B-Stock began launching our employee resource groups (ERGs) in 2022 as part of company-wide DEI initiatives. ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups that unite people as members and allies of a shared community to further foster a diverse, inclusive workplace.
Since kicking the program off, B-Stock has launched four ERGs, all based on employee polling and input. Each ERG has at least two co-chairs who develop programming that aligns with the group’s mission and objectives, provide resources to members, and collaborate with an executive-level sponsor to ensure company alignment of goals. Executive sponsors are essential advocates for our ERGs within the organization.
Let’s get to know B-Stock’s ERGs and hear from one of each group’s respective co-chairs!
B-Pride
B-Pride was the first ERG launched at B-Stock. The B-Pride ERG serves as a network and a resource for the LGBTQ+ community, including allies. It aims to create a culture at B-Stock that is welcoming, accepting, and inclusive for all.
B-Pride regularly hosts monthly coffee chats and has organized volunteer challenges, art workshops, film screenings, and most notably, sponsored Orlando’s Come Out With Pride event in 2023 and 2024.
Chairs: Anna Slayton, Andrea Vargas, and Elliot Miller
Founded: June 2022
What the B-Pride co-chairs have to say:
“My favorite program B-Pride has put on is the annual volunteer challenges we run in honor of National Volunteer Month. The support from our employees, who volunteer their time to causes they care about, and B-Stock, who matches the volunteer hours with a donation to a Pride-centered organization, is truly incredible.”
-Anna Slayton, Co-Chair
“Being a co-chair for B-Pride has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I want folks to know there is always a community out there for you – sometimes, you have to be the one to raise your hand. It doesn’t take long until you’re watching it grow before your eyes.”
-Andrea Vargas, Co-Chair
“One of my favorite events I’ve organized for the B-Pride ERG has been the Spreading Trans Joy letter writing campaign during our community engagement volunteer challenge. Two summers in a row now we’ve been able to write letters with messages of love, support, and hope to be included in care packages for people in Orlando’s trans community.”
-Elliot Miller, Co-Chair
B-IPOC
The B-IPOC ERG provides a support network for those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Color (BIPOC) here at B-Stock. B-IPOC promotes discussion on (and advocates for) issues affecting the BIPOC community and promotes cultural awareness and connection.
B-IPOC has hosted film screenings and cooking classes, organized Juneteenth and Black History Month programming, and sponsored members to attend leadership conferences like AfroTech and Women of Power.
Chairs: Brandon Jackson and Ashonte Threadgill
Founded: November 2022
What the B-IPOC co-chairs have to say:
“As a co-chair for the BIPOC ERG, I would have to say one of my proudest moments has been the branching off of additional ERGs from BIPOC, with the growth of the AAPI ERG that has taken place and the growth that we are starting to see with the Hispanic/Latin X group coming together and planning their events it has been great to see the various groups start to build and grow from what started as BIPOC. It means that the focus and growth for diversity within B-Stock continues to evolve and take shape.
For the last two years that I have been with the company, we have had an action-packed month of programming for Black History Month along with informational takeaways that the employees can take back to share with their families and friends so we are not just teaching our internal employees we are also teaching the communities that they are in.”
-Ashonte Threadgill, Co-Chair
B-WIT
The B-WIT (Women In Technology) ERG provides a support network for women, those who identify as women, and champions of women at B-Stock. B-WIT is dedicated to building a community of individuals who strive to grow professionally and personally while keeping us connected.
B-WIT has organized featured speakers covering topics like work-life balance and the group even sponsors a local roller derby team out of Syracuse, NY! The group also organizes programming for heritage months like Women’s History Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Chairs: Michele Podesta and Bonnie Page
Founded: March 2024
Here’s what the B-WIT co-chairs have to say:
“B-WIT has been so inspired by the quality conversations and the women and men who have shown up to contribute to our group. We are looking forward to including their ideas and talents in the upcoming year as we launch into being a more established organization!”
-Bonnie Page, Co-Chair
B-AAPI
Our newest ERG is B-AAPI! This ERG provides a support network for those who identify as Asian or Pacific Islander at B-Stock. It aims to empower and celebrate these diverse cultures and often hosts cultural events and educational forums.
To celebrate the Lunar New Year, the AAPI ERG organized in-person lunch celebrations across B-Stock offices with festive staples like moon cakes! Virtually, the ERG hosted a special edition trivia to learn more about what Lunar New Year is and how it is celebrated across the world.
Chairs: Mark Ma and Swara Gandhi
Founded: June 2024
Here’s what the B-AAPI co-chairs have to say:
“By celebrating who we are and where we come from, we inspire change, foster understanding, and build bridges across cultures.”
-Swara Gandhi
“A number of colleagues volunteered to organize an event despite their busy schedules, and it was one of my greatest moments as a co-leader of the B-AAPI ERG. They went above and beyond to engage with the audience and make it interactive. It was much better than if I had hosted it myself. It was rewarding to see people connecting and having fun. I hope to see more of these moments in the future, with more volunteers stepping up.”
-Mark Ma, Co-Chair
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We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our ERG program and our four different groups! Hopefully, these are the first of many more! For any questions related to our ERG program, please reach out to [email protected].
