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Stout Pride

Stout Pride envisions an identity-affirming and inclusive community where all colleagues across the gender and sexuality spectrum feel welcome, seen, and supported through increased visibility, awareness, and advocacy.

Stout Pride Mission Statement

Stout Pride’s mission is to create an open and safe space for Stout’s LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies to build connections and friendship. We aim to support personal and professional development, provide opportunities to give back through philanthropic activities, and promote diversity, inclusion, and acceptance within the firm by highlighting and addressing unique issues facing the LGBTQ+ community.


Stout Pride is focused on two key areas:

Culture

The Stout Pride Culture Pillar is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies within the Stout community. This committee brings together two key subcommittees:

  • Networking: Builds community by hosting internal events, creating networking opportunities, and identifying sponsorship opportunities that celebrate inclusivity. This committee works to ensure that all colleagues feel valued, connected, and empowered in their workplace.
  • Organizational Initiatives: Advocates for inclusivity through the development and refinement of internal policies and procedures that provide equitable support for the LGBTQ+ population.

Together, these efforts strengthen our culture of inclusivity and help create a welcoming environment for everyone.

Marketplace Development

The Stout Pride Marketplace Development Pillar advances inclusivity through partnerships with external groups, including other LGBTQ+ employee resource groups, clients, and community organizations. By fostering collaboration and building meaningful external relationships, this pillar strengthens connections beyond our firm.


Stout Pride Co-Leaders

The work of Stout Pride is guided by our two co-leaders.

Emily Kohler

Emily Kohler

Manager, DEI&B - Human Resources
[she/her]

Dan Kerns

Dan Kerns

Corporate Counsel - Legal & Compliance
[he/him]

Colleague Support and Involvement

Stout Pride provides a dedicated space for LGBTQ+ colleagues to connect, find support, and work together to foster inclusion. It also enables allyship, visibility into LGBTQ+ issues, and demonstrates Stout’s commitment to DEI&B – making it clear that all employees, regardless of their identity, can come to work as their genuine selves.”

– Samantha DiDomenico, Director - Transformative Change (she/her)
Organizational Initiatives Committee Co-Chair

Stout Pride positively impacts how we can ‘show up’ in our workplace and how the firm shows up in the world. It helps foster a diverse and inclusive culture that enhances the colleague experience at Stout and supports members in pursuing their personal and professional goals. Stout Pride is also an important bridge, providing visibility to the broader community, such as the Pride groups of clients, business partners, and other social and civil organizations.”

– Steve Sahara, Director - Commercial Litigation (he/him)
Marketplace Development Committee Co-Chair

Stout Pride represents the opportunity to build deeper, more meaningful relationships with colleagues while fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace. It provides a space where everyone can learn, grow, and contribute to a culture of belonging, no matter their background or identity.”

– Kim Previch, Manager - Legal & Compliance (she/her)
Organizational Initiatives Committee Co-Chair

Everybody deserves to work in an environment where they feel safe, respected, and understood. I am excited to work alongside my colleagues at Stout to help ensure we all have the knowledge, tools, and resources to be a community where everyone can thrive.”

– Erin Lippert, Senior Associate - Marketing (she/her)
Networking Committee Co-Chair

Stout Pride gives me the opportunity to help make Stout a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone!”

– Taylor Warpool, User Support Analyst - Information Technology (she/her)
Stout Pride Member

As someone who is openly pansexual, the connections I have made within the queer community have become some of my most meaningful friendships, especially in that they allow me and others to be our full selves. My hope is to create a space at Stout where that is possible for everyone, too.”

– Ricky Rivera, Associate - ESOP Valuation & Opinions (he/him)
Networking Committee Co-Chair

Meet More of the Professionals at Stout


LGBTQ+ Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to students who support the LGBTQ+ community and demonstrate a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity and living the firm’s core PACERS values. The scholarship aims to provide financial support to help students succeed in their pursuit of a business-related career.

Learn More