Empowering Connections and a Culture of Equity with MERGE
KBR’s Minority Employee Resource Group, known as MERGE, launched February 23 during U.S. Black History Month, one of the nation’s most important observances dedicated to minority heritages and culture. This latest KBR employee resource group (ERG) was created as a vehicle for employees of underrepresented demographics to freely express ideas and to develop new initiatives with a community of like-minded individuals.
Global MERGE chair and All In cornerstone lead for race and ethnic identity, Johnnie Richardson Jr., was inspired to create the new ERG to encourage tough conversations that often get avoided.
“As a member of an underrepresented group who understands the importance of having a non-retribution outlet for discussing and seeking resolution of sensitive topics, I felt it was imperative that we, KBR, establish a platform which could facilitate these conversations,” Richardson said. The first MERGE group is based out of Huntsville, Alabama, where Richardson and his team are located. But they are poised to work collaboratively within KBR to create new chapters elsewhere and to help advance our culture of inclusion and diversity across the company.
The launch of this new initiative included a virtual day-of event featuring panelists who shared personal experiences that have shaped who they are today. Those who tuned in were provided a look into panelists’ lives growing up, the cultural impact of their environment as youths, and the challenge of culturally integrating into the workforce as adults.
“The event was well received and provided confirmation that this group is needed here,” said All In chair Christina Halkias. “There was a lot of support from other minority and ethnic employees who attended. We really appreciate the panelists’ candid responses and words shared, and we understand that having these difficult conversations will help us make connections and create a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion.”
Richardson echoed Halkias’s sentiments and was proud of the successful panel event.
“Anytime we are able to come together and speak openly to broaden the understanding of our cultural differences is a WIN!” he said. “We simply need to ensure that the conversations not only continue, but also that they filter throughout all levels of the organization.”
One of Richardson’s objectives for MERGE is to help employees embrace a culture that is capable of having uncomfortable conversations.
“Only then can we come together as ONE KBR, as a company where every employee believes they are truly part of a collective team and that their ideas and opinions matter,” he said.
As founder, he believes MERGE is important because we are all the products of our culture, and if we are not exposed to others, we become resistant to change.
“Lack of exposure, and understanding, are the main ingredients in the recipe for continued suppression of underrepresented groups,” he said. “Studies have proven that diversity and inclusion have a direct impact on attracting top candidates, and overall profitability. We all naturally gravitate to others who look like us or have shared similar life experiences. We join organizations that represent the things we believe in, and at some stage of our lives, we need advice, mentoring or guidance on professional or life-changing decisions. MERGE is a platform to facilitate all of these scenarios.”
