Women’s History Month may be coming to end, but the women of Penn Community Bank’s Women’s Networking Employee Resource Group (ERG) continue to make their own history.
Late last year, the bank launched its very first employee resource group (ERG). The voluntary, employee-led group is just one of the organization’s latest efforts in carrying out its longstanding initiative of diversity, equity, and inclusion. What better opportunity to share all the amazing things our female team members are doing –where they’ve been and where they’re going – than at a group designed for just that.
The mission of Women’s Networking ERG is to cultivate an inclusive environment that supports and encourages women to advance their skills and leadership potential through connection, mentorship, collaboration, and discussion. While topics and themes are female-focused, all team members are welcome to join.
“These group meetings are a time when Penn Community Bank team members can come together and celebrate all the amazing things we’re doing, while learning about experiences you may not have in the break room,” says Natalie.
The theme of Women’s History Month 2022 is “providing healing, promoting hope” – a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline working during the ongoing pandemic and the recognition of the countless ways women have provided healing and hope throughout history. While the month is centered on celebrating women who are making history around the globe, Penn Community Bank’s Women’s Networking ERG meeting highlighted the amazing work, contributions, and diverse backgrounds of women right within our organization and community.
In March, the Women’s Networking ERG held its third meeting in celebration of Women’s History Month. Several female team members shared personal stories and experiences, and the hour-long meeting featured a Q&A panel discussion on the speakers’ accounts of their career development, journey of personal growth, as well as their perspective on women’s issues in the workplace and advice for overcoming obstacles and breaking the glass ceiling.
Sarah Tankred (Graphic Design Specialist) was among the featured speakers at the gathering and explained her untraditional career path.
“I went from suppressing my creative interests and not wanting to risk a steady career, to training and learning graphic design software to evolve into the bank’s lead graphic designer,” said Sarah. “In just a few short years, I went from simply having an interest in graphic design to my work being featured on billboards and in magazines.”
Penn Community Bank’s Women’s Networking ERG serves as a catalyst for growth for employees – from professional development to personal life – and encourages female employees to advance their skills and leadership potential. It’s amazing to learn commonalities with your coworkers aside from the workplace, and even the array of differences among us, too.