Meet our Pride in Food Ambassadors

Anne Simonnet - Compass One Lead Ambassador

When I joined Compass three years ago, I was very happy to find out about Pride in Food as unfortunately sometimes it’s hard to be fully open when working for such a big company. It allows me to feel free to be myself but is also a fantastic way to network and meet new colleagues.

Being part of PiF is very important to me as I want to listen and encourage all of my colleagues to recognise and support each other but also challenge when necessary.

Pride Month serves as a reminder that as a company, we can only prosper when all of our team members around the world feel safe and are empowered to be their full selves, regardless of their identities or orientations.

However, Pride Month is a mindset which should be celebrate all year round and PIF really supports that.

Dean Alunan - Healthcare Lead Ambassador

I started at Compass in 2018,  at which point I hadn’t even heard of Diversity & Inclusion networks in the workplace - let alone one for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies!

In past jobs, even talking about my  gender identity and orientation was frowned upon. Spring forward to 2022, now part of the Medirest Signature team, I have found my  voice in the Pride in Food and Within communities.

Increasing visibility, diversity and acceptance amongst my team members and colleagues are my main objectives; I strive to be part of the change I want to see in my workplace. I want to ensure everyone gets the support that they need, creating a safe space at work for everyone to truly be themselves and that they know that we are here to educate, appreciate and celebrate each other.

I am truly thankful that I have the platform and encouragement to be my best self at work.

Katie Pathiaki - Co-Chair

Let me give you a small insight into my world! I’m an American sitcom fanatic, live event enthusiast and self-proclaimed RuPaul’s Drag Race connoisseur, with a weakness for binge-watching videos on TikTok.

During the time when I’m not making, eating or taking photos of food, I can be found listening to one of my many, many playlists; trying my hand at crafting and upcycling furniture (with varying levels of success); or educating myself and standing up for the causes I believe in.

When I joined Compass in August 2022, being part of the Pride in Food network was a natural decision. I wanted to be part of a committee that not only had a voice of change and equality but one of support and togetherness, too.

I hate the thought of anyone being afraid to show who they are in the workplace or ever feeling alone. Know that I am a listening ear and here to support you wherever I can - just drop me a message and let’s kiki over a chai latte!

Mark Hawkins - Chartwells Lead Ambassador

Having experienced anti-gay employers in the past, it’s a relief that companies are now realising how much a gay person can contribute to any given role. A good employer realises that sexual orientation is not a “choice of the day”, but people are born a certain way and in going through the struggles of everyday life we are more than capable of handling a minefield of situations.

The most challenging part of life is being who you are and what you stand for, therefore if I am not open and honest with myself, I can’t expect others to be the same. The sooner employers realise that being gay does not hold anyone back then they have a greater diversity of staff with life experiences to enhance the workplace to the advantage of everyone.

Being in a partnership of some 31 years now, my partner and I relax with friends of every persuasion, enjoying musical theatre, Opera, walking, dining out and relaxing to bring a balance to the day-to-day stresses of life that each and every one of us suffer from.

Vernon Barchou - Holding Chair

My passions in life are good food, good wine and travelling – preferably all three at once! I believe everyone should be comfortable bringing their true selves to work, and together we can make each other successful.

In 2021, after a 15-year career in Supply Chain where I led the UK&I diversity forums, I joined Chartwells as People Director. My career in Human Resources has seen me work across multiple sectors and internationally.

I decided to get involved in PiF to meet other members of the community and to see how far we could take the forum, helping not only the community but also our many allies.

I am really proud to say I was nominated for a ‘Male Agent Of Change’ award and won several accolades for the work completed as part of the forums that I’ve been involved in. I actively promote Diversity and Inclusion across the UK and advocate for emerging talent and the promotion of hospitality and catering as a career choice for all.