During this unprecedented time, employees are still finding ways to stay connected with each other and their communities throughout the region. One of the ways they are keeping in touch from a distance is through Comcast’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which are voluntary, employee-led organizations within the company dedicated to developing the careers of our employees, contributing to community service and building an inclusive and collaborative workplace. Keystone Region has seven ERGs, which include Unidos, Black Employee Network, MyAbilities, Women’s Network, VetNet, Young Professionals Network, and Out.
In support of their community, the Keystone Region’s Unidos ERG members recently volunteered to help read popular children’s books in Spanish on video to share with community partners like Casa San Jose in Pittsburgh and the Latino Hispanic American Community Center in Greater Harrisburg as well as local school districts. “We appreciate so much that Comcast is putting together some Spanish resources for the Hispanic community in the Pittsburgh area,” said Angela Mendez, communications specialist for Casa San Jose. “During these trying times, it is important that our Latinx community feels welcomed and included in all efforts to make this situation more bearable.”
“This was a way to support Hispanic families who maybe aren’t able to read to their kids,” said Comcast Keystone Region Product Marketing Specialist and Unidos member Lettie Rosario-Kirkwood. “I am hopeful that these families can take advantage of our storytelling videos and use programs, like Internet Essentials, to access various online resources, if needed.”
Comcast Keystone Region’s MyAbilities ERG co-lead Angie Schneider, manager of the local warehouse, gave members the opportunity to partner with The Bradley Center in Pittsburgh, a residential treatment facility for children ages 6-18 with histories of trauma, mental health diagnoses and behavioral challenges. The Bradley Center had asked for volunteers to write letters of inspiration and serve as pen pals for the children, who are unable to visit family during the pandemic. MyAbilities members were eager to participate from home.
“We’re so thankful to them,” said Bradley Center volunteer and development coordinator Emily Keiser.
The Black Employee Network (BEN) ERG participated in the YWCA’s Race Against Racism on April 25 – this year virtually. Participants tracked their walking or running distance over the course of a week on their devices and recorded them online.
In addition to pitching in from a distance in their communities, Keystone’s ERGs have adapted and supported their members during the COVID-19 pandemic in new and different ways—including holding virtual meetings to stay connected as well as talk about professional development, have Q&As with leaders about their journeys, share inspiration and resources, and more.
For additional information, visit our website to learn about Comcast’s ERGs and commitment to diversity and inclusion and Comcast’s support in the community.