LEARN MORE: ACG celebrates Women in Leadership for the month of March and Much More!

Take a look at the events ACG has participated in within the last week! 

Last week, our Talent Acquistion team partnered with Leader Dogs for the Blind, an organization that helps people who are blind or visually impaired endure hardships most of us can barely imagine. Things that were once routine and taken for granted may gradually or suddenly become insurmountable hurdles. 

According to the Leader Dogs website, that’s where Leader Dogs for the Blind comes in. From white cane training to matching people with a Leader Dog, we provide the tools and training to reintroduce people to a life of independence, confidence and companionship. It’s a way of living that leads to a new perspective on life. 

The event, Dinner in the Dark is Leader Dog’s for the Blind annual fundraiser to raise funds for their organization. The funds use go to puppy training, vet appointments, etc. to provide sight dogs for those who are visually impaired. The event included a blind wine pull, a white cane walk, and walks with a leader dog. Dinner was also eaten blindfolded to simulate the experience of those who are sight impaired.  

ACG celebrates Women’s Heritage Month during the month of March!  

We recognize Women's History Month during the month of March – commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital contribution's women have made to U.S. culture and society, both past and present. #WeAreAAA 

The Women in Leadership Employee Resource Group (ERG) is created to advance ACGs diversity and inclusion strategy for the interests of women employees. This ERG serves and advocates equal opportunities and a supportive workplace environment.  

Vision Statement 

The vision of Women in Leadership ERG is to welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints into a supportive environment that will provide opportunities to promote women’s professional and personal development that contribute to ACG’s success while “living their purpose and bringing their value.”  

Meet Susan Smith 

Senior Manager, Digital Marketing Plan and Executive Corporate Marketing 

What are the benefits to having women in leadership?   

WIL aligns resources and efforts behind the drive towards a more equitable work environment for women.  These women volunteer extra hours of each day to ensure that there are programs, training and opportunities that help the organization reach those goals.  

What has been the most significant barrier in your career?    

Myself – I have always thought that I’m not qualified, I don’t have a degree, I’m not as smart as everyone else, I don’t have the experience, etc.  

How have you built confidence and/or resiliency over the course of your career?   

I have had the honor of working with some of the best leaders in our organization, and a few years with some of the worst.  It has helped me appreciate and lean in when I have strong leaders around me, and they have in turn given me trust and the ability to fail & learn without judgement.  

What factors impact a woman’s ability to lead others?   

The biggest gap here is the lack of female leaders to mentor others.  Without strong leadership heads to identify with, there will be a social gap in our organization with women who desire to achieve leadership – if they don’t see others like them, they might believe that the company wouldn’t consider them for a future role. 

Meet Felicia King 

Senior Business Analyst, Technology  

What are the benefits to having women in leadership?   

Women in Leadership Employee Resource Group are important to all organizations.  The group promotes diversity, equity and inclusion by creating awareness around issues that women face in the workplace and in their communities.  The group empowers women with their personal and professional development.  Women are given the opportunity to share ideas and have a voice on issues that are important to them.   

What benefits have you received from your leadership experiences?   

As a co-lead to the WIL ERG, I have been able to enhance my personal and professional skills. Some of the benefits include the opportunity to network with senior leadership and other ERG members across the ACG footprint that I would not have contact with on a daily basis; become a more valuable employee to the organization; and have been provided the opportunity to attend symposiums and other events within the community. 

How do you encourage women not to give up?   

Regardless of your age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or individual disability, you have the ability to be what you want to be. If one door closes, another one will open. I encourage women to expand their knowledge and skills.  Find a mentor that will help you grow into the desired career path. I strongly encourage you to join an ERG to gain exposure to senior leadership.  When an ERG leadership position is available, apply for it. It is within the ERG, you will be able network with other members and leaders that will see your full potential.  

How can women support other women in their organization?   

As a co-lead and member of the WIL ERG, I encourage women to empower and embrace each other. When someone performs well on a task or celebrates a milestone, send them an e-mail or e-card acknowledging their success. Plan an activity or event to recognize women and their successes. Provide women with the appropriate resources and tools that will educate them on their personal and professional development. 

“We are unique as the fingerprints that mark individual identity” 

“Great things happen when we come together and connect our unique talents, ideas, cultures and experiences” 

THE AUTO CLUB GROUP 

Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion