Recognizing our incredible Alleanza ERG in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month

Over the last decade, Barilla has undergone a cultural transformation, solidifying diversity and inclusion as core tenets of our business and fostering a supportive culture for all Barilla employees.

Our employee-led resource groups (ERGs) have played a crucial role in making Barilla a more inclusive community. For this reason, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re thrilled to spotlight members of our Alleanza (which means "Alliance" in Italian) ERG, which promotes programming and workplace policies that support and elevate Barilla’s Latinx and Black employees.

“I’m incredibly proud to be an ally and partner with Alleanza as we continue to grow and improve year after year,” says Tim Knuettel, Vice-President of Sales US, and one of the ERG’s Executive Sponsors. “The team is growing in members and visibility with each event and the passion and participation is at an all-time high. Collectively, we are improving awareness, education, and diversity at all levels of the organization, while holding us accountable for continued improvement”.

Read on to learn more about two of our amazing Alleanza members!

Rosalio Bueno Jr. is a Cybersecurity Professional supporting Barilla’s America’s region and has been with the company since November of 2021.

Rosalio, why did you join an ERG and why is Alleanza important to you?

I was initially reluctant to join an ERG because I was worried it might conflict with work. However, after attending my first meeting and volunteering at several events, it was very apparent that this ERG was a key part of Barilla’s DNA.

As a first-generation Mexican American, I have experienced inequality in various forms, and I’ve come to realize that there is much to be learned from the challenges and experiences of others. By raising awareness and sharing cultural experiences, Barilla’s employees and culture can benefit immensely.

I was fortunate to have a father whose hard work and support allowed me to achieve my educational and career aspirations. However, upon reflecting, there have been moments in my career when having additional support through a mentor or a sponsor would have created further opportunities. One of the most impactful things that Alleanza provides is a support system where members can receive the career resources they need from mentors who understand them.

What has been your favorite moment during your time with Alleanza?

My favorite moment was Alleanza’s Chicago Urban League scholarship campaign. This campaign awarded scholarships to rising high school seniors and first year university students from underserved communities throughout Chicago. By providing these students with the opportunity to achieve their educational aspirations, Alleanza and Barilla played a key role in supporting our future leaders.

How has Alleanza’s work contributed to Barilla’s positive workplace culture?

Alleanza educates our Barilla community by increasing cultural awareness and emphasizing that we all bring something to the table, thereby contributing to a diverse and multi-faceted organization. Thanks in large part to Alleanza’s efforts, here at Barilla we have a supportive leadership team that encourages our Black and Latinx employees to bring their authenticate selves to work with respect to our culture and heritage.

Jeanette Gerger joined Barilla in June of 2019 and leads Marketing for our US Foodservice business.

Jeanette, why did you join an ERG and why is Alleanza important to you?

As a strong believer in DE&I, I joined Alleanza almost immediately after starting at Barilla. Alleanza introduced me to a diverse group of colleagues I wouldn’t typically get to interact with and has allowed me to participate in projects I’m passionate about (e.g., book clubs, dance classes, etc.)

Sometimes people are hesitant to join an ERG because they fear it will be additional work on top of their everyday responsibilities. However, while my work schedule doesn’t allow me to lead or participate in every activity, Alleanza’s leadership and structure allow me to create meaningful impact when my schedule permits. Alleanza is a safe space to learn and grow and has pushed me to think and act differently, helping me become not only a better colleague but a better marketer.

What has been your favorite moment during your time with Alleanza?

There are three wonderful moments I want to share from my time with Alleanza:

1.?????? Last year I had the opportunity co-lead a salsa dance class during Hispanic Heritage Month in the Northbrook office.

2.?????? For the last three years I’ve hosted Alleanza’s Book Club where we read and discuss books by Black and Latinx authors. Over the years our books have included “The Other Black Girl,” “Olga Dies Dreaming,” “Caste” and “Did You Hear About Kitty Karr.”

3.?????? I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the MUJERES leadership program put on by the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) and last year I was nominated for HACE’s Top 40 under 40 .

How has Alleanza’s work contributed to Barilla’s positive workplace culture?

Aside from bringing fun and engaging events to employees, Alleanza also provides education through panels, speakers and events, in addition to leadership opportunities through committees and courses. For example, through Alleanza’s strong partnership with HACE, many of us have participated in HACE leadership programs, which are designed to address the unique cultural values and challenges faced by the Latinx community and transform high-potential Latinx professionals into high-performing and courageous leaders.

Throughout our efforts we have had support from the highest levels of our organization - we’ve even gotten to weigh in on marketing and advertising initiatives that our brands are considering, allowing us to present ourselves in an authentic and realistic way.

Barilla has doubled down on its commitment to DE&I and we can see it reflected in every aspect of our business – from our new hire practices and our marketing initiatives, to the organizations we support and the education that’s brought to employees.

?? Learn more about our commitments to diversity and inclusion .