Pride Month at EastWest: Proud and Purposeful

Pride is a celebration of authenticity, inclusion, and the right to live with dignity and joy. It’s about owning one’s truth, honoring diverse identities, and embracing the courage it takes to live openly in a world that isn’t always welcoming.

Pride is also a quiet strength: the daily decision to be visible, to uplift others, and to create space where there once was none.

Across industries, LGBTQIA+ professionals are redefining what it means to bring one’s whole self to work. They lead with heart, perspective, and resilience—not just for themselves, but for the people around them.

Pride at EastWest: Living our values

Inclusion is a daily practice at EastWest. The Bank celebrates individuality, fosters safe spaces, and nurtures a culture where everyone feels empowered to thrive. Pride lives in the way EastWestbankers show up for one another, not only in June but all year round.

“At EastWest, inclusion means creating space for individuality and belonging. People are not simply accepted for who they are. Their differences are recognized as strengths, and their unique perspective matters,” said Atty. Alfie Suarez, EastWest Chief People, Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer.

“We’re proud to stand with our LGBTQIA+ colleagues and we continue to build a workplace where everyone feels seen, supported, and celebrated.”

This Pride Month, EastWest honors the stories of our LGBTQIA+ team members who are building meaningful careers while staying true to themselves. In a traditionally conservative industry, their authenticity, resilience, and quiet leadership are shaping a more human and inclusive workplace.

These are stories of strength, self-discovery, and purpose. We are proud to share them.

Kell Mata: Embracing difference, leading with courage

For Mata, being different has always been a source of pride—something that sets him apart and makes his journey uniquely his own. As EastWest’s head of People Communications and Engagement, he brings over a decade of HR experience, spanning recruitment, business partnering, and benefits administration.

Even before joining the bank, authenticity was non-negotiable. “I don’t think I’d consider applying to a company where I couldn’t be my authentic self at work,” he shares.

That decision paid off. At EastWest, Mata feels accepted, empowered, and even celebrated.

“Pride is a community of respect, equality, and fun,” he says. For Mata, being true to yourself is the greatest gift, and one you give when you're ready.

Today, he finds inspiration in the people he’s mentored throughout his career and continues to lead with purpose, passion, and flair.

Tatis Angeles: Embracing her truth, spreading joy

From her first job to her current role as a product manager at EastWest, Angeles has always worked in marketing. Her days are filled with campaign planning and product development but it’s her authenticity that truly makes her stand out.

“Being able to be true to myself at work wasn’t just a one-time thing,” she shares. “It’s a collection of experiences—whether personal or shared with workmates, supervisors, or friends—that helped me embrace my full self in the workplace.”

At EastWest, Angeles feels respected and seen. “I’m fortunate to be part of a team that accepts me for who I am and doesn’t treat me any differently,” she says. “They make it easy for me to be myself at work.”

Her advice to her younger self? “Not everyone will accept you, but what matters is that you accept yourself and surround yourself with people who do the same.”

For Angeles, showing up authentically is a choice that brings joy. “Being able to be authentically and unapologetically me has made me a better person to my family and friends, and a better colleague at work. I love who I am and that’s helped me spread positivity and give love to others.”

Jeffrey Santos: Leading with pride, living unapologetically

Jeffrey Santos began his career bringing smiles to customers as a local store marketing officer at McDonald’s. It was a space where he embraced his true self and found joy in expressing who he was. That same authenticity guided his transition into banking. Today, as a business manager at EastWest, Santos continues to lead with both heart and confidence.

“I’ve always shown up as my true self. I’ve never believed in hiding who I am,” he shares. At EastWest, that authenticity is welcomed. “What makes the difference here is the environment. I’ve never felt judged, limited, or out of place. Instead, I feel supported, respected, and free to lead with pride.”

For Santos, Pride means “embracing who I am without apologies.” It’s a journey of courage and clarity—one that’s helped him stand firm not just for himself, but for others who may not yet be ready to live openly.

His message is simple: “Take your time. There’s no deadline to becoming who you truly are.”

Abdusabur Jailani: Growing into confidence, grounded in truth

For Jailani, joining EastWest marked not only a new career milestone, but a personal turning point. As a first timer in the banking industry, each day as a Customer Service Representative is filled with new learnings, challenges, and connections both with colleagues and customers. But beyond job skills, the role gave him something deeper: the confidence to simply be himself.

“At first, I was careful. I didn’t know how people would react to me,” he shares. “But over time, through small moments of kindness and acceptance from my team, I started to feel more comfortable.” The turning point was quiet but profound: realizing he didn’t have to pretend or hide. “I could just show up as myself, and that would be enough.”

For Jailani, Pride means honoring who you are, not just in June. It means being secure in your identity, remembering past struggles, and choosing love, freedom, and courage.

At EastWest, he values being seen for his contributions, not his labels. “It’s refreshing to be in a place where people are more focused on what you bring to the team than who you love or how you identify.” And it’s the little things: being asked how he’s doing, being invited to speak up that remind him he’s in the right place.

His message to others navigating their identity at work: “You are not alone. You are worthy of respect and success, just as you are. Don’t rush the process—take your time, but never doubt your value.”

EastWest: Where pride has a place

At EastWest, inclusion is reflected in everyday conversations, in leadership that listens, and in the safety to be yourself. Pride Month reminds us that when people feel safe to be who they are, they shine, not just for their teams, but for the communities they serve.

Pride at EastWest is a year-round commitment: to kindness, respect, and creating a workplace where everyone can grow with dignity and purpose.

To everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community and those who stand beside them, thank you for showing up with strength, sincerity, and heart.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by EastWest Bank.