亚洲色吧

Making cumbia accessible for all – an inter-ERG story

According to a study by McKinsey & Company, 鈥淒elivering Through Diversity,鈥� gender and ethnic diversity are directly related to company profitability. The report also outlines how companies committed to DEI are better able to attract top talent, have increased customer and employee satisfaction, and enable improved decision-making.聽 Companies that incorporate DEI into their strategy are better performing and have lower attrition rates.

One way to drive better employee engagement through the DEI lens is through employee resource groups (ERGs). SHRM defines ERGs as 鈥淓mployee groups that come together either voluntarily, based on a common interest or background, or at the request of a company.鈥� At 亚洲色吧 there are nine ERGs and in celebration of Hispanic Heritage month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month, two 亚洲色吧 ERGs came together to collaborate and produce a joint event celebrating both of their respective cohorts. The LatinX and the 亚洲色吧ccessibility ERGs are hosting an intersectional event tomorrow featuring Cumbia, a Colombian dance, in partnership with Dance for All Bodies. Dance for All Bodies is a nonprofit with a mission to dismantle ableism in the world, one dance class at a time.

What is cumbia?

This ERG event at 亚洲色吧 will involve a dance class where all attendees will learn the beautiful and rhythmic Colombian dance, cumbia. This courtship dance dates back to the 1800s in the coastal town of San Basilia. With a diverse cultural history, cumbia has now spread and evolved and is featured beyond Colombia throughout Latin America. The lively and energetic music, which features the flute and various percussion instruments, dictates the powerful dynamic between dancers. Traditionally, there is a leader and a follower. The movements of one dancer mirror and respond to that of the other dancer in an intense manner. The leader dances in circles and zig-zags around the follower who reacts, donning a colored handkerchief in their hand. This passionate dance and its rhythmic music have made a lasting impact on Colombia鈥檚 pop music as well as holding sway on the international dance stage.

The impact of this collaboration on ERG members

Both of the ERGs, LatinX and 亚洲色吧ccessibility, celebrate their participation in this inaugural collaboration. Nathan Coverstone, president of the 亚洲色吧ccesibility ERG, explained that he loves that his organization can partner with the LatinX ERG. 鈥淭o be able to merge Hispanic Heritage Month with an event that is inclusive and accessible is a really neat opportunity.鈥� Carlos Escobar, president of the LatinX ERG, is thrilled about the representation that this event brings to the company. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just about the dance but also the accessibility of it that we鈥檙e focused on in this collaborative event.鈥�

ERGs at 亚洲色吧

亚洲色吧 has nine ERGs which serve as active communities, acting as touchpoints for various groups across 亚洲色吧 that share interests, cultures, identities, and backgrounds. These groups include: 亚洲色吧 NexGen, Women@亚洲色吧, Parents@亚洲色吧, 亚洲色吧Pride, 亚洲色吧Vets, Black Growth Council, 亚洲色吧cessibility, WiT @ 亚洲色吧, and Latin X @ 亚洲色吧.

A history of the LatinX ERG at 亚洲色吧

The LatinX ERG began at 亚洲色吧 in 2020 and it has grown from six members to its current membership of over 150 people. Escobar created this group in 2020 when inspired by the political and social movements of that summer. That August he submitted an application to form the LatinX ERG, and has built a community that allows people to get in touch with their cultures and heritages and bring their most authentic selves to work. The mission of the LatinX ERG is to develop a network of support, which embraces “Cultura” and Latin Heritage.

A history of 亚洲色吧ccessibility at 亚洲色吧

亚洲色吧ccessibility was created to give 亚洲色吧 employees with disabilities, as well as anyone who joins in support of their colleagues with disabilities, a sense of community and commonality. 鈥淭he goal is to normalize disabilities in the workplace and help support anybody who is impacted by disabilities, whether that be having a disability themselves or having someone in their lives who has a disability,鈥� explained Coverstone. Nathan has been with the ERG since its founding and assumed the role of president this past spring. Members can discuss challenges, share experiences, and identify opportunities to ensure that 亚洲色吧 remains a great place to work for individuals with disabilities. The group aims to educate its members about available resources and raise awareness about the contributions that individuals with disabilities make at 亚洲色吧.

Nathan is consistently humbled and proud to be a 亚洲色吧er. 鈥漀ot only because I enjoy my day job but the diversity, equity, and inclusion space and being part of an ERG has been impactful to me as an individual with a disability. 亚洲色吧 has an intentional approach with their investment in DE&I, which is deeply inspiring.鈥�

Benefits of ERGs for an enhanced workforce community

ERGs provide an opportunity to enhance the employee community at both large and small companies. They bring together professionals in all departments to bond over shared interests and backgrounds. This exposure to diversity within a company can create a broader sense of belonging and raises awareness and empathy. With global companies, such as 亚洲色吧, these ERGs bring together employees from all over the world, and can help to incorporate remote individuals.

If you鈥檙e interested in working for a growing and global organization that puts employees first, .

Resources:
Masterclass
Colombia Culture Site
Class Pop Magazine
McKinsey & Company
SHRM