Employee Resource Group Success Summit 2023

Employee Resource Group Summit

November 9, 2023

121 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA

The ERG Success Summit

The Employee Resource Group Success Summit is an immersive and empowering event dedicated to exploring the immense potential and impact of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Join us for a day of knowledge sharing, best practices, and inspiring discussions as we delve into the strategies and insights that drive ERG success.

Designed for ERG leaders, members, and allies, this summit offers a unique platform to learn from industry experts, connect with like-minded professionals, and gain valuable tools to enhance your ERG initiatives. Discover how ERGs can foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations, drive employee engagement, and shape a more inclusive corporate culture.

Through engaging presentations, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking panel discussions, the ERG Success Summit will equip you with practical approaches and actionable ideas to propel your ERG’s impact to new heights. Be part of this transformative event, where knowledge meets inspiration and collaboration breeds success.

Join us at the ERG Success Summit and unlock the potential of your ERG to create positive change within your organization and beyond.

What You Can Expect:

Insights and strategies on reimagining virtual and in-person programming for ERG events in a post-COVID world.
Deep-dive discussions on the significance and impact of faith-based Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in promoting diversity and inclusion.
Exploring the globalization of ERGs and understanding how they can transcend geographical boundaries.
Differentiating between affinity groups and Employee Resource Groups and understanding their unique roles and contributions.
Exploring the intersection of ERGs and career development, including strategies for leveraging ERGs to enhance professional growth and advancement.
Workshops and discussions on building stronger ERGs that empower members and foster a sense of belonging and inclusion.
Insights into investing in ERG leadership and fostering their growth to maximize their impact within organizations.
Exploring the integration of technology into ERG strategies and leveraging digital tools to enhance ERG effectiveness.
Sharing best practices and navigating challenges in states with anti-diversity legislation, focusing on ways to strengthen ERGs and promote inclusive practices in such environments.

Get ready for an enriching and enlightening experience at the ERG Success Summit, where industry experts and thought leaders come together to drive the success of Employee Resource Groups and foster a more inclusive future.

Info Sheet

Conference Details

Agenda

ERG Conference Schedule

9:15 AM – 10:00 AM

Keynote: Dr. Jackie Glenn

Dr. Jackie Glenn, a prominent figure in the DE&I industry, will share her transformative strategies and insights that have left a significant impact on Fortune 500 companies and cultivated a culture of innovation and inclusivity. Join us to hear from an expert with three decades of experience and learn how to harness the true power of ERGs.

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

Speakers: Vicki Webster and Jay Bohanon

“From Events to Empowerment: Building Stronger ERGs”

Discover how GEHA has transformed Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) from mere events to powerful engines of empowerment. In this enlightening session, we’ll explore:

Strategic Partnerships: GEHA’s robust collaboration with corporate social responsibility, empowering each of its six ERGs to grant $1500 to local not-for-profits, fostering meaningful partnerships and mutual growth.
Measurable Goals: Learn how GEHA sets measurable goals for ERG chairs, incentivizing growth and engagement with an annual performance-based stipend of $4000 for each chair.
Impactful Programming: Explore GEHA’s commitment to meaningful ERG programming, including community conversations on pressing topics such as the Ukraine crisis, responses to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, and addressing racial discrimination.
Business Collaboration: See how GEHA leverages ERGs for business projects, from accessibility assessments for the Facilities team to expanding the use of pronouns in member services.

Join us to uncover the transformative power of ERGs and gain valuable insights into how GEHA has harnessed their potential for both social impact and business growth.

10:45 AM – 11:00 AM

BREAK

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Panelists: Sheena Collier, Kaniya Bridgeman, Bianca Sullivan

“How to Build and Sustain Partnerships to Accelerate Business Goals and Retain Black Talent”

In today’s increasingly diverse and inclusive business landscape, organizations recognize the importance of building strong partnerships to attract, engage, and retain Black talent. This panel session brings together two influential leaders, Sheena Collier, CEO and Founder of Boston While Black, and Bianca Sullivan, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging Partner at DraftKings, to share their insights and experiences on leveraging external partnerships to drive business goals and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Session Objectives:

Explore effective strategies for using external partnerships to recruit, engage, and retain Black talent.
Discuss the ways in which external partnerships can be leveraged to drive business goals and achieve organizational success.
Highlight the role of external partnerships in accelerating career goals for Black professionals.
Understand how external partnerships can help redistribute access to opportunities and resources.
Identify ways to align external partnerships with DEI org-wide goals and initiatives.

12:00 PM – 12:45 PM

Speakers: Anisha and Armen

“Unlocking ERG Leadership Potential with Verbate”

Join us for an exclusive session with Verbate, an all-in-one ERG management platform that automates ERG communities. Discover how Verbate’s Community & Program empowers ERG Leaders with ready-to-apply lessons and frameworks. Learn how to uncover opportunities and overcome challenges as an ERG Leader, with insights gathered from best-in-class ERG Programs and experts. Explore how Verbate breaks it all down into repeatable playbooks that can transform your leadership strategies.

12:45 PM – 1:45 PM

LUNCH

1:45 PM – 2:30 PM

Speaker: Maceo Owens

“ERGs 2.0: A Journey through the Past, Present, and Future of Employee Resource Groups”

Explore the rich history, examine the current landscape, and delve into the exciting future prospects of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). This session will provide valuable insights into the evolution of ERGs, offering a comprehensive overview of their journey and what lies ahead.

2:30 PM – 2:50 PM

Speaker: Ilhiana Rojas Saldana

“ERGs as Catalysts: Elevating Your Career and Personal Growth”

In today’s diverse and inclusive workplace landscape, ERGs have become indispensable platforms for networking, mentorship, skill-building, and personal development. Whether you’re an early-career professional looking to gain a competitive edge or a seasoned executive seeking fresh avenues for growth, in this interactive session, we delve into the transformative impact of ERGs on personal and professional growth, serving as a valuable catalyst to leverage diversity, foster inclusion, and propel your career to new heights.

Key Highlights:

Amplifying skills – Gain insight into the unique learning and development opportunities ERGs can offer.
Building Bridges – Explore the power of networking and how ERGs can drive collaboration and foster a culture of inclusion.
Elevating Personal Brand – Learn how to effectively utilize ERGS to amplify your Brand, positioning you as a proactive, engaged, and influential professional.
Navigate career progression – Uncover actionable strategies to leverage ERGs to access new career opportunities and accelerate your career growth.

2:50 PM – 4:00 PM

Closing, snacks, Networking