Building a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all: meet our US ERG Alleanza
29 March 2023
“I had never heard of an ERG before working at Barilla. Until I came to Barilla, I had never been at a company where they make sure that you feel like you are important, and your voice is important regardless of gender, race or education".
Phyllis Ware is an Administration Specialist on the US Logistic Deduction team. She became part of our family in 2017 and immediately joined Alleanza: the Employee Resource Group (ERG) organized and managed by our US employees since 2016 to promote ethnic and racial diversity and to contribute to an inclusive culture by supporting Black and Latinx people.
There are currently 17 ERGs in our Group’s offices and production plants. These groups of volunteers are led and trained by over 1,400 Barilla people from all over the world, with the aim of fostering an even more inclusive corporate culture and promoting a positive change within the Group. This commitment translates into actions, progress and concrete results every day.
UNDERSTANDING THE PAST TO CREATE A MORE EQUITABLE FUTURE
Alleanza played an important part in the recent Black History Month, which has been celebrated every February in the United States and Canada since 1976 to raise awareness and value the people and events in the history of the African American community.
This year’s activities included lessons on the history of Stepping & Line Dancing in the Black community and a panel discussion centered around this year’s theme: ‘Resistance and Empowerment’.
When asked to pinpoint the most significant moments she has experienced as a member of Alleanza, Krystle Murry, Finance Manager and co-leader of this ERG since 2022, identified two: “Two of my favorites were the '2020 Lunch and Learns' showcasing Latin American countries’ rich histories and creating a virtual fine arts gallery to showcase black artists, musicians, and writers during Black History Month in 2022”.
Belonging to an ERG like Alleanza is not only beneficial at certain times of year, it provides a resource which our people can benefit from all the time. “Thanks to Alleanza - says Marura Lenjo, Sensory Research Manager at the company since 2012 and a co-founding leader of Alleanza that launched in 2016 - I have learned so much about so many topics that I did not know. It has also provided volunteer and leadership development opportunities”.
“Alleanza offers opportunities for open dialogue, networking and support – addes DeAnna Henry, Categories Purchasing Manager, a member of Alleanza for 3 years – It can be a ‘safe place’ to gather with others who value and understand minority perspectives and those who want to understand more as allies”.
“Fabio and I are incredibly proud to be allies and partners with Alleanza as we continue to grow and improve year after year – conclude Tim Knuettel, Vice-President of Sales US, and Fabio Pettenati, Vice-President of Supply Chain Americas – The team is growing in members and visibility with each event and the passion and participation is at an all-time high. Collectively, we are improving awareness, education, and diversity at all levels of the organization, while holding us accountable for continued improvement”.
MAKING THE INVISIBLE NEEDS OF MINORITIES VISIBLE TO THE MAJORITY
In addition to Black History Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month has taken place in the USA since 1988, between September 15 and October 15, to celebrate the historical, cultural, economic and social contribution of the Hispanic community. Our ERG Alleanza also organized multiple events to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.
These included the celebratory event “Unidos: Inclusivity for a stronger nation" in which ERG members created a beautiful painting inspired by the winning poster of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Alleanza also arranged a discussion with Patricia Mota, President and CEO of the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement, who shared her personal and professional journey.
These initiatives are a valuable opportunity not only to achieve a deeper understanding of the past, but also to shape the present. Through sharing and discussion, we want to create a more inclusive working environment and contribute to building a more equitable future for everyone!
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