Learn how CMR Ignite – a cross-cultural marketing agency made up of 70% Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ+ professionals, to be a true representation of the communities their clients serve. CMR Ingite website: www.cmrignite.com
In this Region of Choice learning session, a panel of talent development experts shared their experiences and strategies for increasing equitable development for all employees. The session explored common barriers for diverse talent and case studies of programs that are working.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Employee-At-Large Vs. Specialized Programs
Examples from Your Company/Program
Based on early feedback, the discussion panel provided valuable insights that will be helpful in refining or creating ERG/BRGs that drive belonging and advancement for Black and Brown talent.
Key Takeaways – View program notes and some key takeaways from today’s meeting. Feel free to combine them with your own notes and share with others in your organization.
Handouts – Thank you to our panelist, Julia Smith, for sharing a template for ERG organizational structure, mission, and benefits.
Wellness Check Wednesday – As Walter Lanier mentioned in our meeting, he is a featured speaker in today’s We Exist program around Milwaukee’s African American Wellness Index. Learn more or register for the program here.
Resources Referenced – Here are links to the two books that were referenced during today’s discussion: 1) The New DEI and ERG Frontier and 2) Supercharge Your ERGs: 18 Tips to Power-Up Your ERG/BRG Strategy.
Connect w/ Panelists – Special thanks to our panelists for their insight and transparency. Feel free to reach out and connect with them on LinkedIn:
Please mark your calendar for the following ROC Rep Meetings all to be held from 8:30am-10:30am virtually or location TBD:
by Joan C. Williams & Jamie Dolkas, Harvard Business Review
Published March/April 2022
Many companies today recognize that workforce diversity is both a moral imperative and a key to stronger business performance. U.S. firms alone spend billions of dollars every year to educate their employees about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). But research shows that such training programs don’t lead to meaningful change. What’s necessary, say the authors, is a metrics-based approach that can identify problems, establish baselines, and measure progress.
Company managers and in-house lawyers often worry that collecting diversity data may yield evidence of discrimination that can fuel lawsuits against them. But there are ways to minimize the legal threats while still embracing the use of metrics.
The authors suggest first determining your risk tolerance and then developing an action plan. You will need to track both outcome metrics and process metrics and act promptly on what you find. Starting with a pilot program can be a good idea. You should also build the business case for intervention, control expectations through careful messaging, and create clear protocols for accessing, sharing, and retaining DEI data. >> Read the full article
Building a pipeline of future talent and leaders begins long before candidates apply for your positions. Many of us have experienced the personal and professional advantages of having a mentor – key figures that light the path for the future.
MMAC’s Region of Choice program on September 16 – Driving Equity through Mentorship – showcased several agencies that work with students, young professionals and businesses. These relationships have the potential to change lives, close representation gaps and create opportunity pipelines that include historically excluded talent.
The event featured a presentation by LaNelle Ramey, executive director of Mentor Greater Milwaukee. This organization builds the capacity of existing mentoring organizations matching a caring adult with children in need through effective mentoring programs throughout Greater Milwaukee.
“The gift of mentorship is rooted in learning from one another. I value reciprocal mentoring relationships that reinforce the value of both parties.
When organizations create space for internal mentorship between executives and the broader workforce, employees gain access to people, information and experiences that foster increased engagement and inclusion, ultimately developing more productive and healthy people.”
ANGELA ADAMS
Chief Communications & Diversity Officer
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago, Inc.
Please reach out to our featured mentor programs for more information:
