By Maureen McDonald
Advertisement
Audrey Hopkins, 47, became the first transgender individual hired into Eaton Corp.'s 100-member information-technology group in October 2005.
Her name and capabilities were already known to her boss and many staff members who had worked with her in her former identity as Dave Hopkins, a 20-year consultant and troubleshooter for advanced computer manufacturing systems.
Today Hopkins, senior IT specialist, reports finding mostly receptive managers and employees in auto plants across America where her skills in software design and business systems are sought after.
Equal access to employment is a policy supported in spirit and statements, according to Jim Parks, an Eaton spokesperson who affirmed a company policy of empathy and cooperation for race, creed, gender and gender identity in the workplace so long as behavior doesn't intrude on productivity.
“My boss needed my skill set,” Hopkins said. She disclosed her status in a gender reassignment process, begun in 2004. “He looked me right in the eye and said he wouldn't disclose my public identity or jeopardize my right to earn a living.”
Read more:
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment