Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Executive Leadership Advisory Council (Affinity Groups and Networks)
Challenge
In the wake of 2020’s racial justice movement, and a series of conversations led by SnapNoir (our ERG for team members from the African diaspora at Snap), it was determined that ERGs needed help to deepen executives’ understanding of the lived experience of inequity, to inspire them to commit to incorporating DEI more comprehensively into their business goals. Furthermore, ERGs must work more closely with our C-suite to forge stronger relationships with them. This relationship is critical—because when it comes to meeting goals, accountable leadership can be the difference between success and failure.
Actions
As a result, a joint collaboration between Snap's ERGs and the office of the CEO formed the ERG x Exec Advisory Council which was launched in 2020 and hosted quarterly.
Outcomes
The ERG x Exec Advisory Council provides all ERG Leads with the opportunity to influence and/or provide direct feedback on DEI business goals set by executives, as they relate to their community, and to the overall DEI strategic plan. Additionally in partnership with our Learning & Development Team we developed a leadership program to invest in ERG Leads and provide access to Executive mentorship.
Quote
When thinking about DEI at Snap we didn’t just look at the numbers. Scaling empathy comes from hearing real human stories, and understanding how different people have to navigate the world. We want to create an environment where everyone is valued, celebrated and supported for who they are. When that happens, our entire community benefits, and our business is also stronger.