Ruel’s Story

I'm Ruel Ramirez a Learning and Development Manager in Manila. I joined Shell five years ago, just before I got married, and that’s when my eyes were opened to the topic of diversity and inclusion. I’m now a certified facilitator and keen advocate for the LGBT and Women’s Networks in the Philippines.

In the picture above, I was elected leader of my group at a team building event and given this fun headdress to wear. The event aimed to strengthen collaboration in departments that support business such as Facilities, IT, Health and Safety, Security and of course, HR and Learning and Development.

Ruel on the far left and 20 delegates on the certified facilitator course

This workshop in 2013 was the start of my diversity and inclusion journey at Shell. Before this, I’m embarrassed to say I had no idea what D&I meant. Here, I was learning to be a certified facilitator.

Ruel and colleagues dressed in Shell red t-shirts with a lifesize LEGO model

This lifesize LEGO Ferrari driver model represented toys we were giving away through Shell Retail fuel stations to customers filling up with V-Power fuel. I met colleagues from many different parts of the business that day – HR, finance, customer service – because we all wanted to see first-hand how Shell Retail business works.

Ruel holding a microphone in front of large Shell branding with a projection screen to one side

This is me speaking at International Coming Out Day 2016, where we launched our LGBT Network in Shell. It was hosted by the Shell Business Operation in Manila, where I work, but attended by all the other Shell businesses based in the country.

Ruel and wife Krisna shoulder-deep in clear water with snorkelling gear

This is my wife Krisna and I on holiday in the south of the Philippines. We got married just a couple of months after I joined Shell. She’s more adventurous and a better swimmer than me, despite the fact that I grew up by a beach! This was my first attempt at snorkelling, and I loved it!

Ruel holds a large card saying ‘I’m Powered By: Championing Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace’

Diversity is a strength in any business and if you don’t capitalise on that diversity, all its benefits are wasted. Shell is becoming a more diverse company, and I’m proud to say that everybody gets to be heard and make their contribution.

Disclaimer: Views expressed are of the individuals featured and are not representative of the views of the Shell group of companies and their affiliates.

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