As we mentioned last week, ERGs can be an important and positive sign for a company during your job search. (Check out that article here to learn more!) This week, we're going to talk about the Women's ERG at KinderCare.

We sat down to talk with the three people leading our Women's Employee Resource Group efforts to learn how they're bringing their own set of strengths and personal experience to the role. They're unified in their commitment to driving change, creating mentorship opportunities and a safe space for Women's ERG members.

Please introduce yourself

My name is Staci Beese and I'm co-chair of the Women’s ERG with my friend and colleague Dee Phillips. I joined KLC about two years ago on the Talent Acquisition team and recently transitioned to the Project Manager role on the Champions New Site Growth team. I currently live in my home state of Georgia with my Danish husband, almost 5-year-old son, and 10-year-old pup. I love to travel and have lived in six countries on four continents!

I'm Dee Phillips and I'm co-chair of the Womens ERG with my friend Staci Beese. My wife and I have been married for nine years and we live in San Mateo, CA. I have been a Regional Director for Champions for nine years. We love animals and have six dogs, a cat and fish and my wife and I volunteer at many dog and horse rescues.

My name is Ruby Alter and I'm the Vice Chair of the Women’s ERG. I live in Northern California with my husband of 14 years and two children. Previously, a Champions Area Manager, I currently support the Talent Acquisition Recruitment Team and celebrated my 10-year anniversary with KLC earlier this year. I was born and raised in the Philippines before emmigrating to the United States when I was nine.

What is the mission of the Women's ERG?

Our mission includes three areas: Creating a brave space, providing mentorship and community and sparking change.

We're committed to providing a brave space to promote a positive and inclusive space for women to be courageous, strengthen confidence and to lift each other up.

Provide mentorship and community which encompasses resources for ALL women as we address well-being, mental health and current women's issues including communication, work/life balance, social construct and professional development.

The third area is to use our collective community to spark change and influence policies and procedures.

How are you working toward that mission?

We host monthly Women’s ERG meetings on the last Thursday of each month. This is a space for us to discuss, create and provide support. We also have a book club and are starting a mentorship program. We've established a GroupMe communications channel, which has created a way for lots of discussions to develop naturally outside of our monthly meetings. Our members are consistently thinking of ways we can impact so we are always adding events and conversations.

During our monthly meetings we plan time on our agenda to leave space for community, creating a safe space for people to share their thoughts, experiences and to get support and/or advice

Are there opportunities for allies to get involved with the group? What does that entail?

Absolutely! We welcome allies to come to our meetings or participate in any of our activities. It is also important for us to have advocates and supporters for our work. We need guides, advocates and mentors who will support the professional growth of the women in our company, as a group and individuals without judgement.

Is there anything else you want employees to know about the Women's ERG?

Women make up a huge demographic in our organization, and we have the potential to have a great impact with our Women’s ERG. We encourage anyone who would like to participate in conversations and activities, build community and spark change to join us. Our meetings are open to allies, as well. We can’t wait to meet you and have you be a part of this group of talented and courageous women!

Stay tuned for the interviews with our other ERG leaders, coming soon!