At Camunda, Pride isn’t about performative rainbows or a checkbox on the calendar. It’s about people. It’s about creating space—every single day—for authenticity, courage, celebration, and belonging.
This Pride Month, for our “Meet a Camundi” series we invited a few Camundi to reflect on what Pride means to them, how their identity connects with their work, and what belonging truly feels like.
These are their personal stories: honest, moving, and real.
Jesse Sullivan (he/him), USA
- What’s your name (and pronouns), role, and where in the world are you based?
Hi there! I’m Jesse Sullivan (he/him), Senior Talent Acquisition Partner here at Camunda. I have the joy of recruiting across several dynamic teams, such as Revenue Operations, Account Development, and Accounting and Finance, helping us grow by bringing in incredible talent every day. I’m currently based just outside Birmingham, Alabama, where I live with my partner of 12 years and our lovable rescue dog, who’s been part of our little family for the past 7 years. - What does Pride symbolize to you?
Pride, to me, means showing up as you are, authentically and freely, while recognizing the strength it takes to get there. It is a celebration of the freedom to live openly and visibly, while honoring the resilience and milestones of those who made and continue to make that freedom possible. - What does belonging at work look or feel like for you?
Belonging at work feels like knowing my voice matters and will be respected. At Camunda, I’m grateful to be part of a global team made up of people from many different backgrounds. Diversity brings a multitude of valuable perspectives, and when we genuinely value and learn from one another, it creates a culture of real respect, support, and belonging. - If you could give your younger self one message during Pride Month, what would it be?
You’ve entered the world with joy, creativity, and self-expression, but a lot of people will try to dim that. They’ll tease your mannerisms, your love of dolls and girl groups, your vibrant spirit. Those aren’t flaws to be hidden, but some of the best parts of you. - What’s something fun or surprising people might not know about you?
Back in middle school, I was absolutely convinced I was destined for Harvard and a career as a lawyer. I even bought a couple of books about getting into law school and joined the debate team, without telling anyone my real motivation. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t some grand passion for law. I just loved the movie ‘Legally Blonde’ way too much. - Is there anything else that you’d love to talk about or that feels meaningful to share?
Some years, it feels like more companies show up for Pride, and other years, things go quiet. That shift often seems tied to what’s happening in the broader cultural or political climate, but it shouldn’t be. Supporting the LGBTQIA+ community shouldn’t be driven by trends or appearances, but by consistent commitment, genuine courage, and a dedication to doing what’s right.
Jesse’s reflections on visibility and joy remind us how far we’ve come and how important it is to protect that progress.
Next, Tassilo shares his own journey and why allyship, visibility, and quirky reality TV obsessions matter just as much.
Tassilo Weidner-Mühl (he/him), Germany
- What’s your name (and pronouns), role, and where in the world are you based?
Hello! I am Tassilo Weidner-Mühl (he/him/his), an Engineering Manager based in Berlin, Germany. 🌈 - What advice would you give to someone who’s early in their journey or struggling to bring their whole self to work?
The first thing I’d say is: you are not alone. Remember, diversity is our strength. Don’t stress about blending in too much—celebrate what makes you unique. The majority of people are more accepting and supportive than you might think. Keep shining! 🌟 - What gives you hope or energy when it comes to LGBTQIA+ visibility and rights today?
It’s incredibly inspiring to see how much LGBTQIA+ visibility has grown over the years. When I was younger, it was tough to find any role models or representation in the media. Now, we see openly queer TV show hosts, actors, and entire shows dedicated to queer stories. This shift is monumental for young people exploring their identities and looking for relatable figures. It’s an exciting time to be part of the community! 🏳️🌈 - What’s something fun or surprising people might not know about you?
My guilty pleasure is watching reality TV shows. I especially love watching the team dynamics as groups navigate challenging situations. Despite the exaggerated drama, I eagerly tune in for the next episode—it’s one of my quirky ways to relax. - Is there anything else that you’d love to talk about or that feels meaningful to share?
As a gay man, it’s heartwarming to witness the advancements in my rights and societal acceptance. However, I recognize that trans individuals still face significant challenges. My personal focus has shifted towards being a strong ally for the trans community. Let’s continue the fight for equality together! 🤝❤️🏳️⚧️
From Berlin to Johannesburg—Wes brings their own story of identity, resilience, and intention. As someone helping shape our systems of fairness and support, their voice is both powerful and personal.
Wesley Hattingh (they/them), South Africa
- What’s your name (and pronouns), role, and where in the world are you based?
My name is Wes Hattingh (pronouns: they/them), and I’m the Manager of Total Rewards at Camunda. I’m based out of Johannesburg, South Africa. It’s a privilege to be part of a global team from here, working to make Camunda a place where the best talent wants to invest their time and energy in creating a world-class product. - Have there been ways Camunda has supported your identity, or are there things you’d love to see more of?
From my first day, I have never felt the need to hide my identity at Camunda. While assumptions can happen anywhere (and do), the environment here is fundamentally built on trust, acceptance, and treating others with respect and dignity. That’s not an easy culture to create, as it requires a really strong baseline of respect, and I’m genuinely grateful for it. Looking forward, I’m really excited to see more life breathed back into our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Especially in a world where human rights for queer folk and other identities are globally eroding to some degree, having an intentional space where we can come together is not just important, it’s vital. - What advice would you give someone just starting to explore their identity?
Have courage and be kind to yourself; it’s a journey that takes time and doesn’t happen in one day. Seek out support, whether in-person or in safe digital spaces. Where you have the energy, be prepared to correct people or surround yourself with those you trust who can advocate on your behalf, but importantly, always be unapologetically you. Life is too short to be overly invested in what other people think, a lesson I continue to learn as a recovering people-pleaser. It’s a statement that comes with privilege, as I know it isn’t always safe for everyone to live so openly. And to everyone, I’d add: be kind and offer a smile to others as you go about your day. That small act of being seen and acknowledged goes farther than people think. - Any queer icons, books, movies, or media that inspire you?
I’m deeply inspired by the work of Alok Vaid-Menon. Their advocacy and how they are themselves is a powerful reminder to look beyond binaries and see the beauty in authentic self-expression. I’ve also been moved by media like Heartstopper and Love, Simon. Even though they’re aimed at a younger audience, they’ve been quite emotional to watch (tissues anyone?), and it makes me think parts of me would be different now if this had been around when I was that age. They’re a reminder that parts of the world are improving, offering hope even as we see backwards movement elsewhere. This really highlights how important it is for allies to step up and help create that sense of belonging for queer folk, an emotion we have all struggled with at some point and likely continue to even as we are well into our adult years. - Is there anything else that you’d love to talk about or that feels meaningful to share?
My work in Total Rewards is deeply connected to my identity and values. I am passionate about building systems and processes that are transparent, fair, and equitable. My goal is always to improve the everyday lived experience of those I serve in ways that align with the business. It’s incredibly meaningful for me to contribute to a workplace where people feel seen and valued for their unique talents, knowing that the structures in place are designed to support them, regardless of their background or identity.
From Johannesburg to across the globe, Wes’ story reminds us how inclusion is both personal and systemic. But allyship plays just as vital a role in shaping belonging.
Allyship in action: Creating space to grow
At Camunda, allyship is about showing up in everyday actions, often quietly, but with lasting impact. One Camundi shared their personal experience:
“Coming out as trans early in my transition was nerve-wracking, but my fears were quickly squelched by the amazing support from my colleagues at Camunda. I was touched by how many people quietly helped me update my name across systems, never making it a big deal or slipping up. I’ve come to see Camunda as a safe space where I’ve been able to grow at my own pace, whether reintroducing myself to customers or changing my appearance at in-person events.”
—Lena Schönburg (she/her), Senior Software Engineer at Camunda.
True inclusion is built in these small moments where trust, courage, and community intersect. It’s what makes showing up as your full self possible.
Looking forward
Pride isn’t just a moment, it’s a movement. Whether through community conversations, inclusive policies, or simply showing up for each other every day, we remain committed to creating a workplace where every person is empowered to be their full, authentic self.
To the LGBTQIA+ members of our team and beyond: we see you, we celebrate you, and we stand with you—this month and always.
Start the discussion at forum.camunda.io