So this is me getting as close to feeling like Justin Timberlake as I ever will at the Dallas Pride Parade.
Despite all the feels happening for me personally here, this moment captures what it truly means to be a part of something bigger.
Beyond the music, the float, the banners, and the countless high fives from the crowd, there was an amazing group of partners (employees) coming together to stand for visibility, equality, and change (in a state that can sometimes feel unwelcoming and even hostile to those just trying to live a life as their authentic selves).
Just as Pride Parades are more than just parades, Employee Resource Groups (Partner Networks at Starbucks) are more than just "DEI" hashtags and photo ops. They are an opportunity to leverage the scale and power of an organization to uplift employees, causes and communities that can directly benefit from our support.
To be transparent, I do not have an official leadership role in any of the Starbucks Partner Networks, my involvement is ad hoc and in the moment. And high fiving in parades was never part of my career goals. But from the perspective of my “day job” I see direct benefits through the lens of my professional development: influencing without authority, connecting with partners across the organization, helping others succeed, project/event planning, public speaking, community engagement – my involvement with the networks checks so many boxes. In short, ERGs drive results on many levels.
So if you could use a moment of feeling like a rock star (or being a part of something bigger), consider starting, supporting or leading an ERG.
Happy Pride Month.
#employeeresourcegroups #tobeapartner