Your unique voice is important here.
Getting together through Employee Resource Groups
By definition, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are networks of employees — sponsored by the employer — that form based on shared characteristics or backgrounds. All employees are welcome to join ERGs even if they do not identify with the shared characteristics or backgrounds. We encourage allies to join groups they feel passionate about or groups they wish to learn more about!
ERGs provide resources for our employees that will grow their career, build relationships internally and externally, and help them live out our purpose. They advocate for themselves and, in addition to fostering their own professional development, they can provide information about their identities, perform community outreach, open new networks for recruiting, and serve as a great way for employees to learn more about one another by sharing experiences.
“ESL goes beyond surface level inclusion by embedding behaviors and practices into day-to-day work that align with our core values. We strive to create an open and welcoming work environment where all employees feel seen, recognized and heard. By providing support and resources to address inequities, we make it possible for all our employees to truly thrive!”
– Samantha Waidl, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Specialist
Caregivers
The Caregivers ERG serves all employees, including those who are active, former, or would-be caregivers and employees who are aligned with the group’s purpose. The Caregivers’ vision is to help relieve stress and improve work/life balance for employees who are caring for someone of any age, in any capacity, and with any kind of special need.
Latinos for Engagement, Advancement, and Development (LEAD)
The Latinos for Engagement, Advancement, and Development (LEAD) ERG is committed to educating members of the identity group and allies alike about the challenges faced by the Latine community and promoting awareness of the diversity existing within it to enrich employees’ experience through engagement, advancement, and development. Through educational events, panel discussions, and community outreach programs, LEAD aims to foster a deeper understanding and empathy among our employees.
LEGACY: African American Women
LEGACY: African American Women’s ERG is excited to create a community of professionals who support each other and help pave the way to success and greatness while serving our community. Through sharing personal and professional experiences, creating opportunities to enhance communication and leadership skills, and encouraging career exploration through a future mentoring program, they are here to help members feel seen and heard.
LGBTQ+ Pride @ ESL
LGBTQ+ Pride @ ESL creates awareness internally about LGBTQ+ issues and provides education that increases the inclusion felt by employees, customers, and potential employees. LGBTQ+ Pride works to further the mission, values, and Purpose of ESL and represents the interests of all employees, including those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual (Bi), Transgender (Trans), Queer, Intersex, Questioning, and Asexual (Ace).
People with Disabilities
The People with Disabilities ERG exists for people with disabilities at ESL, in our community, and allies to the group who are connected as family, friends, and co-workers. Through collaborative initiatives with departments and people across ESL, their goal is to create disability-inclusive spaces and practices, as well as gain an understanding of the experiences and needs of our employees with disabilities.
Society of Asian & Pacific Islander Employees for Networking, Collaborating, and Engaging (SAPIENCE)
The Society of Asian & Pacific Islander Employees for Networking, Collaborating, and Engaging (SAPIENCE) ERG serves ESL’s wide spectrum of Asian and Pacific Islander employees and their allies. The group is committed to bring awareness to all ESL employees about the diversity present and the lived experiences of Asian and Pacific islander employees. Their education will help create an environment where folks with shared experiences and diverse histories can gather, educate, support, and uplift members.
Young Professionals
The Young Professionals ERG (YPs) is a group of people who take initiative, are eager to learn, and want to grow in their careers by networking with other colleagues and participating in opportunities that encourage advancement.
While some other Young Professional groups categorize their group by age or years of employment, ESL does not. Although a majority of their group consists of millennials and gen z folks, all ages and years are welcome to join YP!
Imagine. A workplace that appreciates the uniqueness in each employee. A workplace that seeks out employees from different backgrounds and cultures, skills and experiences because it values the variety of perspectives and ideas a richly diverse workforce can bring.
That’s the soul of ESL — Great people from an array of backgrounds generate even greater ideas.
That’s a great place to work.
Connecting with our Community
Our commitment to create and embrace a diverse and inclusive world goes beyond our own walls and into the community. We support and join in with other community organizations as a way to broaden our experiences outside of the office.
- We’ve added our signature to the RMAPI Employers Pledge, along with dozens of other local employers who have committed to implementing best practices to creating and cultivating a diverse workforce.
- We are excited to be part of the Rochester Chamber’s DEI Leadership Exchange Program where we collaborate with area professionals to best support our employees through our DEI work.
- As a member of the Urban League of Rochester Interrupt Racism™ 2024 cohort, we acquired valuable training and perspective to help us continue to build a workplace where everyone feels they belong.
In other words, at ESL, “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion” is about who we are, individually and together, and what we do to support each other and our community.
