Developing and Connecting ERG Leaders in Northeast Ohio
The ERG Impact Collective is an eight-session peer-learning experience for Employee Resource Group (ERG) leaders throughout Northeast Ohio. Rather than teaching a single “right” way to run an ERG, the cohort creates a space for ERG professionals to learn from one another, examine challenges across organizations, exchange practical resources, and develop new approaches to their own work. Participants will build relationships with other ERG leaders in the Northeast Ohio community while gaining frameworks and tools they can take directly back to their organizations.
Class Composition
Participants of the ERG Impact Collective will be from various corporate, non-profit, governmental, and community organizations. The program is for ERG leaders who already understand the fundamentals of employee resource groups and are ready to think more strategically about their work.
- ERG Chairs
- HR Professionals
- ERG Managers
- Executive Sponsors
Compared to national competitors, this program allows participants to develop a deep peer network in Northeast Ohio
Our Process
Each session combines facilitated reflection, a short introduction to a strategic topic, peer discussion and resource sharing, and a real-world case study led by ERG professionals. Participants will have opportunities to bring their own challenges to the group, learn from what other organizations are doing, and leave each session with concrete ideas to test.
Program Goals
Participants Gain:
- Gain insight from other ERG professionals
- Have an opportunity to troubleshoot roadblocks in the development of their ERGs
- Share practical tools, resources, and ideas to strengthen their organizations’ ERGs
- Develop a trusted peer network, with opportunities for ongoing collaboration and support
Application and Selectivity
This year’s inaugural class of up to 35 individuals is selected through a competitive application process. The selection committee seeks applicants from organizations that have established ERGs that are willing to share their strengths and challenges. .
For questions, please contact Miles Kalainaina at mkalainaina@diversitycenterneo.org or contact us online. Applications are now open for the 2027 class.
Session Details
The ERG Impact Collective consists of 8 sessions that occur on the third Thursday of each month from March to October, 9am-12pm. Programming topics will include:
- Defining the Purpose of an ERG
- Governance and Decision-Making Structures
- Sustainable ERG Leadership
- Executive Sponsorship
- Navigating Legal, HR, and Risk Boundaries
- Program and Event Strategy
- Measuring Impact
- Difficult Conversations & Community Trust
Tuition and Payment
Tuition and Payment
Tuition for each participant in the ERG Impactive Collective Class of 2027 is $2,250.
Applicants may be sponsored by their employers, or with agreement from their employer, may sponsor themselves.
A limited number of partial scholarships are available based on financial need.
Are You Ready to Spark Positive Change?
If you are interested in transforming mindsets at the place where you live, work, teach, or go to school, we can help!