Celebrating Pride & Embracing Identity: Yvonne's KBI

At KBI Biopharma, every team member's story enriches our company culture and enhances our understanding of diversity. This Pride Month, we are honored to share the journey of Yvonne, an Operations Associate at our Louisville site, who is nonbinary (pronouns they/them). Yvonne's story highlights the importance of self-acceptance, resilience, and the power of an inclusive community.

Growing up as a second-generation American in a traditional Chinese household, Yvonne shared how LGBTQ+ topics were seldom discussed. "I was assigned female at birth and throughout my teens, I often received comments about not being 'ladylike,'" Yvonne says. They began to experience gender dysphoria, a feeling of distress that can occur when a person's gender identity does not match their biological sex, whenever they tried to conform to society's standards of being a woman (i.e., dressing a certain way or wearing makeup). "It wasn't until my early twenties I realized I was nonbinary," they share.  Soon after, they came out to their family and closest friends. 
 
This milestone, while challenging, proved to be a pivotal moment for Yvonne. "Coming out was a time of a lot of uncertainty and fear, but it brought me closer to my loved ones," they admit. "Their support means the world to me." 
 
Pride Month serves as a powerful reminder for Yvonne to embrace and celebrate their identity. "It affirms I should be proud of who I am and advocate for myself, even when others may not understand." They continue, "I spent years biting my tongue to keep others comfortable, but that came at the cost of my well-being. Seeing my fellow LGBTQ+ community members this month helps free my mind from negative thoughts about my identity and reminds me that my existence is not a mistake."  
 
This sense of pride and self-acceptance extends into Yvonne's professional life, where their passion for science has been a guiding force. "I chose my career path despite my identity," they share. "I was always interested in science, and I went to school for biology which eventually led me to KBI!" As an Operations Associate, Yvonne describes their job as supporting the scientists behind the sciences. They are responsible for various tasks from managing inventory to implementing processes to protect the health and safety of employees. "The biggest challenge I have in the workplace is having my pronouns known," Yvonne admits. "I'm still navigating how to bring them up in conversation, but I have them written in my email signature, which is a good start."  
 
Despite these challenges, Yvonne has found a welcoming environment and supportive community at KBI. "The entire Louisville site is very open-minded and inclusive, so I felt welcome since day one," Yvonne said happily. "My colleagues use my pronouns, and when someone learns of my pronouns, they switch to using them right away. Seeing the extra care others put into learning mine always leaves me feeling touched." Yvonne has been able to build strong connections with colleagues over shared interests and hobbies. As an avid foodie and gamer, Yvonne enjoys getting together with others to enjoy delicious food and play both tabletop and video games. 
 
Yvonne's experience at KBI highlights the company's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace for all team members. We believe that everyone should feel safe, heard, recognized, and valued at KBI. Yvonne encourages colleagues to show up to work authentically as themselves. "Don't be afraid to express who you are," they affirm. "Wearing a 'mask' to appease others every day will drain you, so it's not worth it for your mental health and wellbeing." Yvonne also emphasizes the importance of allies in the workplace, urging them to listen and support their LGBTQ+ colleagues.  
 
Reflecting on their journey, Yvonne takes pride in the empathy and understanding they have gained. "Being nonbinary has helped me learn to be more empathic towards others, whether they are LGBTQ+ or not," they note. "I have been able to educate others who are not as familiar with the community and learn their perspectives." As we celebrate Pride Month, we thank Yvonne for sharing their story. Yvonne’s journey reminds us that embracing our true selves and supporting one another creates a stronger, more inclusive space, where everyone can thrive. 

If you’re ready to explore your next step in the biotech industry, please visit kbibiopharma.com/careers.