When we elevate, we empower.

“Proud of My Hair” is making waves across Verizon.

Our short film in partnership with BUILD, “Proud of My Hair,” has V Teamers around the world feeling the pride and sharing their own personal stories. “Proud of My Hair” features insightful discussions about authenticity, style, Black identity and empowerment from incredible voices, including Verizon leaders Genia Wilbourn from Network Operations and David Hubbard from Public Policy & Law.

Since its release last Friday, the film inspired V Teamers to share stories and selfies, opening up about their personal experiences with hairstyle and identity in the workplace.

For Jennifer Harris, an HR Business Partner in Houston, the film resonated with her since she recently decided to start wearing her natural hair to work. “I am just really proud to work for an organization where I am valued because of who I am, and not just what I look like,” Jennifer shared.

Are you proud of your hair too -- or just feeling empowered? Join the conversation on the web. If you missed it, watch “Proud of My Hair” right here and share with family and friends.

BRAVE and BOLD volunteer to move the world forward.

Members of our employee resource groups BRAVE (Black Resource Association of Verizon Employees), and BOLD (Black Organizers, Leaders and Doers of VZ Media) have been busy volunteering in 2020. So far, V Teamers from BRAVE and BOLD have logged more than 700 volunteer hours for organizations such as Junior Achievement, National Society of Blank Engineers, and Books for Africa.

Interested in getting involved? Head over to our employee volunteer portal to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your community.

Leaders share thoughts on elevating and empowering the next generation.

Black History Month is underway at Verizon, and our theme this year is “Elevate and Empower.” We asked leaders from across the company to share what this year’s theme means to the them when it comes to inspiring the next generation.

Natalie Williams, global co-lead of BRAVE and BOLD, shared how her focus this year is on voter education and registration in her community in Alpharetta, GA. “In 2020, I’m going to use my voice to make sure that everyone knows that their vote counts, and they should get involved in the process,” Natalie said. “It’s critical to be an important part of society by giving back.”

V Teamers can watch and learn on the web how Verizon leaders are using their voices to make positive changes in their communities and elevate and empower the next generation. Stay tuned for more messages from leaders that we’ll be sharing all month long.

Tune in for our Black History Month Webcast, “Elevate and Empower.”

Join the webcast this Thursday, February 20, 2 - 3 PM ET, as we celebrate Black History Month with our theme, “Elevate and Empower.” This year’s special guest is Hilary Shelton of the NAACP, who will discuss how voting participation and the 2020 census will impact Black communities across the country, and how we can help bring positive change. Leaders from Verizon’s Employee Resource Groups, BRAVE and BOLD, will give a “State of the ERG” to share information about their role in the workplace and in their communities. You’ll also hear talks from Diego Scotti, the Executive sponsor for BRAVE and BOLD, and Tony Lewis, VP of State Government Affairs.

V Teamers, head over to the web to find out all the ways you can tune in.

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