Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Business Resource Groups (BRGs) are powerful engines of innovation, leadership, and retention. This was the overarching theme of SVLG’s ERG/BRG Consortium Fall Gathering at San Francisco Bay University in Fremont, CA.
The evening brought together ERG/BRG co-chairs from across Silicon Valley to share insights, strategies, and networks, culminating with a clear message: ERGs/BRGs drive business success.
Fremont Mayor Lily Mei, Provost and VP of Academic Affairs at SFBU Brad Fuster, and SVLG’s Senior VP of Inclusion and Belonging Lisa Gauthier provided opening remarks for the event, highlighting the importance of cultivating communities of connection where all members feel valued and engaged.
This was followed by a panel of seasoned ERG/BRG leaders–Nadia Ahmad from KPMG, Eva Kwong from Bank of America, Andre Nodem from Western Digital, and Crystal Pak from Alaska Airlines–who empowered attendees with tested, working strategies to increase ERG/BRG impact.
Nadia Ahmad from KPMG, Eva Kwong from Bank of America, Andre Nodem from Western Digital, and Crystal Pak from Alaska Airlines.
Key themes from the panel and small group discussions included:
Celebrating ERG/BRG Wins Fuels Momentum
When companies recognize ERG/BRG wins—whether in leadership development or community engagement—it sparks enthusiasm and increases company-wide visibility. ERGs and BRGs directly impact innovation and employee engagement, and celebrating their successes shines a light on their role as strategic assets to the business. Andre Nodem, Board Member of the Black Professionals Network at Western Digital, shared insights from hosting a global ERG awards event, celebrating ERGs across all 25 Western Digital chapters. Nodem noted how C-suite involvement in the awards ceremony underscored the company’s commitment to recognizing and elevating the impact of ERG efforts.
ERGs/BRG Inspire Growth and Retention
ERGs/BRGs create opportunities for employees to develop skills, expand networks, and grow beyond their immediate roles–leading to higher employee retention. ERG/BRG co-chairs shared how ERG/BRG involvement has been pivotal in their careers, offering mentorship, skill-building, and community. Echoing recent studies of ERG/BRG effectiveness, companies that nurture these groups see direct benefits in employee retention, as they foster belonging and a sense of shared purpose.
Executive Sponsorship is Crucial
Executive buy-in is essential for amplifying ERG/BRG efforts. Direct sponsorship from leadership ensures alignment with broader business goals and provides the resources needed for success. To secure this buy-in, panelists suggested inviting managers and executives to speak at ERG/BRG meetings and events.
Storytelling Creates Connection and Engagement
Attendees highlighted storytelling as a powerful tool for building bridges. Personal stories shared within ERG/BRG groups make it easier for others—especially non-members—to engage. By weaving these narratives into programming, ERGs create a ripple effect that deepens inclusion and brings more voices to the table. Eva Kwong, Tri-Chair of the Enterprise Asian Leadership Network at Bank of America, urged participants to embrace storytelling, no matter how niche the stories may seem, as a way to encourage vulnerability and cultivate deeper, trusting relationships within and across professional communities.
Moving Forward
The ERG/BRG Consortium Fall Gathering reinforced that ERGs/BRGs are strategic assets that shape inclusive, innovative workplaces. By celebrating wins, securing executive sponsorship, and amplifying stories, these groups are driving meaningful change across industries. We look forward to reconnecting at our December ERG/BRG holiday gathering! If you are interested in learning more about the ERG/BRG Consortium, contact lgauthier@svlg.org.
