Europe celebrates 25 LGBTQ+ role models at landmark EPBN - WISE awards

On Europe Day, May 9th, Warsaw became the epicenter of European workplace inclusion as the European Pride Business Network (EPBN) hosted its inaugural EPBN - WISE Role Models Award Ceremony at the Copernicus Science Centre. The event celebrated unity, courage, and leadership by honoring 25 LGBTIQ+ professionals and allies from Austria, Czechia, France, Germany, and Italy for their impactful work in transforming workplaces and advocating for equality across the continent.

Held under the patronage of the European Parliament and supported by the French and Canadian Embassies in Poland, Kampania Przeciw Homofobii (KPH), and the Polish Diversity Charter, the ceremony marked a historic milestone for Europe. The gathering brought together policymakers, business leaders, ambassadors, civil society organizations, and advocates to recognize the power of visibility and inclusion in shaping a more resilient, democratic, and competitive Europe.

“We are more than a business platform. We are a movement,” said Matthias Weber, EPBN chairman, during his opening remarks. “These 25 Role Models show us what authentic leadership looks like. They remind us that visibility matters, that courage inspires change, and that inclusion is a source of strength for Europe.”

From Austria, individuals such as Brigitte Bichler, Jasmina Metzke, Tamara Scheidl, Martina Bednar, and Florian Klimscha were celebrated, alongside representatives from Czechia, France, Germany, and Italy. The ceremony also recognized outstanding professionals for their leadership and impact, as well as allies who have steadfastly supported inclusion initiatives across Europe.

The awardees were selected by a high-level jury comprising European DEI and business leaders.

Prominent figures delivered keynote speeches, including Poland’s Minister for Equality, Katarzyna Kotula; Krzysztof Śmiszek, a Member of the European Parliament; EPBN chairman Matthias Weber; Justin Nelson, president of the National LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce in the USA; and Christophe Margaine, EPBN-WISE Project Manager. Supportive video messages came from European Commission officials, the French ambassador for LGBTQ+ rights, and an Italian MEP.

During the event, guests also experienced a moving exhibit from the Warsaw Queer Museum, one of the few museums globally dedicated to queer history, honoring the experiences and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals in Poland and beyond.

Christophe Margaine highlighted the significance of the event, noting that more than 220 people attended in person, representing around 40 companies and 24 NGOs from 15 countries, with many more following via livestream. The ceremony was made possible thanks to sponsors including Orange, Legrand, Société Générale, Sephora, and Label Paris Europe. The effort was also supported by consortium partners across Europe, and co-funded by the European Union’s CERV programme, demonstrating the EU’s ongoing commitment to equality and inclusion.

The event showed that “United in Diversity” is more than a motto - it is the core of Europe’s future. Following the ceremony, EPBN plans to launch a cross-country survey to gather data on LGBTIQ+ workplace experiences, with a European conference scheduled for 2026 in Prague to discuss findings and develop new strategies for inclusive workplaces.