Employees of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company, operating as Met-Ed in eastern areas of the state, participated in Berks Pride Fest in Reading to promote inclusiveness and provide community support. The company hosted a table offering employment information for FirstEnergy’s nearby Customer Care Center and distributed energy efficiency tips.
Heather Stoudt, a business analyst at Met-Ed and member of Alternate Current—a FirstEnergy Employee Business Resource Group supporting the LGBTQ+ community—attended the festival with her children. “We all deserve to be proud of who we are, how we live and who we love,” Stoudt said. “Participating in the Reading Pride Celebration allowed me to celebrate the vibrancy of the LGBTQ+ community with my own children, showing them acceptance, support and understanding no matter how they identify.”
FirstEnergy donated $1,000 to Reading Pride Celebration, the non-profit group organizing the annual festival, and provided six gently used laptops to aid their operations.
Guy Ryno, a FirstEnergy IT expert and treasurer for Reading Pride Celebration, emphasized that the organization’s mission extends beyond its annual festival. “The Reading Pride Celebration hosts a free Youth Prom where teens are free to be their authentic selves, an art show celebrating local artists and participates in as many community events as possible,” Ryno stated. “None of this is possible without volunteers and financial support from individuals and companies. I am very thankful that FirstEnergy supports its employees and the communities it serves.”
Rachel Kachel, Customer Care Center manager and Alternate Current member, utilized the festival to network with community leaders for potential future collaborations. “Our participation in the Berks Pride Fest signals that FirstEnergy values and supports individuals from all backgrounds,” Kachel noted. “It can significantly boost employee morale and engagement.”
Kachel added: “We are dedicated to making a positive impact beyond our business operations, contributing to the well-being and progress of society.”
To learn more about FirstEnergy’s community involvement initiatives visit Community (firstenergycorp.com).
