New to Comcast and New to Employee Resource Groups

By: Kaila Hall, Talent Brand Marketing Specialist, Comcast Advertising

As a new member of any business, sometimes it is hard to find where you fit in. But when I joined Comcast Advertising on the Social Media & Talent Brand Marketing team in January, I was encouraged to meet people, get involved and join any of our amazing employee resource groups (ERGs) and affinity groups from the beginning. Many told me this is where I would get to know my new colleagues and that this was my opportunity to find my people – people I can relate to, people I feel comfortable with, and people I can grow with.??

Connecting with the Conversation?

During my first week, I was invited to the Black Employee Network NY (BEN) chapter's welcome event and panel discussion “Microaggressions in the Workplace and the Value of ERGs.” Considering this was my first event and first few days with the company, I wasn’t sure what to expect. From the moment I walked in the door, I connected with the conversation. Like many others, there have been several times when I have experienced microaggressions, which are often described as a subtle and usually unintentional form of prejudice. A topic like this can carry a lot of sensitivity and it can be challenging to adequately address important issues like this in the workplace,-- but these conversations are necessary for any company that wants to advance their DE&I practices. From the moderator to the panelists, all their experiences and input helped me see that Comcast Advertising is a place where I belong. Everyone is here to uplift and help you navigate your way.??

The Black Employee Network (BEN) Made A Difference?

As we honored Black History Month, the BEN focused on educating and amplifying employee's voices and our company values. I had the privilege to attend a tour at the African Burial Ground Museum with fellow members from the BEN NY chapter. This tour allowed us to pay our respects to our ancestors and learn about the historic role slavery played in building New York. Before visiting this museum, I did not know all the important history behind slavery in New York City, despite being a lifelong New Yorker.??

I also had the chance to join a virtual conversation available to all Comcast employees with American civil rights icon and author, Ruby Bridges, during Comcast’s DE&I speaker series. Hearing from someone who paved the way for future generations like mine really opened my eyes. Ruby candidly shared her experience being the focal point of the desegregation of public education in New Orleans and her advocacy for civil rights.??

ERGs Are for Everybody??

Being part of a company that encourages all employees to attend events and join ERGs goes hand-in-hand with creating a comfortable work culture. Attending company events allows you to network, learn new things, and maybe even get some fun swag. But being part of employee resource groups allows you to learn how you can make a difference, meet new people within the broader company, and expand your knowledge on that ERG. I have frequently heard my new peers say, “You don’t have to be to belong.” All our ERGs encourage membership for anyone who wants to join and there’s always room for allies.??

As I continue to learn and grow within the business, I want everyone to feel the same way I did when I first joined– welcomed, supported, and seen for all of my unique and authentic qualities. I encourage everyone to find their space and an ERG that they can connect with. Whether you are a person who identifies with that ERG or an ally, you can find a group that works for you.?

If you are interested a company that truly values inclusion. Check out careers at FreeWheel or Effectv .