OUTstanding’s LGBT+ Role Model List 2020 honours Vodafone UK employee

Software Engineer James D’Rozario recognised for his training, mentoring and fundraising efforts.

James D’Rozario, a software engineer at Vodafone UK, has been included in the OUTstanding LGBT+ Future Leaders Role Model List 2020. OUTstanding is part of INvolve, a global network promoting diversity and inclusion in business. 

James, who joined Vodafone UK as a graduate in 2017, has been instrumental in numerous initiatives both inside and outside the company. He helped establish Vodafone’s LGBT+ Friends Network in London and helped lead the company’s LGBT+ inclusion training for graduates and apprentices.

Outside Vodafone, James partnered with Career Accelerator to help organise LGBT+ mentors for disadvantaged schoolchildren in London to encourage them to pursue tech careers. He has also raised more than £35,000 for LGBT+ charities, while working on podcasts for Hidayah, Mermaids and Micro Rainbow. 

OUTstanding’s LGBT+ Role Model Lists, which are supported by Yahoo Finance, showcase future leaders who are successful in business and also make a significant contribution to LGBT+ inclusion in the UK, Ireland, Europe, Canada and the US.

James said: “Being recognised as an OUTstanding LGBT+ Role Model is not just professionally significant, but deeply personal, too. When joining Vodafone, it was my hope that sharing my personal story would inspire others to be their authentic selves. 

“I have learnt self-love, confidence and a gained sense of community I’ve never experienced before, and with this external recognition I only hope to reach more LGBT+ people with my work to show that we can be both proud and successful.

“I must extend a huge thank you to Vodafone’s LGBT+ Friends Network, the Diversity & Inclusion team, and Vodafone’s management for their support and encouragement. It truly does feel like together we are trailblazers for inclusivity in the technology industry.” 

Vodafone UK’s efforts as a LGBT-inclusive employer have been recognised by Stonewall, which ranked the company highly in its 2020 Workplace Equality Index at number 19. Vodafone UK also supports its trans customers with help such as a simplified ‘Name Change’ process.