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The award-winning actress, producer and equal rights advocate joined T-Mobile’s latest Talking with Trailblazers event in celebration of Pride month to discuss the realities of the current transgender experience.

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“One of my favorite Brené Brown quotes is, ‘When we deny our stories, those stories define us. But when we can own our stories, we can write a brave new ending.’”

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Laverne Cox can find an eloquent quote from a number of people who have inspired her with astounding dexterity. During an hour-long conversation about her experience as one of the first prominently visible trans women in Hollywood during T-Mobile’s latest Talking With Trailblazers event, she offered up insightful quotes from professor and author <a href="https://brenebrown.com/about/">Brené Brown</a>, non-binary poet <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alok_Vaid-Menon">Alok Menon</a>, legendary television host <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oprah_Winfrey">Oprah Winfrey</a> and Feminist activist <a href="http://www.gloriasteinem.com/">Gloria Steinem</a>, just to name a few.

But Cox, an award-winning actress, producer and equal rights advocate, has a voice of her own that speaks volumes. Overflowing with the experiences that have shaped her and now guide her to break barriers for the transgender community, her words stick with you long after. “As things have gotten better, and it’s important to acknowledge that things have gotten better, there are people who are still afraid to be themselves,” said Cox. “And they have reason to be. It’s not delusional to think that it is not safe for you as a trans person. That’s not delusional. And that is something that we have to work really hard to reduce.”

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Cox has become an indelible figure of transgender representation in mainstream media after her groundbreaking role as Sophia Burset in the critically acclaimed Netflix original series <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/70242311">Orange is The New Black</a>. The role led to Cox becoming the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for a Primetime acting Emmy and appear on the covers of Time Magazine, Cosmopolitan and Essence. She was named one of Glamour magazine’s 2014 Women of the Year and holds two SAG Awards. Even when discussing her glamorous Hollywood lifestyle, her insistence that being comfortable with the skin you’re in is always her message.

“Sometimes when I’m on a red carpet and I look fabulous because I have a great team, and the lighting is hit just right, I don’t always feel good, because the shoes might hurt, or I might be trying to hold my stomach in for dear life,” she joked. “So I don’t always feel beautiful when I might look at my most beautiful. I love just being chill and being seen and loved by a person who loves me. That makes me feel my most beautiful.”

Some 2,500 employees logged in to hear Cox speak during the virtual event in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride month, hosted by T-Mobile for Business EVP Mike Katz. T-Mobile has been <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/celebrating-diversity/lgbtq-plus-pride">heavily involved</a> in activities meant to celebrate LGBTQ+ community members and allies this June, including sponsoring Pride parades across the country, <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/pride2021">supporting LGBTQ+ youth</a> by teaming up with and donating to GLSEN and The Human Rights Campaign Foundation and supporting LGBTQ+  excellence in tech by sponsoring <a href="https://lesbianswhotech.org/pridesummit2021/?cmpid=MGPO_PW_U_PRIDEEVG_5ASUQSCZYBHVTOS5265358%20">Pride Summit 2021 with LesbiansWhoTech.</a>

For Cox, the topics of this <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/daniel-dae-kim-discusses-aapi-hate-crime-with-t-mobile" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/daniel-dae-kim-discusses-aapi-hate-crime-with-t-mobile">Talking with Trailblazers</a>, a series that invites diverse leaders to talk about issues that matter right now, ranged from being authentic to yourself, raising LGBTQ+ voices, how we can all be even better allies to the LGBTQ+ community, and the current challenges of violence against the transgender community and new legislation threatening rights to things such as gender affirming health care.

“As trans people are more visible, and we’re more visible than we’ve ever been before, this is the backlash to that visibility,” explained Cox. “Often when marginalized groups come forward and assert ourselves, there’s backlash. There is the backlash in spades right now.”

Here are some further takeaways from this fearless trailblazer.

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“I think that a lot of folks are terrified to say the wrong things. So, they don’t say anything at all. And that is certainly not being a good ally. And I’ve been leaning into the word ‘accomplice’ rather than ‘ally.’ For me, accomplice suggests not only what you’re doing when trans folks or Black folks or LGBTQI+ folks are in the room, but what are you doing when we’re not in the room? If someone is being mis-gendered behind their backs, are you intervening? And I don’t like to say calling people out, but sort of inviting them in and asking questions if they mis-gender someone. Talking about the humanity of trans people when we’re not there as well as when we are there. I think that is a beautiful way to think about how we create safe space and give people an opportunity to speak their truth. “And, I think for me, story is such a powerful tool. I’m sure there are employees in the company who have transitioned. If they’re comfortable sharing their stories, doing a video where they’ve shared their stories, hopefully of being treated well when they came out or disclosed to their coworkers. To let everyone else know that it’s okay, if that’s what they need to do. I think just letting folks know that the environment will be welcoming and supportive when they do disclose or come out. I think that is crucially important.”

“This legislative session there have been over a hundred pieces of legislation targeting transgender children, either transgender children playing sports, or having access to gender affirming health care. About eight states now have sports bans against trans girls, specifically playing sports on the teams with which they identify in terms of their gender. And that that’s abhorrent. But I think even more disturbing for me are bills that criminalize transgender children receiving gender-affirming care. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, every reputable healthcare organization says that gender affirming care for trans people is life-saving. It reduces suicidality by 40 percent when they have this access. That's major.

“I think so much of it is not just the legislation, it’s the narrative around the legislation that is dehumanizing to trans people and these conversations that continue to stigmatize trans folks. And we know that it emboldens folks to be more violent against trans folks. That dehumanizing language leads to dehumanizing behavior and violence. 2020 was the deadliest year for trans people. Over 44 trans people were murdered. That’s only in the United States. 27 trans people were murdered so far in 2021.”

The importance of knowing our collective and individual histories, in order to move forward.

“I think it’s important for us to understand our histories, so that we don’t repeat the things that are problematic. And when we can understand the story, own the story, then we can begin to write a different ending. And we can write that brave new ending for trans folks in the media. And so I do believe that things have gotten better for trans representation on television and I think we have a better understanding of what is more dehumanizing in terms of representation of trans folks. We understand what is stigmatizing and objectifying when we have conversations with and about trans people and what is more humanizing.

“There’s just so much stigma and misinformation that needs to be debunked. And we need to write new narratives and tell different stories. And most of that, again, is about humanizing trans people. There are many trans stories. We can hear trans people that we can get in front of people to tell their stories on their own terms and humanizing ways. And we can change the tide of all this discrimination and violence. But in the face of the challenges, trans people have been ourselves for centuries. Many of us have found the courage to be ourselves. And so we have to listen to trans people and we have to believe trans people, and give us space.”

T-Mobile Newsroom

The award-winning actress, producer and equal rights advocate joined T-Mobile’s latest Talking with Trailblazers event in celebration of Pride month.

Laverne Cox: “When We Understand the Story, We Can Begin to Write a Different Ending” | T-Mobile Newsroom

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Laverne Cox: “When We Understand the Story, We Can Begin to Write a Different Ending”

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In honor of Pride Month, we highlight Customer Resolution Expert Joe Richards and his community photo project “Proud to Be,” which T-Mobile has adopted companywide this year. Joe curates experiences as an art form. His masterpiece? Inclusion.

Joe Richards is many things — but first, he was a kindergartener.

“I think most people know the kind of field trip — all the little kindergartners take their lunches and coats and pile into a bus together and head to a museum,” he remembers.

“At the end of ours, they asked all the kids to present what they wanted to be when they grew up. I knew I wanted to be an artist, but my strongest memory from that moment is listening to everyone else’s answers and wanting to understand the ‘why’ behind them.”

Today, Joe works as a Customer Resolution Expert in T-Mobile’s Charleston Customer Experience Center, and serves as the lead for T-Mobile's Pride Employee Resource Group in the local Diversity, Equity & Inclusion chapter.

He’s also now the artist he knew he wanted to become all those years ago.

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“I like to create things,” he starts, launching into an overview of artistic range that spans event and celebration planning, concept and costume design, prop fabrication and a turn as a female illusionist. As Joe describes sewing thousands of sequins onto a gown as a favor for a friend, a ‘blacklight poster costume’ installation he’s working to create with a team for a photo spread (“It’s kind of hard to explain,” he says with a laugh), and parties he’s themed down to the tiniest degree, two things stand out: his dedication to detailed craft and his generosity.

“I love watching people’s reactions,” Joe explains. “So no matter what I’m working on, the big question is always: What impact do you want? An experience — whether it happens through an event or set design or a photo someone’s taking in — is like climbing a mountain, and in terms of reaching the pinnacle, the details set things apart.”

“DE&I is about a seat at the table, but it’s also about the change that happens with our voices, and around ten thousand voices can be pretty powerful,” Joe says, referencing <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/celebrating-diversity/lgbtq-plus-pride">T-Mobile's Pride ERG</a> membership (over a third of the company’s employees, nearly 30,000, belong to one or more Employee Resource Group). “And that’s not to say we’re all using our voices by yelling. It’s just making connections.”

“As Pride lead, I answer a lot of questions for others. Sometimes the advice I give people is as simple as: If you make a mistake, just apologize. We all want to be seen, but we also just want connect with one another and there’s so much fear about getting it wrong.”

Pride season offers members of the LGBTQ+ community a moment to advocate and celebrate their identities together, but “Be You” has long been a year-round motto at T-Mobile. That motto, Joe explains, inspired him to look for a way to open up Pride — and the experience of being “seen” —  to everyone.

“Validation is an important step in connecting with someone. Our vulnerability opens floodgates, and gives us the chance to see each other, maybe beyond corporate and work environments. I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it weren’t for that kind of validation.”

It’s his drive to make an impact combined with his singular artistic sensibility that has helped grow a participatory photo project he launched four years ago at the Charleston CEC called “Proud to Be.”

With the simple directive to employees to write down what they’re proud to be on a chalk board, Joe captured dozens of inspiring photographs of smiling sign bearers and built an art installation to display them in the call center. The project grew from 44 participants to 198 from 2018 to 2019.

This year, it expanded into a companywide T-Mobile initiative in celebration of Pride month.

It’s not always easy to know exactly what to celebrate, which can be part of what makes the experience special. Over time, he’s built up a playlist of helpful questions for these moments.

“I ask: If someone was meeting you for the first time today, and you could only tell them one thing about yourself, what would you say? Or I’ll ask people to share the thing they’re most proud of, and then dig into it — so if the answer is, ‘being a mom,’ maybe I’ll ask, ‘Whose mom?’ and what makes the person so proud to parent them.”

“More often than not, people really have to think about it. And some people write paragraphs.”

Over the years, members of the team have shared their pride in being a gay farmer, being Black and beautiful, being leaders and allies. They’ve showcased their families, their careers, their skills, and their attitudes. Joe laughs remembering a sign that read, “Proud to be oh so saucy!”

That variety, Joe says, “is what makes us great as human beings. That’s really the point — people love to use labels — but gay is what I am, not who I am. I’m a creator, I’m a storyteller. I want us all to break away from labels and see one another for who we are.”

And what happens in the process — the experience — is a work of art, too.

“‘Proud to Be’ is about giving that gift of self-discovery,” Joe says. “When it comes to creating that moment, it’s like that kindergarten field trip. You never know what someone is going to remember 30 or 40 years from now.”

A Customer Resolution Expert at T-Mobile launched a companywide art project for Pride month.

Employee Spotlight: Why This Customer Care All-Star and Artist Is “Proud to Be” | T-Mobile Newsroom

Employee Spotlight: Why This Customer Care All-Star and Artist Is “Proud to Be”

JasonAdams

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Just over a year ago, the newly-merged T-Mobile set in motion our strategy to become a bigger — and better — company. As we drive the Un-carrier spirit forward, putting people first remains at our core. More than ever, customers, employees, and shareholders engage with and invest in brands that genuinely and authentically live their values – those that reflect and invest in their communities.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) isn’t a new concept for the Un-carrier, and following our merger with Sprint, we recognized an opportunity to evolve and expand our commitment to these values that have always been at our core. Further catalyzed by the societal unrest and injustice we witnessed last year, this was a turning point for T-Mobile to leverage its new resources to better serve all of our employees, customers and communities where we operate. We seized the moment and created a way forward that we call Equity In Action.

Equity In Action (EIA) is more than how we talk about our DE&I efforts – it is a practical plan. EIA offers a roadmap that inspires us to lead by example, put people first and ensure DE&I remains at the center of everything we do.

And when I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING: the values we live by, the investments we make in our employees, the products and services we offer, the suppliers we do business with and the communities we advocate for.

We knew that we had a lot of work ahead of us, and we wanted to make sure our plan incorporated direct, honest feedback from our employees. We hired an external diversity and inclusion consultant to conduct 13 focus groups with employees from different races, cultural backgrounds, skillsets and levels of work experience. This process took time, but we knew that no one understands our business, pain points and strengths better than our own employees. Their feedback offered a wealth of insight to help us map out a plan that addressed specifically where we need to evolve, shift and align our actions with our culture and values.

Our five-year EIA plan includes multi-faceted DE&I efforts across three focus areas:

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Championing DE&I is not only a social challenge, but also a systems challenge.

The first step of our EIA plan is to assess and update our systems so that we’re laying the foundation for deep cultural transformation. Systems are current processes we have in place, including our Employee Resource Groups, our talent pipeline, and our customer-based product research and development. In some cases, we are creating new systems that will improve the employee and customer experience. Through hiring, training and developing each member of the T-Mobile team to their fullest potential, our systems will be optimized for equity.

Our work will take time, but we’ve already begun identifying the right priorities and goals, developing behaviors that drive those priorities, and fortifying the systems that reward and support those practices. This effort builds upon the public DE&I promises we have already made, with the support of our External Diversity & Inclusion Council.

We will work to fulfill these promises over the next five years, but their impact will be felt sooner –and it will extend beyond our initial plan as we continue growing and evolving as a company.

In addition to the EIA promises we’ve already completed and tracked, we’ve established new programs for our employees, customers and communities. For example, our <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://nexttechdiversity.com/" target="_blank">NextTech Diversity Program</a> provides career training and placement for thousands of underrepresented candidates to take on roles as 5G network technicians, and our Lead Magenta Next development program creates more opportunities for previously untapped talent and strengthens our recruiting pipeline. We also recently launched an enterprise-wide training called One Team, Together Learning Journey, which will take all employees through an expansive multi-year experience to help them form more inclusive habits in the workplace.

Right now, we’re focused on empowering our employees. We’ve given everyone on Team Magenta the shared responsibility and accountability to be a part of Equity In Action and help us move this work forward. By starting with our team, we’re doing DE&I our way, with integrity and authenticity.

But the work won’t end there. We are planning years into the future, and we’ll work in tandem with the extraordinary members of our <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/meet-the-civil-rights-leaders-joining-t-mobiles-external-diversity-and-inclusion-council" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">External Diversity and Inclusion Council </a>— some of the best advocates and thinkers in the DE&I space — to hold us accountable to the promises we’ve made. These are major steps, but they’re just the first on a lifelong journey of learning and growing. We take them together, collectively, as a company that supports and cares for all of the individuals who comprise it.

Equity In Action is more than how we talk about our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts – it is a practical plan to lead by example, put people first and ensure DE&I remains at the center of everything we do.

Equity In Action: The Un-carrier Approach to DE&amp;I | T-Mobile Newsroom

Equity In Action: The Un-carrier Approach to DE&#038;I

Jess Dillon

Equity In Action is more than how we talk about our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts – it is a practical plan to lead by example, put people first and ensure DE&amp;I remains at the center of everything we do.

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The Un-carrier announced it will give a combined $1.25 million to Human Rights Campaign Foundation and GLSEN initiatives

What’s the news: To celebrate Pride this year, T-Mobile is furthering its longstanding support of organizations that serve LGBTQ+ youth with a $1 million donation to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s new financial and digital literacy initiatives and a $250,000 donation to GLSEN’s efforts to make schools safer and more inclusive.

Why it matters: These initiatives will have critical — and potentially lifechanging — impacts. They provide educational resources to help LGBTQ+ youth who are <a href="https://www.hrc.org/news/new-report-on-youth-homeless-affirms-that-lgbtq-youth-disproportionately-ex" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">120%</a> more likely than cisgender or heterosexual youth to experience homelessness, unstable housing or live in foster care and, as a result, are at higher risk of dropping out of school, facing unemployment and suffering from poverty later in life. They will also support inclusive school programming that connects with the <a href="https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/2020-10/NSCS-2019-Executive-Summary-English_1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">over half </a>of LGBTQ+ students who feel unsafe in school because of their sexual orientation or gender expression.

Who it’s for: LGBTQ+ youth who are shaping the future of their — and all of our — communities.

BELLEVUE, Wash. — June 11, 2021 — Today T-Mobile announced it is taking big steps to advance educational equity for LGBTQ+ youth. The Un-carrier announced a total donation of $1.25 million to initiatives developed by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation and GLSEN — $1 million to the HRC Foundation’s new financial and digital literacy initiatives and $250,000 to GLSEN’s efforts aimed at making schools safer and more inclusive for LGBTQ+ students.

“T-Mobile recognizes that giving LGBTQ+ youth access to these important HRC and GLSEN initiatives today means we are also empowering the generation that will shape the future of LGBTQ+ advocacy and be this community’s leaders of tomorrow,” said Mike Sievert, T-Mobile CEO. “We’re proud to partner with these two organizations because they share our belief that every single person has the right to feel safe, seen, heard, and prepared to achieve their ambitions — and are delivering quality programming that ensures it.”

Earlier this week, the HRC Foundation and T-Mobile <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/human-rights-campaign-and-t-mobile-announce-initiatives-for-lgbtq-digital-literacy-financial-empowerment" target="_blank">announced</a> a $1 million donation to support new financial and digital literacy initiatives for LGBTQ+ youth and those who have multiple marginalized identities — groups with higher risk of experiencing discrimination, poverty, homelessness and unemployment. The initiatives will provide educational resources on the basics of budgeting and financial management, as well as cyberbullying and internet safety. T-Mobile’s donation to this new programming is part of its <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.t-mobile.com/careers/culture-and-benefits/diversity/public-commitments" target="_blank">Equity In Action Plan</a> that advances diversity, equity and inclusion across all aspects of its business. A key piece of Equity In Action is supporting programs and organizations focused on digital literacy, job training and equitable access in the digital economy for disadvantaged and underrepresented communities.

“Creating programming centered around reducing risks of inequity is critical and expands our ability to more holistically serve the LGBTQ+ community,” said Alphonso David, Human Rights Campaign President. “We thank T-Mobile for championing these causes and illustrating that in order to do the most good, we need everyone on board.”

T-Mobile also announced a new $250,000 donation to GLSEN’s efforts to make schools safer and more enriching for LGBTQ+ students. The funds will support GLSEN’s year-round initiatives and events that provide students in grades K through 12 with a safe, supportive and LGBTQ-inclusive education, including the Rainbow Library, Respect Awards 2021-2022, Day of Silence and Solidarity Week.

“We are extremely grateful to T-Mobile for this generous gift and unique partnership,” said Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers. “This extended support not only promotes inclusion and acceptance that drives real change, but it also helps us deliver on our mission to ensure LGBTQ+ youth are treated with respect in safe and affirming academic environments from coast to coast.”

T-Mobile supports the sexual orientation and gender identity of all customers and employees. The Un-carrier has maintained a perfect score on the HRC’s <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hrc.org/resources/corporate-equality-index" target="_blank">Corporate Equality Index</a> for the last nine consecutive years. For more information about T-Mobile’s Pride celebrations and broader commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, visit the Pride 2021 <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/celebrating-diversity/lgbtq-plus-pride" target="_blank">homepage</a>.

About T-Mobile T-Mobile U.S. Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile. For more information please visit: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.t-mobile.com." target="_blank">http://www.t-mobile.com.</a>

About The Human Rights Campaign Foundation <a href="https://www.hrc.org/resources/foundation-overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Human Rights Campaign Foundation</a> is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people. Through its programs, the HRC Foundation seeks to make transformational change in the everyday lives of LGBTQ people, shedding light on inequity and deepening the public’s understanding of LGBTQ issues, with a clear focus on advancing transgender and racial justice.

About GLSEN GLSEN creates safe and affirming K-12 schools for all students. GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach tens of thousands of K-12 schools across the United States, and its network of community-led chapters brings GLSEN’s expertise to local communities. For more information on GLSEN’s policy advocacy, student leadership initiatives, public education, research and educator training programs, please visit <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.glsen.org/" target="_blank">glsen.org</a>.

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T-Mobile Celebrates Pride at It's HQ in Bellevue Washington

T-Mobile Celebrates Pride at It's HQ in Overland Park Kansas

T-Mobile will give a combined $1.25 million to Human Rights Campaign Foundation and GLSEN initiatives

This Pride Month 2021, T-Mobile announced it will give a combined $1.25 million to Human Rights Campaign Foundation and GLSEN initiatives.

Powering the Future of Pride: T-Mobile Invests in Educational Equity for LGBTQ+ Youth | T-Mobile Newsroom

Powering the Future of Pride: T-Mobile Invests in Educational Equity for LGBTQ+ Youth

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Sixteen teams of visionary teens that share the Un-carrier spirit of championing change, daring to innovate and leading by example win nationwide contest.

BELLEVUE, Wash. — June 3, 2021 — T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) and the T-Mobile Foundation announced the 16 winners of the 2021 Changemaker Challenge, a nationwide contest that mobilizes youth who have big and bold ideas on how to change the world for good with seed money and mentorship. Winning ventures from this third Challenge, sponsored by T-Mobile, the T-Mobile Foundation and <a href="https://www.ashoka.org/en-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashoka</a>, the world’s largest network of systems-changing social entrepreneurs, came from individuals and teams between the ages of 13-18 and tackle issues ranging from water conservation to underrepresentation in medicine to reducing waste.

Winners have earned seed money from the T-Mobile Foundation and an all-expenses-paid trip to T-Mobile’s headquarters in Bellevue, Wash. (subject to and following the CDC’s COVID-19 guidance) for the Changemaker Lab to get inspiration and develop action plans.

“This year’s T-Mobile Changemaker Challenge applicants aren’t just dreaming about change — they are taking steps to BE the change they want to see,” said Janice V. Kapner, T-Mobile's chief communications and brand officer. “We were blown away with their inspiring ideas to create more connected, sustainable and informed communities These bright young minds embody the Un-carrier’s fearless spirit and are tackling urgent challenges and imagining a brighter future — and during a global pandemic no less! We can’t wait to help turn their ideas into reality!”

Entrants focused their projects on three categories: Technology, Environment, and Education. For each category, five winners were chosen and one of the projects was selected as the category winner. This year, the Challenge also included a separate category for T-Mobile employees and their families.

Judges from Ashoka and T-Mobile reviewed submissions based on four criteria:

T-Mobile and the T-Mobile Foundation are partnering with Ashoka because for the last 40 years, Ashoka has supported social entrepreneurs as they bring new ideas to systemically address the world’s biggest challenges. Ashoka works around the globe with partners like the T-Mobile Foundation to support youth by developing core competencies of empathy, teamwork, collaborative leadership and changemaking skills.

For more information about the T-Mobile Changemaker Challenge, visit <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/community/education/changemaker-challenge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">t-mobile.com/changemaker</a>, and join the conversation on social with #TMoChangemaker.

Winners of the 2021 Changemaker Challenge

For more details about each winning project, check out the <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/media-library/1050796_changemaker_challenge_2021_lookbook" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2021 Changemaker Challenge Lookbook</a>.

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Top Category Winner <a href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2021?application=23475701" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Operation Serenity</a> (Rochester, MN) An app that gives pediatric patients preparing for surgery peace of mind through kid-friendly simulations

Top Category Winner <a href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2021?application=23666267" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aquapods</a> (San Jose, CA) A plant-based, biodegradable sponge that combats water waste and leads to more fertile soil

Top Category Winner <a href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2021/applications?application=23181227" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medicine Encompassed</a> (North Brunswick, NJ) A student-run non-profit organization working to solve the problem of underrepresentation in medicine

Top Category Winner <a href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2021/applications?application=24023468" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Terracan</a> (Bellevue, WA) A smart trash can and app that calculates your waste footprint to help reduce garbage

Technology <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2021?application=23626622" target="_blank">The Tuberculosticks</a> (Redmond, WA) A low-cost tuberculosis test that leverages the same technology as pregnancy tests to deliver instant results

<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2021?application=24019777" target="_blank">Guardial</a> (Coppell, TX) An app that empowers users to proactively take control of their safety

<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2021?application=23193185" target="_blank">The Neptune Project</a> (Woodside, CA) Bringing machine learning and a litmus paper test to identify communities at high risk for lead poisoning

<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2021?application=23474342" target="_blank">Solar Education Center</a> (Lafayette, CO) A solar-powered bus bringing technology-based education to rural school districts

Environment <a href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2021?application=24053407" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Linens N Love</a> (Yorba Linda, CA) An organization that donates linens that would otherwise be discarded by hotels to animal shelters, homeless shelters, etc.

<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2021?application=23670146" target="_blank">MYCOGEAR</a> (Melrose Park, IL) Biodegradable products made from fungus that can perform the same functions as single-use plastic

<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2021?application=23366819" target="_blank">Effective Climate Action Project</a> (Portland, OR) An organization that uses data visualizations and climate simulations to advocate for systemic solutions to climate change

<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2021?application=24027155" target="_blank">The Urban Garden Initiative</a> (Newark, DE) A nonprofit that aims to inspire and empower youth to achieve urban sustainability through a gardening-based program

Education <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2021?application=24047930" target="_blank">Project Exchange</a> (Vancouver, WA) An online cultural exchange program for young people to explore today’s global issues together

<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2021?application=24048714" target="_blank">Let’s End Poverty. Period!</a> (Montgomery, AL) An organization addressing the issue of period poverty and lobbying for change

<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2021?application=24040101" target="_blank">RelatABLE</a> (Staten Island, NY) A group dedicated to educating people about disabilities to build a more inclusive future

<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2021?application=23571452" target="_blank">Project Kares</a> (Yorba Linda, CA) An app that helps young people connect with supportive mentors

About T-Mobile T-Mobile U.S. Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Sprint. For more information, please visit: <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.t-mobile.com</a>.

About T-Mobile Foundation The T-Mobile Foundation is committed to changing the world for good. The Foundation advances positive change in our communities by supporting causes that focus on youth development and by providing opportunities for T-Mobile employees to engage in causes that benefit the communities where they live and work. The T-Mobile Foundation, created and funded by T-Mobile US, Inc., is recognized by the IRS as a Section 501(c)(3) private foundation.

About Ashoka Ashoka is the largest global network of leading social entrepreneurs—individuals with new ideas to systemically address the world’s biggest challenges and the entrepreneurial skill to transform those ideas into national, regional and global social impact. Over 35 years, Ashoka has supported more than 3,500 social entrepreneurs in 90 countries with solutions addressing society’s most pressing issues. Ashoka’s vision is a world in which Everyone is a Changemaker—a society that responds quickly and effectively to challenges, and where each individual has the freedom, confidence and societal support to address any social problem. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.ashoka.org/en-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ashoka.org</a>.

Introducing the Next Generation of Innovators: T-Mobile and the T-Mobile Foundation Announce 2021 Changemaker Challenge Winners | T-Mobile Newsroom

Introducing the Next Generation of Innovators: T-Mobile and the T-Mobile Foundation Announce 2021 Changemaker Challenge Winners

Katie Chen

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https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/changemaker-challenge-2021-winners

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As forecasters predict another busy storm season on the heels of record-breaking hurricane activity in 2020, the Un-carrier is equipped with more disaster-response resources than ever.

Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, but the Un-carrier prepares year-round to ensure we are ready to help customers, first responders and local authorities stay connected when it matters most. Last year's 30 named storms were the most-ever on record, and forecasters have already predicted above-average storm activity again this year. T-Mobile takes a rock-solid approach to preparation and response, hoping for the best but planning for the worst.

It starts with knowing when and where storms might hit and understanding their possible severity. T-Mobile partners closely with national weather forecasters to better understand storm patterns and potential short- and long-term responses. Once a storm hits, our recent investments in our network’s resiliency and infrastructure prove critical. Our nationwide 5G buildout with crucial low-band spectrum gives us the coverage penetration necessary to keep customers in service during and after natural disasters. We’ve also further increased network emergency response capabilities on the ground and now have even more resources to quickly support people most affected after a hurricane.

“While we hope our communities are spared the destruction we’ve seen in previous years, our T-Mobile teams have worked tirelessly to be ready for what’s to come — investing in our network, partnering with tracking experts and expanding our emergency response fleets and relief teams,” said Neville Ray, T-Mobile president of technology. “Once a storm hits, every minute, hour and day that passes can have a huge impact. We know that preparation is key so that when disaster strikes, we are ready to take care of our customers as quickly as possible, and that’s why we prioritize readiness all year long.”

T-Mobile is serious about the role we play to effectively respond during and after a storm. We utilize a number of proven strategies to make sure we’re ready for any situation:

Over the past year, we further increased our network emergency response capabilities and now have more resources ready to respond to hurricane-prone communities after storms.

When it comes to hurricanes, even with all our preparations and our network’s increased capacity, power outages and other service interruptions can still occur. If your cell service is interrupted or spotty immediately following a hurricane, we recommend you try the following:

Taking a few minutes NOW to get ready for the hurricane season can help you stay connected in the moment. We suggest the following steps:

There are many options for customers and the community to stay up to date on response and recovery efforts:

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*Wi-Fi Calling: Capable phone and Wi-Fi connection required; may decrement plan minutes. Most devices will not transition between Wi-Fi and the wireless network. See your device’s User Manual and selected service for details.

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T-Mobile Stands Ready to Keep Customers Connected During the 2021 Hurricane Season | T-Mobile Newsroom

T-Mobile Stands Ready to Keep Customers Connected During the 2021 Hurricane Season

JayGoGuasch

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https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/2021-hurricane-season

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In recognition of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI), we ask Communications & Community Engagement senior specialist Melissa Jividan to tell us why her personal experience of being an Asian American at T-Mobile is one of the many reasons she loves promoting the brand on the company’s Careers social channels.

Fate, as they say, works in mysterious ways. “I got recruited off of LinkedIn after I had graduated college in Hawaii,” says senior specialist Melissa Jividan. Six years later, Jividan now runs the Careers social channel, which — as fate would have it — includes the company’s brand <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/t-mobile/mycompany/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.linkedin.com/company/t-mobile/mycompany/">LinkedIn page</a>. “It's one of those full circle things,” she notes with a laugh.

A Seattle-area native who returned to the region when the wireless provider came calling, Jividan was first brought aboard at T-Mobile as a social media specialist in customer care, and has since moved onto executive social on the Communications & Community Engagement team in addition to her responsibilities of sharing important employee stories. She has become a unique lens through which others can see what those in leadership and in positions of all levels across the company are saying about working for the Un-carrier. Which makes us wonder, what’s her story?

 Jividan was brought up multi-ethnic to a White father and a mother who had emigrated from Thailand.

“With me being multiple ethnicities, I don’t come across as obviously Asian,” she says, which offers her a unique view into ugly conversations others would not be privy to. “I get to see what people are seeing and saying. They get very surprised when I say, ‘Hey, I’m Asian too. And what you said is not appropriate, and here’s why.’”

She then adds: “I’m my own ally, in a sense.”

In recognition of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI), we talk with Jividan about her personal experience with Asian hate (and love), the importance of the Asia Pacific & Allies Network Employee Resource Group she’s part of at T-Mobile and about the career path that has led her to running the company’s Careers social channel — and where destiny may take her next.

Overseeing the Careers social channel — LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc. — can you walk us through what a typical day is like?

Generally speaking, I am planning out what content looks like for the Careers channel — everything from creating my own content, like memes or short videos, to working with others such as a Tik Tok creator that we’re currently partnering with. If I’m not creating and planning the content, I’m shaping what the view of the channel looks like. And then I focus on how we can tell the stories of our employees that would make people who don’t work at T-Mobile want to work here. And luckily, it’s pretty easy, because many of the employees here have such incredible stories. Being able to share their stories and have them explain why they love T-Mobile, I think that’s the most surefire way to get someone to want to work here.

How important is showcasing inclusivity on the social handles you currently oversee?

I think it’s extremely important. You see more and more in media that representation matters. Just seeing someone that looks like you doing something that you previously thought you couldn’t do has had a huge impact on me and on people I know. And I think that’s important to showcase at the workplace as well. If you were to describe a position, you might immediately think of a certain kind of person. So knowing that you can be any gender or race in those roles, just knowing that it’s possible is really helpful. Because it drops that barrier of thinking, “Oh, I can’t do it because of this.” Well, this person did it, so of course you can do it. I think it’s cool, that just by sharing someone’s story, you’re able to see what your own potential is.

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