Feb 9, 2024
Meet B.E.R.G: POWER’s Black Empowerment Resource Group
In honor of Black History Month, we sit down with members of our Black Empowerment Resource Group (B.E.R.G.), to learn more about who they are and how they’re working to foster a greater sense of belonging both within POWER and in the communities we serve.
From leadership and mentorship to professional development and bonding—B.E.R.G. is all about bringing people together and building each other up — both inside and outside of POWER’s walls. Read on to learn what B.E.R.G. personally means to its members.
The Impact of B.E.R.G., as Told by its Members
Realizing Potential
Dallas Customer Development Mentor, Nate Walker, who has been a member of B.E.R.G. since 2020 explains what the ERG means to him. “If it wasn’t for the B.E.R.G meetings, I probably wouldn’t know my true potential at POWER. Seeing more employees that look like me gave me the confidence to keep pushing during the hard times and helped me have more of an optimistic perspective.”
Leadership and Empowerment Opportunities
“B.E.R.G. is very important to me because it provides an opportunity to empower others,” says Elyse Wallace, Secretary of B.E.R.G. and a Legal Specialist at POWER. “Joining was a turning point for me. It gave me a community where I could be my true, authentic self. This acceptance has been transformative, not just professionally, but also personally.”
A Sense of Belonging
“The POWER community is amazing, but being one of only a handful of people of color in my office still made me feel somewhat isolated, and some of the challenges I faced have felt not fully understood,” explains Daniel Roachford, a Remodeling Consultant Mentor and the Vice-Chair of B.E.R.G. “B.E.R.G. offers a place to work through these feelings with people who can relate.”
“Many don’t realize the extent of resources and support B.E.R.G. offers,” Linus Edghill, Director of Sales in Altanta, points out. “It’s not just a social club; it’s a network that empowers and aids in various aspects of your career at POWER.”
Giving back to our Communities
One of the pillars of B.E.R.G. is “community,” meaning the group is committed to paying it forward to the communities they live and work in. Every Black History Month, the ERG hosts a company-wide competition encouraging all of POWER’s territories to support Black-owned businesses and volunteer organizations, which sees widespread employee engagement.
Additionally, B.E.R.G. hosts a three-day Juneteenth event in a different city across the country where members volunteer with a local non-profit, learn about their cultures, amplify conversations around Black history, and celebrate!
“The most memorable experience may have been the breakout sessions we had at our last Juneteenth celebration in Boston,” says Roachford. “Attendees were able to be vulnerable, introspective, and be their authentic selves. Tears were shed and hugs were given, giving that weekend a true family feel.”
Mobilizing Change
One of B.E.R.G.’s most notable achievements has been advocating for the recognition of Juneteenth as a company holiday, which POWER began to observe in 2022.
The Future of B.E.R.G.
There are a few changes in progress for all ERGs at POWER, including B.E.R.G.
- In the near future, ERGs will pair up with a soon-to-be-named national non-profit to scale their impact.
- A new leadership role has been introduced to help keep ERG members actively involved. Shout out to Aja Bell, a Sales Support Agent at POWER, who will be the first-ever B.E.R.G. Engagement Lead!
If you’re looking for a workplace where every individual is seen, heard, and empowered, explore POWER’s open opportunities here.
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