Meet Macmillan Learning’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

[Michelle_Camisa]

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with a company’s overall mission, vision and values. At Macmillan Learning, we value the unique contributions of all of our employees and understand the importance of identity, perspective, and community as we show up in our work everyday. We support the work of our ERGs who provide a framework and a platform for our employees to identify with the voices, issues, challenges, and experiences of the communities they represent. 

There are eight ERGs at Macmillan Learning, and each is engaged in raising awareness, celebrating affinity moments, engaging in community challenges and opportunities, and sponsoring career development opportunities for the communities they represent. Get to know Macmillan Learning’s ERGs and learn from several ERG leaders what events and programming they’ve enjoyed most during their time in the ERG community.

AVID

AVID (Awareness of Visible and Invisible Disabilities) provides a forum for Macmillan Learning employees to broaden their understanding regarding people with disabilities by sharing ideas and participating in the disability community. This ERG subscribes to a broad model of disability that includes (but is not limited to) anyone who faces societal barriers due to physical, mental, neurological, or other differences or health concerns. 

What do AVID’s leaders say is their favorite ERG event they’ve organized? “We really love our annual game show event that we host each year during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM),” said Rachel Comerford and Sherry Mooney, Co-Leads of AVID. “It’s a great opportunity to learn more about disability advocacy and history, and to have fun doing it!” 

BLACC

BLACC (Black Leaders Actively Changing Culture) exists to meaningfully impact Macmillan Learning’s products, policies, practices, and programs by supporting and amplifying the perspectives of its Black employees. BLACC provides community and safe spaces for Black employees to restore themselves and empower them for the shared work that they do to change lives through learning.

What do BLACC leaders say are some of their favorite events organized by ERGs? “My favorite event is our Black Voices series because it offers invaluable perspectives on the Black experience,” said Jason Walker, Co-Lead of BLACC. “By sharing diverse stories and insights, we create a space for empathy, unity, and a deeper appreciation for the richness of the Black diaspora.”

Mishpuchah

Mishpuchah is Macmillan Learning’s ERG for Jewish community and culture, whose aim is to educate one another about Jewish heritage and culture. A Yiddish word that means family or social unit–including close or distant relatives, the word “Mishpuchah” was chosen as the name of this ERG because its leaders believe that by understanding and embracing each other’s stories as a unit, they can contribute to a workplace that goes beyond tolerance, and instead thrives on the richness of differences. 

What do Mishpuchah’s leaders say is their favorite ERG event they’ve organized? “Our interview with Holocaust survivor Gary Eichenwald was so compelling and uplifting to hear from someone who faced impossible odds and survived,” said Craig Bleyer, Co-Lead of Mishpuchah, “especially because he was able to do so with the help of non-Jewish allies.”

PAAN 

PAAN (Pan Asian Alliance Network) has the mission to connect, grow, and nurture the diverse voices of the Pan Asian Community through professional development programs and commitment to sharing their perspectives to positively impact Macmillan Learning’s people, products, and practices. 

What do PAAN leaders say are some of their favorite events organized by ERGs? “I loved the film series we hosted earlier this year as part of AANHPI (Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander) Heritage Month,” said Harriet Wald, Co-Lead of PAAN, “because it brought so many employees together from all across the country.” Harriet also added that one of her favorite events another ERG has organized was when AVID invited a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor of Guiding Eyes for the Blind. 

Proud

Proud’s mission is to promote the professional growth, development, and sense of belonging of LGBTQIA+ employees at Macmillan Learning through outreach that improves LGBTQIA+ representation in the company’s products and the development of a social community focused on mentorship and allyship. 

What do Proud leaders say are some of their favorite events organized by ERGs? “We really enjoy our annual Virtual Pride Parade,” said Adam Whitehurst and Derek Wiebke, Co-Leads of Proud. Adam added “I have a great time looking through all of the submissions and assembling them into a presentation for an audience that always brings amazing energy!” 

Village

Village is dedicated to providing a community of support and advocacy for employees who take on the responsibilities of caring for another person. The ERG is committed to creating a space where caregivers can take a moment to prioritize their own wellbeing, while also providing support and ideas to help provide the best possible care for dependents. 

What do Village leaders say are some of their favorite events organized by ERGs? “My personal favorite series that our ERG organized was about dealing with grief,” said Lisa Grosbier, Co-Lead of Village, “because the speaker made grief acceptable and real.” Lisa also added that her favorite event another ERG has organized was Proud’s Virtual Drag Bingo. 

Viva

Viva is a community of Macmillan Learning employees, Hispanic/Latino/a/e and allies alike, working together to foster a sense of belonging and explore the cultural diversity of the Hispanic/Latino/a/e community. 

What do Viva’s leaders say is their favorite ERG event they’ve organized? “My favorite event that Viva has hosted is a toss up between Loteria and Viva Radio,” said Michael Emig, Co-Lead of Viva. “Both celebrate Latino/a/e and Hispanic culture in very specific ways: Loteria is a game that is both informational and fun, whereas Viva Radio celebrates our culture through music.” 

WOMEN

WOMEN (Women Of Macmillan Empowering and Networking) has the mission to support and to advocate for the personal and professional growth and development of people at Macmillan Learning who identify as women through discussion groups, networking and educational events, career training, and volunteer opportunities.

What do WOMEN’s leaders say is their favorite ERG event they’ve organized? “Our networking events are my favorite,” said Heather Halter, Co-Lead of WOMEN. “It allows for women to meet other women they wouldn't normally interact with, and we have seen some great relationships built from them.”

For more information on Macmillan Learning’s ERGs, please visit our website.