Employee Resource Groups: We Include Everyone

Southwire’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) were created as a place for team members to connect and collaborate across shared differences and celebrate the value of diversity within the organization. Southwire has six active ERGs that provide opportunities for learning, connection and development across the company. While these teams focus on bringing awareness around specific groups, ALL team members are welcome to be a part of each ERG.

Created in 2014, Women’s Network was established to inspire team members to create an environment that embraces inclusivity with an emphasis on women. It is an avenue to encourage networking, embrace collaboration and empower current and inspire future leaders.

Created in 2015, Spectrum’s mission is to value all underrepresented minorities. By serving as a vital resource to the organization, we will foster an environment that encourages the investment in the development and engagement of the entire spectrum of Southwire’s people.

Created in 2015, NEXTgen was established as an avenue for all age groups to encourage networking and embrace collaboration, with a focus on personal and professional growth and development.

Created in 2017, T.E.A.M. was established to ensure the workforce is diverse in all levels of leadership throughout manufacturing facilities to achieve business results. We want to instill a culture of acceptance of all people and develop systems that are more than just words on paper, but inclusion in action.

 

Created in 2018, Veterans Network was established to enrich the lives of veterans at Southwire, by providing opportunities to serve through veteran outreach and awareness events, and engage in network and career growth opportunities.

Created in 2018, ALLIED advocates for a work environment that respects, welcomes and supports people of all sexual and gender identities and enables them to bring their whole selves to work, allowing them to perform to their full potential.

2021 Employee Resource Group Highlights

In 2021, Southwire had 14% of its team members participate in employee resource groups. Each ERG is structured with an executive sponsor, a champion and committee comprised of team members across the organization. These teams lead events, programs and opportunities over the course of the year. Southwire had ERG presence in all U.S., Canada, and Mexico locations, hosted over 200 events, and had over 400 hours of ERG-focused engagement.

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Women’s Network Highlights

• The Women’s Network partnered with Project GIFT to host a virtual auction and 5K to benefit Hope for the Journey. The auction and 5K raised nearly $10,000 to provide services for families impacted by breast cancer in West Georgia.

• 30+ Women’s Network coffee breaks, focused on time given to team members to discuss things going well and things that can improve in the workplace for women.

• Sponsored eight female team members in Women in Manufacturing’s first-ever Empowering Women in Production Program, designed to support team members’ professional development in production or shop-floor roles at manufacturing companies to make their next promotion more likely and more quickly.
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Spectrum’s Highlights

 

• Celebrations for key awareness dates and months, including MLK Jr. Day, Black History Month, Asian American Pacific Islander Month, Juneteenth, Hispanic Heritage Month, Native American Heritage Month, and more.

• Established a partnership with the AUCC, focused on offering experiential educational opportunities and scholarships to the students of the consortium’s dual degree engineering program.

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NEXTgen’s Highlights

• Released six podcasts about important topics such as career stories from leaders across the organization and sustainability focused efforts

• Hosted two speed mentoring events to give team members the opportunity to fast-paced mentorship on key topics
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TEAM’s Highlights

 

• 30+ dedicated TEAM champions committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at their local sites and facilities

• Launched TEAM champion training to better equip champions with the tools to influence and lead change

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Veteran's Network Highlights


• 82.3% Increase in Newly Identified Veterans

• Signed a three-year Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) partnership

• 58 Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) 5K Participants, resulting in placing 11th out of 260 organizations

• Launched WWP and Southwire Branded T-Shirts in the Southwire Store with all proceeds going back to WWP
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Allied’s Highlights

 

• Pride Month Cookie Campaign – Sent Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies to All Southwire Facilities in the United States with Education & Awareness Messages

• Presenting sponsor of Georgia Equality’s Evening for Equality virtual event to recognize and celebrate the victories helping to advance fairness, safety and opportunity for Georgia’s LGBTQ+ communities and allies.

• LGBTQ+ Virtual Art Museum Event in Honor of Atlanta Pride

• Over 400 team members have completed Allied-sponsored “Safe Space” training

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion News

Cara Herzog Named Chief DEI Officer at Southwire

June 08, 2023

In support of Southwire’s continued commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization and industry, Cara Herzog, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) has been named as the company’s Chief DEI Officer.

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Southwire Recognizes Martin Luther King Jr. Day., Black History Month, Women’s History Month and More

June 02, 2023

Over the past few months, Southwire recognized Martin Luther King Jr. Day., Black History Month, Women’s History Month and more by hosting efforts across the company.

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Southwire Named Top Diversity Employer by DiversityJobs.com

March 13, 2023

For the fourth consecutive year, Southwire has been recognized as a Top Diversity Employer by DiversityJobs.com.

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Southwire Recognizes Veterans Day, Native American Heritage Month, International Men’s Day and Thanksgiving

December 08, 2022

In November, Southwire recognized Veterans Day, Native American Heritage Month, International Men’s Day and Thanksgiving by hosting efforts across the company that provided opportunities to get more involved and celebrate together.

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Southwire Recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month and LGBTQ+ History Month

November 03, 2022

In October, Southwire recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month and LGBTQ+ history month by hosting efforts across the company that provided resources and opportunities to get involved and learn more about both topics.

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Southwire Partners with Nessel to Standardize Spaces for Nursing Moms

October 26, 2022

Southwire is pleased to announce a partnership with Nessel to standardize its dedicated spaces for nursing mothers across the company.

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