ORLANDO, Fla. – June 1, 2021 – Regions Bank on Tuesday announced a series of steps to advance LGBTQ+ inclusion in Florida and beyond. Through a combination of impactful contributions to community organizations, as well as the bank’s ongoing focus on advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, Regions is working to create a more welcoming society where all people have access to opportunities to succeed and prosper.
Contributions announced Tuesday include a $25,000 grant in support of college scholarships established by the National Pulse Memorial & Museum, formerly known as the onePULSE Foundation. The scholarships were created to honor the legacies of the 49 people who were killed in the June 12, 2016, Pulse nightclub shooting.
Leaders from the National Pulse Memorial & Museum worked with families of the victims to create the 49 annual scholarships based on the interests, careers and aspirations of each person whose life was taken in the attack.
“Nearly five years ago, Orlando witnessed one of the darkest days in our history. However, since that day, we have seen allies and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community come together to provide remarkable support and resilience while offering a message of unity and peace,” said Chris Hurst, Orlando-area market executive for Regions Bank. “We appreciate the significant work being done by the National Pulse Memorial & Museum. It is our hope that through Regions’ contribution, we can honor the memory of those whose lives were lost and encourage more people to pursue their dreams, knowing they are supported by organizations that are committed to their success.”
The $25,000 National Pulse Memorial & Museum contribution is an extension of Regions’ initial contributions to the OneOrlando Fund and the Better Together Fund in June 2016. Additional contributions from Regions to advance LGBTQ+ inclusion in Florida this year include:
- JASMYN – Jacksonville: JASMYN supports and empowers LGBTQ+ youth by creating safe spaces, providing health and wholeness services and offering youth development opportunities, while bringing people and resources together to promote equality and human rights. Regions Bank is providing $5,000 to support these services, in addition to volunteer board service.
- Equality Florida – Statewide: Equality Florida works to secure full equality for members of the state’s LGBTQ+ community, specifically focusing resources on preventing harassment and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Regions Bank is providing a $10,000 grant this year as part of its long-term sponsorship of the organization.
- LGBTQ+ Chambers – Miami, Tampa Bay and Orlando: Regions invested a combined $21,000 in 2020 across the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber and the Pride Chamber in Orlando, with additional contributions to follow in 2021. Each organization works to advance common business interests, economic opportunities and workplace equity for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
We have seen allies and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community come together to provide remarkable support and resilience.
Chris Hurst, Orlando-area market executive for Regions Bank
Further examples of Regions’ year-round commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity can be found at this link. This commitment complements Regions’ overall community engagement strategy, which prioritizes community investments, volunteer service, and additional forms of support for a wide network of organizations that foster opportunities for more people to succeed. Key focus areas include supporting financial wellness, economic and community development, and education and workforce readiness.
“Creating more inclusive prosperity is at the heart of who we are as a company, and that includes reaching members of the LGBTQ+ community with important services, financial insights and community support, all designed to help fulfill our mission to make life better for the people and places we serve,” said Brett Shaffer, corporate community relations manager for Regions Bank. “Our community partnerships in Florida and beyond reflect our commitment to serving as a valued financial services provider for people from all backgrounds. We look forward to building on our progress and community partnerships in the years to come.”
About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $153 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates more than 1,300 banking offices and 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.