Clearcover's Employee Resource Group: Clearcover African American Network

Written by Team Clearcover

Since Clearcover's Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Council (EIDC) launched Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) last year, Clearcover-ers across departments have created and joined spaces where they can interact with team members who share their common backgrounds or interests.  The groups' Slack channels, which are open to anyone in the company, have quickly become sites of shared stories and photos, requests for advice, offers of support, and virtual large and small group meet-ups.  Parents, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and women at Clearcover had all formed their own ERGs when Claims Manager Jerrell West recognized an opportunity for African American Clearcover-ers to have their community.  

After participating in other ERGs, Jerrell says, "I wanted to create a space for myself and others to discuss critical issues affecting our communities both personally and professionally. In addition, I think it is important to educate and encourage others to gain diverse perspectives. I know opportunities are correlated with access and I hope to provide value from a development and mentorship perspective as well [as] encourage other senior leaders to get involved with ERGs."

With this goal in mind, Jerrell formed the Clearcover African American Network (CAAN).  The group's mission is to foster a sense of community while offering networking, professional development, mentorship, and leadership opportunities with the goal to recruit, retain, and improve the advancement of African American people at Clearcover.

Jerrell plans for CAAN members to meet virtually every month, and to develop events and programs within the group and company-wide.  During Black History Month, the group will post weekly fun facts and resources along with profiles of African American Clearcover-ers, and will create Clearcover Zoom backgrounds designed to further generate awareness.

As more ERGs like CAAN, Special Needs Parents, and Amigos continue to form, Clearcover-ers of all backgrounds are finding places to feel connected which, in turn, fosters a stronger sense of belonging.  And, as the EIDC continues to support ERGs, they will pursue additional opportunities and initiatives to fulfill their mission of creating a workplace where everyone feels comfortable to show up as their true selves, contributing their unique ideas and points of view.  If you're ready to join a community within our team or, like Jerrell, start one of your own, we encourage you to take a look at our open positions and apply today!