I recall organizing the first Pride ERG event in 2018, where only three people attended out of tens of thousands. The low turnout was disappointing, especially as I was juggling my demanding ERG leadership role with full-time work. However, our persistent efforts began to pay off. Within a few months, attendance grew to 10, then 20 participants by 2019. I learned firsthand that persistence is key to success.
A turning point came when we strategically aligned our events with significant days, such as Mental Health Awareness or Transgender Day of Remembrance. This proved pivotal, and our events started attracting around 100 attendees in 2021. We then identified deeper community needs and successfully garnered broader interest, with our events averaging 1,000 attendees across APJC in 2022.
Following this upward trend, our global events drew over 10,000 participants in 2023, where I had the honor of joining panels alongside Cisco's Chief DEI Officer. The support of executive sponsors was crucial in amplifying our reach. These milestones underscored the transformative impact of persistence and strategic alignment.
It's important to note that achieving these milestones isn't magic or rocket science but pure determination. My journey provides several key takeaways:
1. Starting small and maintaining consistent effort and dedication can lead to significant growth over time.
2. Connecting events with meaningful causes resonates deeply with communities and enhances engagement.
3. Leveraging leadership support can exponentially amplify the reach of initiatives.
4. Scaling efforts internationally fosters broader conversations and drives meaningful change.
I believe there is no single number that defines enough participation. If you have 10 people who can pass on the learning to another 10 and so on, this number only grows. Let's continue to champion inclusion and community engagement together. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Boston Dynamics, à la pointe du développement de la robotique célèbre la communauté humaine dans sa diversité, ses créativités et ses cultures ! L'humain est toujours au centre de nos démarches