversity of ideas and experiences they bring.
“This is a significant trophy of recognition for our efforts at Alcoa where each day we all strive a little more to create a culture of inclusion, diversity and equality.”
Mr Hodgson said he had an epiphany late in his career which set him on the path to champion Alcoa’s journey to accept diversity, encourage open discussion on once taboo subjects and strive to set an example of LGBTI inclusion.
“I’m truly humbled by the many stories I’ve heard that putting LGBTI inclusion on the agenda has made to Alcoa employees, their families and friends,’’ he said.
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