When Passion Meets Purpose: A Conversation with Jhae Cuasay, Customer Service Associate Turned DEI & CSR Analyst

At Asurion, we go beyond Pride Month in celebrating diversity, equity, inclusivity, and progress. We’re always striving to create a safe space for all members of the community, including our allies—a place where everyone feels safe and welcome, regardless of who they are and who they love. Our employee resource group (ERG) PRIDE anchors their efforts on the acceptance of oneself and of others in the workplace, and we’re proud to have grown this ERG in other countries where we’re present.

In the Philippines where more work needs to be done in advocating for the inclusion and acceptance of LGBTQ+, individuals like our very own Jhae Cuasay are true trailblazers. From her proactive involvement in our PRIDE ERG when she was just starting out at as a Customer Service Associate, to serving as our PRIDE Country Lead and now thriving in a career in HR in the realm of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and CSR—Jhae is living proof that the intersection of purpose and passion does exist and can lead to a meaningful, fulfilling day-to-day life.

Read on to find out how Jhae’s engagement in Asurion’s PRIDE ERG led to her career progression—an inspiring story that exemplifies the transformative power of passion at work and the impact it can have on both personal growth and organizational change.

​​​​​​​Q&A with Jhae Cuasay

Can you share your personal journey and how you became involved in advocacy for our PRIDE ERG and the LGBTQ+ community?
It all started on my first day at Asurion [as a Customer Service Associate in 2018]. I can never forget the moment when DEI was introduced to me by the facilitator during that time [and now DEI Country Lead] Jen Lagasca. I was moved by how the company cares for their employees and promotes camaraderie and workplace inclusion through DEI programs. I felt that I was accepted, and that my feelings are valid. From that day, I decided to be part of the programs of DEI, especially the PRIDE ERG. I am even using my leave credits to make sure that I’ll be part of some meaningful conversations and activities that advocate a safe space for all.

My very first milestone [with our PRIDE ERG] was when I was crowned as the very first ‘Asurion PRIDE Princess’, a pageant we held in celebration of Pride Month. I was in the spotlight and on a platform that gave me more opportunity to further drive equality in the workplace: to name a few, we initiated an all-gender restroom at our Nuvali site; I led some PRIDE activities for Nuvali and was featured in a platform that empowers other members of the community to be brave and come out to show their Pride colors; I sat as a panelist [in ERG events] and shared my own story.

With these, I successfully led our [then] four Philippines sites as the PRIDE Lead which gave me more reason and resources to reach other chapters and be an example to others, by finding more ways to make myself more visible through the PRIDE ERG.

I used all the learnings from my experiences when I applied for a Human Resources analyst role for Compassion Forward and DEI that, I’m happy to say, I have been taking on since April 2023.

Based on your experience, how does Asurion promote a diverse and inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ employees?
The fact that we are officially included as one of Asurion’s 12 ERGs means that the company recognizes us and gives importance to our community. We are seeing equal opportunities when it comes to rewards and recognition, and even in simple initiatives like being provided with an all-gender comfort room. I am living proof that Asurion is not gender-biased when it comes to promotions. The company also supports Pride activities that aim to educate employees about LGBTQIA+ through the ‘Active Ally’ series being done by our Leadership and Development team.

Can you share a specific initiative or program implemented by our Pride ERG to support LGBTQ+ employees that you’re particularly proud of?
Our community is proud of the HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention campaign that we were able to run in some of our Philippines sites, and the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial ceremony that we joined in Iloilo. Also, since most of our community members know how to do makeup, we tapped their talent and skills as we celebrated Teachers’ Day and showed our appreciation through one of our activities called ‘Glam and Beautiful’. We are also proud to be a part of our ‘Holiday Helper Give-a-Gift Program’ that has put a smile on the faces of our LGBTQ+ community in Calamba, Laguna as well as of The Golden Gays [a non-profit organization that provides support and care facilities for elderly LGBTQ people].

Within and beyond Pride Month, how do you celebrate Pride?
I celebrate Pride by constantly learning the history of Pride in the Philippines particularly, and every day I celebrate me being unique. I personally devote time to join different LGBTQ+ organizations that also aim to spread HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention. I aim to empower other members of the community to make changes in how the public sees us—by actively listening to their stories and at the same time allowing them to feel that there is a safe space for them to express themselves without any judgement. Lastly, I speak out against discrimination by immediately addressing and dismantling homophobic, transphobic or biphobic attitudes.

What are some ways that individuals can support and ally with the LGBTQ+ community?
We highly encourage everyone to support LGBTQ+ organizations because these groups advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, provide resources and offer safe spaces for community members. I believe that by creating safe spaces for all, we can lessen the feeling of exclusion or hostility that leads to higher rates of mental health challenges, self-harm, and even suicide. For our allies, you can create a safe and supportive environment where we can feel seen, heard and valued. Your support can significantly impact our well-being, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.

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