Live with Pride @ Pagaya: Aluma Zernik and Marci Lowney
Check out some thoughts this Pride Month from Pagaya’s Dr. Aluma Zernik, Senior Strategy and Innovation Product Manager, and Marci Lowney Head of Internal Communications!
And see below some fun photos from our Pagaya Pride lunch!
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Hey everyone, I'm Aluma 👋
I’ve been at Pagaya for three years, during which I’ve mostly been focused on expanding Pagaya’s product offerings and expertise in the markets in which it operates. I started my career as a lawyer but was very quickly drawn to both finance and technology.
After clerking for the Chief Justice of the Israeli Supreme Court, I pursued my doctorate at Harvard focused on financial innovation in consumer credit markets. This is what eventually led me to Pagaya.
My partner and I have been together for a decade, and our family also includes Netta, our amazing son, Gnocchi, our dog and Jook, our crazy cat.
My First Pride Experience
I began to realize my identity in the military at the age of 19, and my initial experiences were extremely conflicted - struggling, for the most part, to accept that I could truly be happy in a non-hetronormative relationship. It took me several years to accept this about myself, and nearly 8 years to really come out to the world - my family, friends, and co-workers.
Only then, once I was “out”, I truly enjoyed a “pride” experience by celebrating my identity and love in Tel Aviv’s pride parade. During the parade, I remember marching with a loving partner, a community of friends and family, and feeling at ease.
LGBTQ+ Community - Meaningful Life Experience
For the past decade, I have assisted mothers in filing for court recognition, navigating outdated perceptions of parenthood, and celebrating the joy of achieving that recognition. In Israel, non-biological mothers cannot be automatically listed as their children's mothers at birth. Instead, they must apply for court approval, during which they must prove their partnership and parenthood to secure their parental rights. Throughout this process, it has been challenging to navigate outdated perceptions of parenthood, but it is rewarding to celebrate the joy of achieving that recognition. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the legal challenges LGBTQ+ families face against the government's suspicion of diverse family structures. It has also highlighted the ongoing need for work and education to support these families.
#AdvancingInclusion in the Workplace
On one hand, I feel completely comfortable presenting myself as LGBTQ+, openly stating I have a female partner, and not worrying about facing discrimination or feeling uncomfortable because of my identity. I recognize this a privilege to say as this is not something that would been accepted a generation ago and still is not true for many LGBTQ+ folks in Israel and the U.S.
On the other hand, I don’t know if true equality has been fulfilled yet. The language, culture, and assumptions are still extremely tailored to a hetero-normative family structure. While I feel I can confidently correct people and share I have a female spouse, it still often feels like an outlier that warrants correction and explanation.
Favorite LGBTQ+ Character
Valkyrie in the Marvel universe, or RuPaul.
LGBTQ+ Role Model
At 26, when I was finally starting to come to terms with the fact that I may live my life with a woman, I met an older Lesbian couple that had married and had 2 kids. It was the first time I’d seen a married LGBTQ+ couple out in the open with children. At that point in my life, I was struggling to imagine what family life as an LGBTQ+ woman might look like, and they gave me the ability to do so. It wasn’t a cultural role model I was missing, but representation in day-to-day families around me.
Advice For My Younger Self
Let yourself be happy 🤗
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Hello, I’m Marci 👋
I’m Marci Lowney, your Head of Internal Communications here at Pagaya. Outside of work, I love to read, travel, experiment with new restaurants, and explore Connecticut since I just moved after 10 years in Manhattan! I share my life with my husband—we just got married earlier this year in May—and of course, the cutest Pagaya Pomeranian, Waverly.
Experiencing Pride and the Role of Being an Ally
My first experience at a Pride event was in New York a few years after I moved here. The overwhelming sense of community, support, and freedom was truly inspiring. Seeing so many people proudly celebrating who they are in such a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere was an eye-opening experience.
What I cherish most about being an ally is the opportunity to support and uplift voices that sometimes go unheard, helping to build a culture where everyone feels accepted and valued.
A Meaningful Experience as an Ally
A particularly heartwarming experience for me as an ally was during my wedding. Instead of the traditional first look with my soon-to-be husband, I shared this special moment with my four closest friends from the LGBTQ+ community.
Not only that, one of these dear friends walked me down the aisle. It was a beautiful way to honor our deep connections and the unconditional support we offer each other.
#AdvancingInclusion at Pagaya
At Pagaya, we actively strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome. I had the pleasure of planning both last year's and this year's Pride events at our NY office. Seeing so many colleagues participate and show their support was incredibly inspiring. These events are not just celebrations; they are powerful demonstrations of our commitment to #AdvanceInclusion and mutual respect. Being a part of these has been incredibly fulfilling.
Who's Your Favorite LGBTQ+ Character From a Movie or Book?
Simon from the book "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" is one of my favorite LGBTQ+ characters. Simon's story is compelling because it captures the complexities and challenges of coming out in high school. What resonated most with me is how Simon’s journey toward self-acceptance is depicted with such care and sensitivity. It's not just about the struggle; it's also about the joy and relief of being true to oneself. Simon’s character shows us the transformative power of openness and the importance of embracing who you are, which are lessons valuable for everyone, irrespective of their identity.
Advice to My Younger Self as an Ally
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to listen more—to truly hear and understand the stories and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. Understanding is the foundation of meaningful allyship. Additionally, I would encourage myself to continuously educate myself on LGBTQ+ issues and experiences, embracing our value of #ContinuouslyLearn to become an even more informed and impactful ally.
What are your top five Pride songs?
"Born This Way" by Lady Gaga - A powerful anthem for self-acceptance and pride.
"We Found Love" by Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris - A vibrant celebration of finding love in unexpected places.
"Rain On Me" by Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande - Embraces overcoming hardships and finding joy.
"Same Love" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Mary Lambert - Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality.
"Brave" by Sara Bareilles - Encourages listeners to speak up and be their authentic selves.
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Happy Pride! Pagayans in the NYC office this week enjoyed an afternoon of fun, food, and fab entertainment from the amazing FifiDubois!
The lunch that was served supported local #LGBTQIA run businesses , and all #PrideMonth long, we're celebrating and advancing inclusion!
#advanceinclusion #pride #pride2024 #proudpagayan #pagayapride