Leading with Pride: Building inclusion through community at WTW

My name is Jeffrey Cayago. I am an Operations Supervisor in Outsourcing North America, supporting Benefits Delivery & Outsourcing and Retirement Pension Outsourcing based in Manila.

Alongside my role in WTW, I serve as the LGBT+ IN Asia Lead, where I help organize initiatives that foster inclusion, connection and belonging across our colleague community.

What does celebrating Pride mean to you?

Celebrating Pride means bringing together LGBT+ members, allies and supporters to stand united behind a shared purpose. It’s not just about gathering, it’s about continuing the journey for equal opportunity and the recognition, respect and protection of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE).

Pride is also about honoring history. It’s about remembering the struggles, resilience and courage of those who came before us and paved the way for the freedoms and visibility we have today. At the same time, it reminds us that there is still more to be done.

Beyond advocacy, Pride creates space for celebration, visibility and belonging. It reinforces that being authentic should be safe, respected and valued, both in society and in the workplace.

At its core, Pride is about love, solidarity and hope, bringing people together to support one another and build a more inclusive future.

Could you share your most memorable Pride experience so far?

My most memorable Pride experience was in 2025, when we had a record number of colleagues join the Pride March in Manila.

Seeing that level of participation was incredibly meaningful, especially because our organization has consistently been recognized for strong colleague representation in Pride events. Wearing our ultraviolet WTW shirts during the march created a powerful sense of visibility, unity and pride.

What stood out most was seeing colleagues show up so openly and confidently. It reinforced how impactful it is when an organization not only supports Pride in words, but also through action and presence.

What do you believe are the most significant achievements for the LGBT+ community in recent times?

One of the most meaningful achievements for our community has been our continued support for Project Duyan through CSR initiatives.

This initiative focuses on providing care and support to children living with HIV, helping improve their quality of life and reduce stigma.

What makes this especially impactful is how teams came together to make a real difference. Through fundraising efforts, leadership support and colleague contributions, we were able to provide essentials such as milk, medicines and food, along with gifts that brought joy to children and their families, especially during the holidays.

Beyond the material support, this initiative reflects the power of collaboration, empathy and inclusion. It shows how corporate responsibility and allyship can come together to create meaningful, lasting change.

For those attending Pride for the first time, what advice would you offer?

Do not hesitate to reach out and connect. You are not alone.

Come with an open mind and an open heart. Take the time to listen, learn and engage with others. Pride is not about having all the answers, it is about being present and supporting one another.

Most importantly, be yourself. Whether you are marching, observing or simply showing support, your presence matters and contributes to a larger message of acceptance and equality.

How can we ensure that Pride is inclusive for everyone?

Creating inclusive Pride experiences starts with recognizing the diversity within the community.

We need to intentionally build spaces where all identities and voices are seen, heard and respected. This includes using inclusive language and making participation accessible in different ways.

Allyship and education are equally important. Inclusion is not limited to Pride Month. It is something we need to practice consistently through our actions, conversations and willingness to learn