On Europe Day, May 9th, Warsaw became the heart of European workplace inclusion as the European Pride Business Network (EPBN) hosted the inaugural EPBN – WISE Role Models Award Ceremony at the Copernicus Science Centre. In a powerful display of unity, courage, and leadership, 25 LGBTIQ+ professionals and allies from Austria, Czechia, France, Germany, and Italy were honored for their work transforming workplaces and championing equality across the continent.

Held under the patronage of the European Parliament, the French and Canadian Embassies in Poland, Kampania Przeciw Homofobii (KPH), and the Polish Diversity Charter, the ceremony marked a historic first for Europe. This milestone event brought together policymakers, business leaders, ambassadors, civil society, and LGBTIQ+ advocates to celebrate the power of visibility and inclusion in shaping a more competitive, resilient, and democratic Europe.

“We are more than a business platform. We are a movement. These 25 Role Models show us what authentic leadership looks like. They remind us that visibility matters, that courage inspires change, and that inclusion is a source of strength for Europe,” said Matthias Weber, EPBN Chairman, in his opening remarks.

The evening featured keynote speeches by Katarzyna Kotula, Minister for Equality, Poland; Krzysztof Śmiszek, Member of the European Parliament; Matthias Weber, EPBN Chairman; Justin Nelson, Co-Founder and President of NGLCC (USA); Christophe Margaine, EPBN-WISE Project Manager and CFO at AIDES; as well as executives and representatives from Orange, Legrand, Sephora, and Société Générale.

Supportive video messages were shared by Ana Carla Pereira (Director for Equality and Non-discrimination, DG Justice and Consumers, European Commission), Jean-Marc Berthon (French Ambassador for the Rights of LGBT+ People), and Carolina Morace (Member of the European Parliament, Italy).

A Moment of Remembrance

During the post-ceremony cocktail, guests experienced a moving exhibit from the Warsaw Queer Museum, one of the few queer-dedicated museums globally, honoring queer history in Poland and beyond.

“Today we are celebrating the very first European Role Models, we are celebrating diversity in the workplace. We are more than 220 persons present here today at the Warsaw’s Copernicus Science Centre auditorium, representing around 40 companies, 24 NGOs, from 15 countries, and dozens of people from across Europe are following us on livestream,” Christophe Margaine, EPBN-WISE Project Manager.

Introducing the 25 EPBN – WISE Leader LGBTIQ+ Role Models

• Austria: Brigitte Bichler, Jasmina Metzke, Tamara Scheidl, Martina Bednar, Florian Klimscha
• Czechia: Katerina Nosek, Garrett Dibon-Smith, Martin Zelenka, Barbora Šikolová, Jan Kotik
• France: Xavier Vey, Aliette Mousnier-Lompré, Frédéric Xerri, Yoann Lacan, Alexandre Maymat
• Germany: Tanja Bauer-Glück, Liam Michelle Seifert, Robert Nessing, Carsten Gorray, Tabea Fesser
• Italy: Mario Di Carlo, Luca Condosta, Andrea Notarnicola Cociani, Ferdinando Poscio, Arianna Forzani

In addition to the main cohort of Role Models, the ceremony also honoured: Outstanding LGBTIQ+ Professionals, recognised for their exceptional leadership and impact in the workplace, and Allies, acknowledged for their steadfast support and advocacy for inclusion across Europe.

EPBN – WISE Outstanding LGBTIQ+ Professionals

• Austria: Martina Bednar
• Czechia: Garrett Dibon-Smith, Martin Zelenka, Jan Kotik
• Germany: Liam Michelle Seifert, Carsten Gorray

EPBN – WISE Allies

• Austria: Jasmina Metzke, Florian Klimscha
• Czechia: Katerina Nosek
• France: Frédéric Xerri

Each of the awardees was selected by a high-level jury of DEI and business leaders from across Europe.

Thanks to EPBN – WISE Award Ceremony Partners and Sponsors
The ceremony was made possible thanks to the generous support of:

• Orange, Legrand, Société Générale, Sephora, Label Paris Europe
• Consortium partners: L’Autre Cercle (France), EDGE (Italy), Pride Biz Austria (Austria), Pride Business Forum (Czechia), Berufsverband VK (formerly Völklinger Kreis – Germany)

This initiative would not have been possible without the co-funding and support of the European Commission’s CERV programme (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values). This reflects the European Union’s steadfast commitment to equality, inclusion, and democratic resilience. Supporting initiatives like EPBN – WISE is not just an investment in civil society, it is an investment in the future of Europe itself. At a time when fundamental values are being challenged, the EU’s support for workplace inclusion sends a strong message: that “United in Diversity” is more than a motto, it is the DNA of Europe’s successful future.

Missed the Ceremony? Watch the full broadcast on YouTube.

What’s Next for EPBN – WISE?
Following the ceremony, EPBN will launch a multi-country survey across the five participating countries to collect data on LGBTIQ+ workplace experiences. In 2026, the network will host a European conference in Prague, presenting survey findings and building new strategies for sustainable workplace inclusion.

About the European Pride Business Network (EPBN)

Founded in 2022, the European Pride Business Network (EPBN) is a politically independent umbrella organization bringing together national and regional LGBTIQ+ professional associations from across Europe. EPBN works to advance workplace equality, foster inclusive business environments, and promote the economic empowerment of LGBTIQ+ individuals. Today, the network unites 23 member organizations across 21 European countries, forming a strong and growing alliance committed to driving sustainable change through visibility, advocacy, and collaboration.