Pride Month is a time to celebrate, reflect and listen. At FREENOW, we’re taking this chance to hear directly from members of our LGBTQ+ community about what inclusion looks and feels like, not just in theory but in daily life. Meet Mirna Rodriguez, one of our UX Researchers, who shares her thoughts about inclusion, belonging and what still needs to change.
Let's start by getting to know you better! Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at FREENOW?
Hola! I am Mexican, from the north of Mexico, where we usually only have two seasons: "Hot" and "Less Hot." So, when I moved to Europe nine years ago, I had a "chilling" time every winter until my body fully adapted, even though I live in sunny Spain!
As a UX Researcher at FREENOW, my role is to understand our users' needs, what delights them, and their pain points, and then connect those insights with our business objectives. I've mostly focused on the driver side during my time here, and I find that every day offers fresh opportunities to learn something new, which certainly keeps the work interesting.
What are a few things that bring you joy or energy outside of work?
Like many people, I enjoy traveling and discovering new things. I also enjoy long walks with my dog and the crazy zoomies of my cat. I am also an avid gamer, especially of MMORPGs (online multiplayer games).
What does Inclusion and Belonging mean to you, both in and outside of work?
Real inclusion means genuinely committing to creating a place where every individual, especially those from groups often overlooked, feels safe and can truly do well. This strong sense of safety and belonging grows when a workplace or community has clear, firm principles against discrimination—principles that are consistently followed and regularly discussed by everyone.
FREENOW provides a setting where we have the freedom and the means to be ourselves. Looking ahead, I hope we can again run campaigns that clearly show the world what our company is truly about: that we take a stand for what's right and openly put our beliefs into practice, like we have done in the past.
Have there been moments at FREENOW where you felt especially included or seen?
Speaking only for myself, I truly value having opportunities and spaces for open and constructive conversations about inclusivity and diversity topics. It’s always encouraging when people I meet in the company mention things like, 'I remember you from the onboarding session on diversity,' or 'I saw you in the All-Hands.' Beyond just feeling seen, it makes me genuinely proud to know that the message I was aiming to share was heard and remembered.
What do you think companies can do to create safer, more inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, not just during Pride Month, but all year round?
Be clear about the rules regarding mutual respect. Sometimes, in wanting to create open spaces for everyone to express themselves freely, a cost is incurred when individuals in the past have expressed themselves without respect for others. For creating harmony and a company that thrives, we need to be able to fully express who we are, and that means trusting that the right measures will be taken if someone doesn't respect the rules.
Doing the perceived "right thing" is very hard. If companies do nothing during Pride Month, they are criticized, and if they do "something," they might be accused of "rainbow washing." Nevertheless, we shouldn't be afraid of taking action, as actions speak louder than words. Donating to NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) that protect LGBTQ+ communities, sharing employees' stories, and continually educating employees are only some of the many things a company can do throughout the year to show, not just "tell," that inclusion and belonging are part of its DNA.
What’s one thing you’d like people to take away from your story?
If you have doubts or questions, it's really okay to reach out to FREENOW's LGBTQ+ community. Or, you can simply look into the topic yourself – it’s pretty easy to find answers to most things online these days. So, please don't hesitate to learn more. We can all play a part in making things better and creating a safer environment for everyone. This isn't just up to the LGBTQ+ community; your efforts to understand and support can make a real difference too.