Meet Dr. RaKeema Thomas Toussaint: Mastering the Art of ERG Program Design

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. RaKeema Thomas Toussaint, an accomplished ERG program manager and co-facilitator for her company’s Black ERG. Dr. Toussaint has turned her passion for community development and expertise in program management into a blueprint for creating ERGs that leave a lasting impact.

Dr. Toussaint shares how to align ERG goals with corporate objectives, design systems that empower members, and foster leadership development. She also unveils the keys to building ERG structures that outlast leadership changes, the importance of effective delegation, and why treating your ERG like a business can drive results.

Whether you’re looking to maximize your ERG’s potential, strengthen member engagement, or lead with authenticity in corporate spaces, Dr. Toussaint’s practical advice will inspire and equip you to elevate your ERG strategy.

Connect with Dr. RaKeema Thomas Toussaint on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rakeema-thomas-toussaint

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#ERGLeadership #ProgramDesign #WorkplaceInclusion #LeadershipDevelopment #CommunityEmpowerment #DiversityAndEquity #InclusiveWorkplaces #AuthenticLeadership #SustainableERG #OrganizationalSuccess #ERGImpact

Meet Chanel Jackson.

In this episode, we sit down with Chanel Jackson, an ERG leader and trailblazer who turned her vision into a thriving mentorship initiative that connected 18 senior leaders with 42 mentees. Chanel shares her journey from volunteering with McDonald’s ERG leadership team to shaping global ERG strategies at Google, all while balancing her roles as an investor and entrepreneur.

She dives into the “recipe” for building a successful mentorship program from scratch, leveraging executive sponsors, and driving engagement on a global scale. Chanel also reflects on her experience leading informal syncs for women and men in the workplace and offers tips for managing ERG budgets while maximizing impact.

Whether you’re looking to start a mentorship program, strengthen your ERG’s community, or navigate the complexities of executive sponsorship, Chanel’s insights will leave you inspired and equipped to take your ERG programming to the next level.

Meet MJ, a Cultural Architect Driving Change Through ERGs.

In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Jordan (MJ), a seasoned ERG leader with 20+ years in corporate America and a track record of transforming workplaces into inclusive and impactful spaces. From founding her first ERG in 2001 to driving global ERG strategy at Nike and beyond, MJ’s journey is packed with insights and lessons for anyone passionate about the power of community at work.

MJ shares how her team tackled challenges like high attrition rates among new hires, created signature programs like Wake Up with Ben to support Black employees during the height of the pandemic, and used ERG data to spark real policy changes. She also reveals how to structure large ERG committees, make strategic use of budgets, and craft compelling asks for senior leadership to drive lasting impact.

Whether you’re curious about building global ERG chapters, centering intersectionality, or redefining ERG programming for real ROI, MJ’s candid advice will leave you inspired and ready to lead.

Meet Will Butler: Advocating for LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in the Workplace

In this episode, Maceo Owens sits down with Will Butler, a passionate ERG leader with nearly a decade of experience championing LGBTQIA+ inclusion. From initiating conversations with diversity leaders in conservative spaces like Birmingham, Alabama, to co-founding an ERG at Bill Trust and earning a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index, Will’s journey is one of courage, strategy, and impact.

We explore:
• How to establish ERGs in conservative regions while navigating resistance.
• The critical role of inclusive employee policies in driving change.
• Building authentic connections through events like drag bingo and cooking classes.
• Practical advice for ERG leaders working in environments where inclusion isn’t prioritized.
• The untapped potential of the queer dollar and its impact on business strategy.

Will’s story is a testament to how persistence and intentional advocacy can create lasting change, transforming workplaces into spaces where every employee feels valued and empowered.

Tune in for inspiration and actionable insights that will energize your own ERG journey!

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#LGBTQIAInclusion #ERGLeadership #WorkplaceAdvocacy #DiversityAndInclusion #EmployeeEngagement #InclusiveWorkplaces #QueerVisibility #ERGCommunity #LeadershipWithPride #AuthenticConnections

Meet Stephanie Anderson. In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Anderson, an inspiring ERG leader at Slalom who has elevated the Women’s ERG into a global powerhouse. Stephanie shares how her “say yes” approach launched her ERG journey and led to groundbreaking initiatives that integrate professional development with performance reviews, train mentors to cultivate meaningful relationships, and overcome the challenges of fostering global connection across time zones. She explores the importance of intersectional programming, the evolution of engagement strategies in a post-pandemic world, and how addressing pressing trends like the women’s health crisis can amplify ERG impact. Stephanie’s actionable insights provide a roadmap for creating transformative ERG programs, no matter the size or scope. Tune in to hear from a trailblazer who’s redefining the future of ERGs through creativity, strategy, and heart. #ERGLeadership #InclusionMatters #WorkplaceInnovation #LeadershipInAction #MentorshipMatters #GlobalConnection #IntersectionalLeadership #EmpowermentInAction #ERGTransformation

Changes to DEI are here - my take on how ERGs should be positions.

Does Your ERG Have a Leadership Library? Meet Sonya Jackson.

In this episode, we chat with Sonya Jackson, a trailblazing ERG leader whose journey from the era of school integration to leading innovative programs in corporate spaces is nothing short of remarkable. Sonya brings her wealth of experience from Intel and Valera, where she created initiatives like the Leadership Library to empower the next generation of leaders.

Sonya explores how storytelling drives connection, why intersectionality is critical for ERGs, and how aligning with corporate goals can strengthen community-focused initiatives. From collaborating with HBCUs to measuring ERG impact and building inclusive spaces, her practical insights will inspire you to elevate your ERG strategy.

Tune in to learn from a true pioneer in the ERG space and discover actionable tips to drive meaningful change within your organization.

Connect with Sonya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deibandlxd/

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#StorytellingForChange #InclusiveWorkplaces #IntersectionalityInAction #CommunityAtWork #DiverseLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #WorkplaceInclusion #LeadershipLibrary #InnovativeERGPrograms #ImpactfulLeadership #BuildingBelonging

Meet MJ, a Cultural Architect Driving Change Through ERGs.

In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Jordan (MJ), a visionary ERG leader with over two decades of experience transforming corporate culture. From launching her first ERG in 2001 to spearheading global strategies at Nike, MJ’s journey showcases the transformative power of community in the workplace.

MJ reveals how her team tackled critical challenges, including reducing attrition among new hires, creating impactful initiatives like "Wake Up with Ben" to support Black employees during the pandemic, and leveraging ERG data to drive meaningful policy changes. She also shares practical strategies for structuring effective ERG committees, maximizing budgets, and presenting persuasive proposals to senior leadership for lasting organizational impact.

Whether you’re looking to build global ERG chapters, deepen your focus on intersectionality, or design programming that delivers measurable ROI, MJ’s authentic insights and actionable advice will equip you to lead with purpose and impact.

#CulturalArchitect #ERGInnovation #WorkplaceTransformation #LeadershipWithImpact #InclusionAtWork #CommunityPower #ERGStrategy #IntersectionalLeadership #RealImpact

📌 Connect with Aries Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aries-jordan-8516bb72/