The European Pride Business Network (EPBN) will soon discover the stars of LGBTIQ+ workplace equality at the EPBN-WISE Role Models Award Ceremony – a night dedicated to honoring the trailblazers shaping a more inclusive professional world.
On May 9, 2025, at the Copernicus Science Center in Warsaw, Poland, this prestigious event will bring together 25 exceptional European Role Models & allies, recognized for their commitment to fostering LGBTIQ+ inclusion in the workplace. These leaders are not just changing policies – they are transforming businesses, breaking barriers, and lighting the way for a fairer future in the workplace.
Why this event matters
The EPBN-WISE Role Models Award Ceremony is more than an awards night – it’s a celebration of visibility, leadership, and the power of inclusion. Timed to coincide with Europe Day, the event highlights the core European values of freedom, equality, and human dignity while reinforcing the crucial role of diversity in shaping the future of work.
The Role Models were selected through national ceremonies coordinated by EPBN members and EPBN – WISE consortium: L’Autre Cercle (France), EDGE (Italy), Pride Biz Austria (Austria), Pride Business Forum (Czechia), and Völklinger Kreis (Germany).
Meet the International Jury
The Role Models were selected by a high-level jury composed of experts in diversity, HR, and LGBTIQ+ leadership:
- Caroline Bayer, Managing Director, Currycom communication partners, Austria
- Françoise Bouyer, Managing Director (LVMH), CEO BeThe1 & DEI Advisory Board Member L’Oréal Group, Member of Operational Committee, L’Autre Cercle, France
- Angelo Caltagirone, Founder and Former President, EDGE, Italy
- Christophe Margaine, WISE project manager, L’Autre Cercle international spokesperson, CFO at AIDES, France
- Eva Pérez Nanclares, Founder and Managing Partner, S&P® Legal, Board Member, REDI, Co-Chair, EL*C, Spain
- Simeon Vasilev, Chairperson, GLAS Foundation, Bulgaria
- Jana Vychroňová, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Vodafone, Czech Republic
- Matthias Weber, Chairman of the Board, European Pride Business Network (EPBN), Germany
- Maja Zabawska, Partner, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lead, Deloitte Central Europe, Poland
More exciting updates are on the way! In the meantime, here are the key highlights of the ceremony:
- Recognition of 25 European Role Models & allies, whose stories inspire change in businesses and beyond.
- A prestigious venue in Warsaw, a symbolic location as Poland holds the EU Council Presidency.
- Powerful speakers from the European institutions, the Polish government, international businesses, and LGBTIQ+ advocacy groups.
- Engaging discussions on the economic and social impact of workplace inclusion.
- Exclusive networking opportunities with activists, business leaders, policymakers, and representatives from EPBN’s 21 member organizations.
- A cultural tribute featuring an exhibition from the Warsaw Queer Museum, celebrating resilience and progress among the LGBTIQ+ people.
A strong European commitment to inclusion
This event is part of EPBN’s WISE (Workplace Inclusion for a Sustainable Europe) project, a bold initiative supported by the European Union to ensure that inclusion remains a driving force for economic growth, retention, innovation, and competitiveness across the European Union.
Backed by partners & sponsors such as Orange, Legrand, Société Générale, Sephora and Label Paris Europe, the ceremony highlights the private sector’s growing role in championing workplace diversity.
This groundbreaking European event, is held under the patronage of the European Parliament, the French & Canadian Embassy in Poland, the Campaign Against Homophobia (KPH), and the Polish Diversity Charter.
