Out at work: Stories from young queer professionals

At Škoda Academy, Jan focuses on developing strategic skills and an agile mindset. He believes that lifelong learning is the key to innovation and meaningful human connections. Jan serves as an Advisory Board member for the D&I Shapers platform, a lecturer for OPIM’s DEI Academy, and teaches Diversity Management at Škoda Auto University, helping companies and individuals create inclusive work environments. Jan also gained experience with DEI programs at the Spanish car manufacturer SEAT, S.A.

Jan is a co-founder of the employee resource group Škoda Proud, actively promoting LGBTQ+ representation in both the workplace and public space. In 2023, he received the Pride Business Forum Hero award, and in 2025, he was recognised as one of Europe’s 25 LGBTQIA+ Role Models as part of the European Pride Business Network Awards.

Ionela is on eBay’s affiliate marketing program (ePN) Operations team and a co-lead of United in Pride Prague, eBay’s LGBTQIA+ Community of Inclusion. With over a decade of activism supporting social, environmental, and local causes across cities such as Venice, Athens, and Prague, Ionela combines data-driven expertise with a strong commitment to inclusion and sustainability.

Alex is a Product Manager for Decathlon and a management student pursuing a master’s degree at the Prague University of Economics and Business. He has been with the company for over six years, during which he has risen from a Sales Assistant to leading customer service solutions and digital tools that enhance the shopping experience in many countries.
In addition to his work and studies, Alex volunteers with Sbarvouven.cz, a peer mentoring organization where he offers support to LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring they don’t have to face their challenges alone.

Markéta is a psychologist working in HR. While still a student, she founded the first university course on LGBTQ+ psychology at Charles University, and her thesis focused on minority stress in the workplace. She currently works at GasNet, where, in addition to recruitment, psychodiagnostics, and employee surveys, she helps promote mutual respect as one of the company’s core values. She is also a member of the Czech Ornithological Society, as she considers birdwatching the best mindfulness exercise.

Daniel Aleš Weiss is a young associate lawyer with nearly 4 years of experience in the field of labour law. He comes from the small town of Krnov, but has been living in Prague for the last 4 years. During his studies, he also focused on human rights issues, which gave him a broad view of the legal field and a side interest in activism. He got his expertise in both local and international law firms and specialises in labour law. Despite his professional involvement, Daniel has been pursuing an unconventional hobby — drag — for over 6 years. He regularly performs as Cassiopeia on the Prague scene, but also abroad, which is an interesting contrast to his still relatively conservative working environment in the Czech legal field.