Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) were created by and for employees to elevate perspectives, build community and allyship, generate opportunities, and support all Emergent employees continued learning about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In 2021, we launched our first three ERGs: Black Originators, Leaders, and Doers (BOLD), Building Relationships and Advancing Veterans at Emergent (BRAVE), and Emerging Women. Each of these groups has already become a part of the fabric of our organization and contributed meaningfully to our culture.
Cultivating community
These groups bring together team members from across our footprint so that no matter where they are, employees can connect with an ERG and take part in the opportunities they offer. As a global, hybrid company, we need to be intentional with how we create community and connection that is inclusive and builds psychological safety.
“Our ERGs are absolutely essential, and an important place for employees to come together and find comradery, find kinship with their fellow colleagues, be heard, speak, and feel as if they’re bringing themselves to work in the fullest sense” said Aubrey Watkins, Senior Director, Corporate Development and BOLD co-chair.
For Aubrey, and many other members, ERGs offer an opportunity to discuss and reflect on current events related to racial injustice, gender inequity, and other issues that touch our identities. “When we come to work, these kinds of things, these aspects of our lives don’t just get left at the door when we parked the car and come inside. They come with you. We as human beings, reflect our families, our communities, so too do these issues find their way into our workplace.” he said.
Mallory Corbett, Senior Manager, Environment, Heath, and Safety, and Emerging Women co-chair feels similarly about the power of community that is made possible through ERGs. “For me when I listen to the stories, I have often been moved to tears and have been inspired to act. Emerging Women will continue to create spaces and opportunities for our membership to share openly their ideas, to safely express their emotions and work together toward the elimination of bias.”
Developing meaningful programming
In addition to creating opportunities for open and honest conversations, all three ERGs partner together on programming and strategic initiatives – with intersectionality and community engagement as key focus areas.
“One event that really stood out was a joint event with BOLD — we hosted a fireside chat with Keenan Austin Greed, the founder of the Black Women’s Congressional Alliance. She’s done amazing things to lift up Black women within the Capitol Hill area. The discussion really lifted a lot of us up and made us pause to think about how we can help others within the company and mentor others – that was a standout event for me.” said Jill Hamaker, Vice President, Government Affairs and executive sponsor of Emerging Women.
BOLD, BRAVE, and Emerging Women have also co-hosted several volunteering and community events that further the goals of Emergent’s CSR program. One of the events that was particularly memorable to ERG members was a virtual mock interview session with students from the Biotechnology Academy at Northwest High School in Montgomery County, Maryland. “Being a student in the McHenry County School District as a child, it really resonated with me, being able to have this opportunity to tell my younger self what I wish I would have known, and what you should be aware of if you want to work within the biotech field.” said Courtney DeLaTorre, Analyst, Defense Affairs, and BOLD member.
“The event was great on many levels. It created high engagement from employees across multiple sites, the students loved it, and the Montgomery County Public School Administration was grateful for the industry-education partnership.” said Lisa Moore, Vice President, Global Commerical Strategy, and BOLD executive sponsor. “This is the type of impact that has taken place as a result of our ERG. They say that an organization is only as strong as the commitment of its members to its success. And that’s what we have right here.”
Building a bench of diverse talent
Making Emergent an attractive place to work for diverse talent is something each ERG sees as a priority and supports, alongside efforts from our Talent team. This includes recruiting diverse talent, but also making sure we have the infrastructure in place to allow everyone to grow and thrive at Emergent so that we can build leaders internally.
“Our BRAVE ERG supports our veteran employees through recognition and development opportunities, mentorship, and a strong effort to recruit top talent from our nation’s military.” said Mary Longarini, Director, U.S. Market Access, and BRAVE co-chair.
BRAVE aspires to further reach the military and veteran community through thoughtful programming for the military community. “We’re working hard to become an authorized Department of Defense SkillBridge participant. Once we are approved, we will be setting up internships for transitioning service members at all of Emergent’s manufacturing sites in Maryland — hopefully expanding to all the sites down the road.” said Nick Droste, Program Manager, Operational Excellence, and BRAVE co-chair.
BOLD, BRAVE, and Emerging Women share resources, ideas, and tools that have been successful in recruiting and retaining talent. “It’s been a great experience to see all of us working together to demonstrate the value of having a diverse workforce and working together.” said Nick.
Our ERG leaders are looking ahead, identifying new opportunities to foster a sense of belonging and address priorities of their members. Together, they’re inspiring change and leading the way in our effort to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.