“Here you don’t need to hide”
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
When Eduardo Rojas joins ABN AMRO in 2025, he hears about PRIDE+. Not long afterwards, he becomes part of the board himself. Ahead of Pride Amsterdam, he explains why a safe workplace is so important. “When you can be yourself, you feel better with yourself and the people around you. You connect more easily with colleagues, and you can do your job better.”
Eduardo, what stood out to you when you joined ABN AMRO?
“I didn’t expect there to be a Pride network. That was based on my previous experience in the financial sector. So, it surprised me in a positive way. I also think it’s great that the network has been around for so long. It shows that inclusion has been a focus here for many years.”
Why did you want to join PRIDE+ yourself?
“The PRIDE+ network sends a clear message: here, you don’t need to hide. I know from experience how important that is. I previously worked in the financial sector in Spain and Germany. I didn’t always feel free to be open about who I am. Even a simple question like ‘Do you have a girlfriend?’ could feel difficult and put distance between me and my colleagues. Later, I worked at Nike, where there was also a very powerful Pride network. I took the courage to become part of it, felt better, became more confident and had more honest conversations with colleagues.”
What does PRIDE+ do?
“We organise a range of activities. These are not just about social drinks, which we love, but also workouts in a safe space. Our last one, in collaboration with Rocycle, was a different event that members were surprised about and welcomed quite warmly and asked for a part two. That was something different. People encouraged each other, had fun and got to know each other quickly.
Another great one was the Pink Movie Night, which featured short films from the Roze Filmdagen festival that the bank sponsors. This shows that people connect in many ways. There is something for everyone.”
What does PRIDE+ mean to colleagues?
“The network brings people together. It makes PRIDE+ visible and helps colleagues learn more about inclusion. But above all, it provides a safe space. Everyone can choose how they want to be involved. Some colleagues attend activities. Others simply like knowing that the network exists in case they want to be involved when they feel ready or comfortable to do so. Both are equally valuable.”
Where do you hope we will be in twenty years’ time?
“When choosing an employer, you shouldn’t have to wonder whether you will be welcome. Not because of who you are. And not because of who you love. That is why it is important that PRIDE+ is visible and easy to find. Sometimes it is enough just to know that support is there.”
At ABN AMRO, we believe that our differences make us stronger. That is why we work to create a place where everyone feels welcome. Where you can have a voice. And where you can be yourself. For us, Pride is more than just visibility. It shows what we stand for: a bank and employer for everyone.