Newport News Shipbuilding and the company’s Shipbuilders Together Realizing Inclusion, Diversity and Equality (STRIDE) employee resource group participated in Hampton Roads Pridefest on June 25.

The annual festival is one of the most important to the local LGBTQ+ community, hosting numerous companies, vendors and entertainers. As one of the leading sponsors, NNS hosted a booth in the heart of the festivities. The booth hosted a popular button-making station, as well as a few games. A representative from Human Resources was in attendance to provide employment-related information, including same-sex partner and health insurance benefits.

“We saw lots of people from NNS and affiliated groups who were very happy to see us there in support of the LGBTQ+ community,” said STRIDE Chair Ariel Matthews (X74). “When companies make an honest effort to support marginalized groups it fosters a sense of pride for individuals, both in themselves and in their employer. They are happy to say “Hey! That’s my organization.”

Mckenzie Stevens (E82) was glad to see NNS represented at Pridefest.

“I got a button which now lives on my cubicle wall. It was great to see it get such a good turn out,” Stevens said.