Empowering Women in the Workplace: Insights from Leading a Women’s Network ERG

Intuit Women’s Network: Mission

What is an ERG ?

Employee resource groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups within an organization that are formed around a shared identity, interest, or goal. ERGs provide a platform for employees to connect with others who share similar experiences, backgrounds, or interests, and to advocate for issues that are important to them. ERGs can focus on a variety of topics, such as diversity and inclusion, women’s empowerment, LGBTQ+ rights, mental health and wellness, and more. ERGs can also provide professional development opportunities, mentorship programs, and networking events for their members.

Why I Chose to Lead a Women’s Network: My Story

• My mom is an incredible woman and a true inspiration. Growing up with a single working mom, I saw firsthand the challenges that women face in the workplace and the importance of supporting them. I watched her work tirelessly to chase her dreams as she simultaneously took care of me. As a teacher, she always uplifted and encouraged her colleagues and students, and taught me that there’s nothing a woman can’t do if she sets her mind to it. Her commitment to empowering others played a significant role in shaping my own passion for supporting and uplifting women in the workplace. It’s clear that my mom is not only an idol and role model to me, but also to many others whose lives she has touched through her teaching and mentorship.
• My aunts empowered me, and my uncles taught me how to respect women, which instilled in me a strong sense of gender equality.
• My school: Attending an all-girls school further reinforced my belief in the power of women and the importance of female empowerment. I easily connected and bonded with female friends, which further strengthened my desire to support and uplift women.
• My partner showed me how a man can be a positive force in empowering women to reach greater heights, which inspired me to do the same.
• My colleagues: Throughout my career, women colleagues and leaders have served as role models and inspiration for me to continue advocating for gender equality and empowering women in the workplace.

Leading a Women’s Network ERG: My Journey

My journey leading Intuit Women’s Network, has been both challenging and rewarding, and has taught me a great deal about leadership, advocacy, and the power of community

As a co-chair of Intuit Women’s Network, Bay Area, I volunteer my time alongside Adriana Jennings and Harshada Jivane under the leadership of Angie Robert (Intuit Women’s Network, Global Chair) to serve the needs of our members to create a supportive and inclusive community for women in our workplace.

As a leader of this ERG with over 400+ women & allies, I have had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of individuals who share my passion for promoting gender equality. Together, we have organized events and initiatives that aim to raise awareness of gender issues, provide support and resources for women in the workplace, and advocate for policies that promote diversity and inclusion.

Over the past 10 months, the Intuit Women’s Network , Bay Area has organized several significant events, including:

• Partnered with Intuit’s We Care & Give Back Network to organize a volunteering event to support and give back to a local women and children’s shelter: The Bay Area Women and Children’s Shelter (https://bawcc.org/) — Employees volunteered to prepare hygiene and care kits for women & children which had a huge impact on the local community.

• Celebrated Women’s History Month and International Women’s day — Throughout the month of march we organized multiple hybrid activities at Intuit Bay Area Campus where all our employees found inspiration, made connections, engaged in meaningful conversations, supported women-owned businesses, and contributed to our communities.
• Organized multiple hybrid engaging events for all the women employees & allies which include but not limited to organizing a Book Club, Cheers to Peers, Quizzes about women in history, Tips about health, hygiene & importance of self-care, games for fun & networking.

• Breast Cancer Awareness Month volunteering event to support the Bay Area Cancer Connection.
• Black Women’s Equal Payday during Black History Month — Partnered with Intuit African Ancestry Network and organized an event that aimed to raise awareness about Black Women’s pay and advocate for policies and practices that promote pay equity for Black women during Black History Month.

• Partnered with Tech Women at Intuit community to provide passes for employees to attend California Conference for Women.
• Organized Fire side chats with Women in leadership who inspire us everyday.

While employee volunteering can help to address social issues and build stronger communities, any donations made by the Intuit employees through these volunteering events are equally matched by Intuit making an even bigger impact on the individuals in need. These events have also raised awareness about important causes and inspired other employees to get involved and make a difference having a positive effect on all the employees, Intuit, and society as a whole.

What I Have Learned and Gained?

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — Pablo Picasso

One of the most rewarding aspects of leading a Women’s Network has been seeing the impact that our work has had on our colleagues and the organization as a whole. We have received positive feedback from members who have found our events and resources to be helpful and inspiring.

Leading this ERG has also taught me a great deal about leadership and advocacy and has provided me with a sense of purpose. I have learned the importance of listening to others, building consensus, and being persistent in pursuing our goals. I have also learned that change takes time and effort, but that it is possible when we work together towards a common goal.

Overall, my journey leading a Women’s Network ERG has been a transformative experience that has allowed me to make a positive impact in the lives of others while also growing personally and professionally. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of individuals and look forward to continuing our work towards promoting gender equality and empowering women in the workplace.

Why Should You Consider Joining an ERG?

“There is no better exercise for your heart than reaching down and helping to lift someone up.” ~ Bernard Meltzer

Joining an ERG can provide a sense of community and support, offer professional development opportunities, allow for advocacy and impact, promote diversity and inclusion, and foster personal growth. It’s a great way to enhance your workplace experience, build relationships with colleagues, and make a positive impact within your organization.

How to join an ERG ?

1. Research: Find out if your company has any ERGs and what they are about. You can check your company’s website or ask your HR department.
2. Choose an ERG: Select an ERG that aligns with your interests, goals, and values.
3. Contact the ERG: Reach out to the ERG’s leadership team or contact person to express your interest in joining. They may have a membership form or process for you to follow.
4. Attend meetings and events: Attend the ERG’s meetings, events, and activities to get to know the members and learn more about the group’s mission and goals.
5. Participate: Get involved in the ERG’s initiatives, projects, and committees. This will help you build relationships with other members and contribute to the group’s success.
6. Network: Use the ERG as a platform to network with colleagues from different departments and levels of the organization.
7. Share your experiences: Share your experiences and ideas with the ERG to help shape its direction and impact.

“Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.