Celebrating diversity at MNP – meet Jill Mepsted
Celebrating diversity at MNP – meet Jill (she/her): member and ally of the 2SLGBTQIAP+ community, a new godparent, painter of miniature objects, community volunteer, and Administrative Assistant with MNP.
In a world that is gradually evolving towards greater acceptance and understanding, Jill takes pride in being a champion and open ally. Jill exemplifies the spirit of inclusivity as a pansexual individual and a dedicated supporter of the 2SLGBTQIAP+ community. Her journey showcases the transformative impact of empathy, understanding, and support for others navigating their own exploration. Having been involved in a 2SLGBTQIAP+ club since high school, Jill is well into her journey to embrace not only others, but also her true self.
Since joining the Firm early last year, Jill has been an active member of the Southwestern Ontario Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Committee and Pride sub-committee. Coming from previous workplaces that lacked team member-led initiatives, Jill was eager and excited to directly contribute to MNP’s culture of inclusivity. By fall of 2022, she and the committee launched a Liaison Representatives program in the region, allowing team members to connect with a community ally within MNP. When discussing how this new initiative came to fruition, Jill shared from her personal experience how much relief and reassurance it provides to “feel like you have somebody in that same community without judgment and that there’s a safe space that they can feel comfortable asking about the workplace or how they can fit into that with their background.”
Jill's journey as an ally extends beyond the workplace, as she champions inclusivity within her own family. Jill opened up about a family member who recently began to explore their non-binary identity, engaging with Jill as a trusted confidant. She assisted with creating a safe and supportive space for open dialogue for all family members involved. In an effort towards greater allyship, Jill encourages people from all backgrounds to “walk with all communities in whatever path that they need. Just being there, can be just as powerful as words.”
Celebrated every year in June, Pride Month honours the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan and its pivotal impact on the community today. When asked what pride means to her, Jill answered with no hesitation “Inclusion with no judgment, plain and simple. Pride is just being proud of who you are and what you are.”
Her personal story is a reminder and testament to the power of acceptance, respect, and empowerment for the diverse tapestry of humanity. Thank you for sharing your authentic self with us, Jill!