In the past three months, DirectEmployers’ Employee Resource Group (ERG) has continued to thrive while breaking new ground, and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve together. We’ve experienced remarkable growth in participation, contributed to our community, and hosted inspiring guest speakers who broadened our perspectives. Below is a closer look at our highlights and how they have strengthened our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Participation

One of our proudest achievements has been the consistent 50% or more participation in each of our ERG meetings. This remarkable level of engagement reflects the genuine interest and dedication of our employees in promoting culture within our organization.

Our journey to inclusivity has also extended beyond our ERG. Over the last few months, we’ve witnessed an encouraging increase in company-wide participation rates, rising from 32% to 35%. This growth is a testament to the impact our initiatives are having throughout the organization.

Supporting No Label at the Table

As part of our commitment to supporting local businesses, we organized an in-person breakfast meeting with a special twist. We connected with No Label at the Table, a locally-owned bakery with a heartwarming mission to provide employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities.

This breakfast meeting was a memorable occasion where we indulged in delicious treats while supporting a noble cause. What made it even more special was that we invited our furry friends to join us. Having our pets by our side created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, enhancing collaboration and camaraderie among our group.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Enlightening Guest Speakers

Our ERG had the privilege of hosting two remarkable guest speakers, Fallon Williams, and Joe Strechay, who added depth to our understanding of diversity and inclusion.

Fallon Williams, an expert in the field, guided us through the powerful concept of intersectionality. She eloquently explained how factors like race, gender, class, and sexual orientation converge to shape our experiences. Her insights encouraged us to recognize systemic barriers and motivated us to work tirelessly toward a more equitable and inclusive culture in our workplace.

Joe Strechay shared a deeply personal and inspiring journey of overcoming vision loss. His story demonstrated the incredible resilience of the human spirit and showcased the importance of accessibility and inclusion for all. As the lead for accessibility and inclusion in one of the largest productions globally, Joe’s work has made a significant impact. He has not only assessed accommodations for actors and background performers with disabilities but has also recruited actors with disabilities for productions worldwide, making our entertainment industry more representative.

These past three months have been nothing short of transformative for our Employee Resource Group. We’ve seen increased participation, supported local businesses like “No Label at the Table,” and gained invaluable insights from our guest speakers, Fallon Williams and Joe Strechay. As we move forward, we remain committed to fostering a workplace culture that celebrates all of us!

Mikey Meagher
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