The past few months have been some of the most challenging any of us have experienced. The global pandemic that began late last year has wreaked havoc around the world, impacting each of our lives.

Over the past weeks, we saw another horrifying crisis unfold across the United States.

I am outraged by what happened to George Floyd. There is no other way to say it. As a Minnesota native, I spent many years in Minneapolis – and still consider it home, with many friends and family there. Seeing the video of what happened to George Floyd makes it abundantly clear that racial injustice remains a significant challenge in this country and can happen anywhere, anytime.

These events remind us that we have been facing another pandemic, the pandemic of racism. The George Floyd tragedy is the latest in a long series of similar tragedies that demonstrate just how far we still have to go as a nation, and as a world, toward achieving equality. I think this is the time we need to stand together as a global, united community to end this problem once and for all. 

During this tumultuous time, I want to personally acknowledge and share my support for the Black community. At PTC, we are committed to creating an inclusive work environment that encourages diverse perspectives, embraces our differences, and enforces a sense of belonging for all. We are a company that has zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind. Period. As a symbol of that commitment, I was an early signatory to the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion Pledge.

It is hard to change the world, but this is one of those times where we have to try, and the best place to start is close to home. Let’s use the opportunity – all of us – and show our commitment to respect and celebrate our differences, working toward the idealistic culture that we wish we could see in the world around us.

But let’s also acknowledge that words are not enough. We must also take action.

Actions we have taken as a company include:

• Doubling down on our commitment to diversity and inclusion with a new company-wide Pledge for All, which aims to rally the business community to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Contributing to the NAACP Empowerment Fundand encouraging our employees to find ways to support the communities in which we live and work.
• Continuing to elevate the voices of our employees through dedicated employee resource groups having courageous conversations.
• Ensuring diversity and inclusion was a pillar of the LiveWorx event and program, of which we were proud to be the presenting sponsor.

Please stand with me in the movement for change in whatever way you can – inaction is not an option. Stay safe.

Paula Hudson, Senior Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist