Taking Pride in Ourselves — and Cash App

There are many interpretations of the word “pride.” There’s Pride with a capital “P,” which represents countless celebrations and actions this month in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising and fight for equal rights for LGBTQ+ people. Then there is “pride,” the infinite individual definitions of the word that the LGBTQ+ community and its allies practice every day. 

One great perk at Cash App is our Communities. As part of Block, Inc., Cash App employees are encouraged to join these employee-founded, company-funded resource groups that spark conversations and programming to celebrate inclusivity and diversity.

Our Pride Community — one of the many employee-founded, company-funded resource groups that inclusivity and diversity offered across Block Inc. — confirms that these interpretations of “pride” are about as diverse as the individuals who practice them, but they all possess a common thread. Each is rooted in courage, personal dignity and the conviction to be one’s authentic self, even — and especially — when it’s the harder route. Because by owning who we are, we give others permission to do the same. 

Here, two team members of the Cash App LGBTQ+ community share more on how authenticity has paved their personal and professional lives. 

For Cash App Customer Success Team Lead Neonta Wilson, owning who she is involves both seeking her own light and actively supporting others on their journeys by sharing her own challenges and celebrating their bravery. “I’ve worked in places where I couldn’t put a picture of my partner on my desk or had to wear long-sleeve shirts to cover my tattoos, she elaborates. 

“I’m almost one year in at Cash App, and it’s taken me this long to realize it’s okay to find my own light and be me. Here, I’ve been encouraged and given autonomy, and it’s literally changed my life. I practice self care. I’ve been able to get out of survival mode and think: ‘How can I help others? What can I do to contribute here?’ Being transparent about our struggles encourages people who may second-guess themselves.” 

Building upon a career in financial services, Talent Brand Lead Austin Romero sought to unite his personal and professional passions by amplifying his efforts in financial inclusion and impact — and found ample opportunity at Cash App. 

“Cash App is one of the first workplaces where I feel like I'm meeting people with so many different personalities, perspectives, and backgrounds, and they’re all honored,” he confirms. “A former colleague of mine once said, ‘Inclusion is when you feel like everybody in the room is allowed to speak up, raise their hand. Belonging is when you feel as though your voice is heard.’ Being authentic is the first step that we can take to build and promote inclusion and belonging. If we’re authentic about who we are, our perspectives and our beliefs, it lays the foundation for others to feel safe.”

At Cash App, inclusion isn’t a box-check, it’s a daily imperative and ongoing, ever-evolving effort that drives both our culture and business forward, empowering everyone to contribute to a culture where people feel they can belong and do their best work. 

Want to learn more about our Communities and what life at Cash App is like? Check out out our Inclusion & Diversity at Cash App page to learn more.

The abstract shapes that make up our designs for Pride at Cash App this year are inspired by intersectionality and to celebrate LGBTQ+ voices. We kept each element unique in color and shape to emphasize the multifaceted lens and overlaps within these themes.