City Resource Groups are organized, supported groups of City employees who share a common diversity characteristic or consider themselves an ally of a diverse community. In these groups, employees get together to discuss how they can make the City a better place to work for that particular community. City Resource Groups are meant to be driven by employees, with a focus on networking, talent development, and creating at least one program or initiative a year the promotes diversity and inclusion within the workforce.

Meet a few of the employees who are a part of the LGBTQ+ Resource Group.

Melissa Jones is a Library Assistant at the Free Library of Philadelphia Field Teen Center. She has worked for the city for more than two years and is part of the LGBTQ+ Resource Group. When asked about her favorite part about working for the city, Melissa said, “I love coming in and being able to offer advice, support and book recommendations to young people as well as being able to share my skills in arts and crafting.”

As part of her job, Melissa also runs a Teen Self-Care Workshop on Saturdays: “We’ve made vision boards, aromatherapy jewelry, and body butter. We’ve also explored positive affirmations, stress relief, and challenging our inner critic.” To celebrate pride, Melissa is doing programming for teens including a Sexuality and Gender Acceptance Club and Drag Show. Melissa states that her motivation at work is “creating a positive impact on others that reverberates back to me is a motivation for me to do my best every day.”

Herbie Hickmott is a Senior Graphic Designer for the Water Department and has worked for the city for three years. His favorite part about working for the city is helping to make Philadelphia an even better place to live, work, and have fun. Herbie recently branded and designed the Philly Water Bar experience, which you may have seen in the City Hall Courtyard this summer! This month, Herbie is enjoying his first Pride Month with his husband and celebrating Philly’s amazing, important, diverse community. Herbie is motivated every day by the people he works with.

Kia Johnstone is a Training Specialist in the Office of Homeless Services and has been working for the city for eight months. Kia says, “ I love that my job allows me to indirectly help my fellow city residents in need every day. Not only do I train City employees, I train employees of the many partner agencies we work with. I am proud to be one of the faces that outside agencies see frequently!”

This month Kia attended some of the pride festivities around the city. Kia is motivated by the fact that the work she does directly impacts our City’s most vulnerable residents: “Our mission to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring in Philadelphia is a tough one, but I believe we can do it!”

Stephen Maccari is an Account Clerk in the Finance Department and has worked for the city for four years. His favorite part of working for the city is knowing that he played a role in the completion of many of the City’s large projects. His roles within City government have also allowed him to show his son the effects of his work–last year he was able to bring him to a groundbreaking for a project he was working. He is celebrating Pride month by enjoying time with his family and partner. 

Andrea Lamour-Harrington is a FIELD Coordinator for National HIV Behavioral Surveillance and has worked for the city for just over a year. Her favorite part about working for the city is knowing that she is helping her community one person at a time. A fun fact about Andrea’s job is that she works with a diverse staff where everyone goes out of their way to be friendly, and can laugh and be social while still doing their job.

To celebrate pride, Andrea marched with her church in the Philly Pride Parade and was interviewed by The Philadelphia Inquirer along with her husband about being together for 14 years. She states that she is motivated by “knowing that if I don’t give my all, someone will go without.”

Robert Nonemacker is an Events & Special Projects Manager for the Office of the City Representative, where he’s worked for four years. He serves on the Leadership of the LGBTQ+ City Resource Group. His favorite part about working for the City is seeing how Philadelphia is a welcoming city and works towards becoming more inclusive.

As a part of his job, Rob works with the City Hall Honors Diversity Flag Raising program, where he produces more than 30 flag raisings a year for different countries/communities that call Philadelphia home. This Pride Month, Rob had the privilege of helping the LGBTQ+ & Ally Employee Resource Group march in the Pride Parade. He even got to help design the fun shirt you see in his picture!

“During the month of Pride, I think it is important to be visible, proud and loud and to recognize/celebrate where we have come from and where we still need to go,” said Rob. When asked what motivates him every day, he said, “Using my work to make Philadelphia the best and most inclusive place to live, work and play. I want to make sure that every event or project I work on is not only flawlessly planned but thoughtful, meaningful and shows what Philadelphia stands for.”