Project and Event Operations
Ørsted: Copenhagen 2021 WorldPride
Role: Project Leader
Opportunity
As an Official Partner of Copenhagen 2021 WorldPride, global renewable energy leader Ørsted sought to transform a sponsorship agreement into a meaningful global initiative that would strengthen employee engagement, demonstrate its commitment to an inclusive workplace, and visibly support LGBTQ+ inclusion within the company and the communities it serves.
The partnership included thought leadership events, community outreach, branding opportunities, and employee programs. The challenge was to coordinate activities across multiple business functions while creating an authentic experience aligned with the company's values and employer brand.
Approach
As Project Leader, I oversaw the planning and execution of Ørsted’s Copenhagen World Pride 2021 partnership activation, coordinating across Communications, Branding, Facilities, Employee Networks, Executive Leadership, External Affairs, and Copenhagen 2021 organizers. Key responsibilities:
Developed and executed the overall partnership activation strategy
Managed relationships with Copenhagen 2021 organizers and key external stakeholders
Led a global, cross-functional project team
Designed a global engagement campaign including educational sessions, leadership discussions, volunteer opportunities, and participation events
Coordinated external activations including the 1:1 Democracy Festival, thought leadership programming, banners on power stations, and the Copenhagen WorldPride 2021 March
Spearheaded the project's signature activation: illuminating three wind turbines at Avedøre Power Station in rainbow colors throughout the 11-day event. This required coordination across engineering, operations, facilities, external partners, and a third-party turbine owner.
Results
Delivered a multifaceted activation supporting the largest LGBTQ+ and human rights event of 2021, with more than 1,100 events and 50,000 attendees
Mobilized employees globally through educational events, volunteer opportunities, and WorldPride participation
Engaged employee volunteers and delivered a successful corporate presence at the 1:1 Democracy Festival
Illuminated three wind turbines nightly, creating one of the event's most recognizable visual symbols
Strengthened Ørsted's employer brand through integrated communications, media engagement, and community partnerships
Received recognition from Copenhagen 2021 organizers for partnership strength and overall execution
Impact
The rainbow wind turbines became the defining symbol of Ørsted's participation, connecting the organization's commitments to sustainability, innovation, and inclusion in a powerful public statement of support. Beyond the visual activation, the initiative strengthened employee pride, enhanced organizational visibility, and reinforced Ørsted's reputation as an inclusive employer.
“I had the great pleasure of working with Robin Burnosky as part of the Global Culture and Talent team at Ørsted. Across a range of inclusion and well-being initiatives, Robin consistently demonstrated the rare combination of strategic clarity and operational excellence that defines truly outstanding project leadership. The standout example of Robin’s capabilities was her management of Ørsted’s sponsorship of Copenhagen 2021 World Pride. The event took place under exceptionally challenging circumstances—emerging from the uncertainty of COVID, with an enormously complex stakeholder landscape, Robin led with calm authority, holding the vision firmly while managing the countless moving parts with precision and care.
The centerpiece of Ørsted’s involvement was a breathtaking activation: illuminating wind turbines at Avedøre Power Station. Situated near Copenhagen Airport, these turbines were among the first things visitors saw as they arrived for WorldPride. They were a powerful and fitting symbol of the values of sustainability and inclusion that the event celebrated while being visually stunning, brand-defining, and deeply resonant with the company’s identity and values. Robin led and delivered this project from start to finish, managing significant budget and complexity without losing sight of its meaning. It remains one of the most impressive project implementations I have witnessed in my career.
Robin brings a clear sense of purpose, genuine connection to stakeholders, and the operational rigor to turn ambitious ideas into flawless execution. For any organization looking for a consulting partner who truly understands how to deliver at scale—and with impact—I recommend Robin without hesitation.”