Employee Resource Groups

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. Our ERGs are a catalyst to lead with our key company values of empowerment, trust, consistency and inclusion.

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 communities. 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.

Southwire Named as a Top 10 Enterprise-Wide ERG Recipient and on the Top 25 ERGs list for the Diversity Impact Awards

Launched in 2020, the Diversity Impact Awards represent the next iteration of the ERG & Council Honors Award™, the first and longest-running, nationally recognized award to honor the outstanding contributions and achievements of ERGs, BRGs and Diversity Councils.

2022 Employee Resource Group Highlights

Southwire’s ERGs lead events, programs and opportunities that foster our inclusive culture and give a sense of belonging to team members. In 2022, Southwire had ERG presence in all U.S., Canada and Mexico locations across the company.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our Women’s Network ERG partnered with Project GIFT® to host a Creating a Trail of Hope 5K to raise money for nonprofit organizations that provide services for breast cancer families in local Southwire areas and funds for international breast cancer research. Southwire facilities across the company footprint hosted events in support of breast cancer awareness with the goal of raising money and showing support in honor of those whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer. Through these collective efforts, team members raised more than $15,000 for nonprofit organizations that focus on breast cancer awareness and research across Southwire communities.

“Being a part of the 5K was a very emotional experience for me, not only because of my grandmother’s battle with breast cancer but also because I was walking the ground that she walked every day before she passed. With Southwire raising awareness through events like this, it allows us a chance to connect and come together to support each other.”
-Sandra Ilomaki, Information Technologies Analyst at Southwire

In partnership with our Spectrum ERG, Southwire recognized Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting events and highlighting team member stories at many sites across our organization. Each week of the month, we shared internal spotlights about the heritage and contributions of members of the Hispanic community to science, technology, engineering and society at large.

“I think we should all recognize the importance of Hispanic people and the great influence of their cultures, values and efforts. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is important because it educates people about the individual value each Hispanic country brings to the world.”
-Alejandra Mendoza, Safety Specialist at Southwire

One of our NEXTgen ERG’s recurring opportunities is itsspeed networking and mentoring series, which NEXTgen offered multiple times in 2022. These sessions brought team members together to connect virtually with peers or leaders across the organization, share insights and offer advice in a “speed dating” format. In total, these sessions engaged over 200 team members in 2022.

“The speed networking events capture NEXTgen’s broader goal to support team members’ career growth. They are a great way to encourage our rising workforce to develop their business acumen, grow their personal network across the organization and make meaningful connections, regardless of title, age or tenure.”
-Alex Bunda, Director, SPARK Ideation and NEXTgen ERG Champion at Southwire

Our TEAM ERG supports DEI opportunities throughout the year and is equipped with team members who support and lead our inclusive culture locally. In November, they partnered on efforts to recognize International Men’s Day across our sites. The annual day of awareness highlights the positive value that men bring to their families, communities and the world, as well as the talents and perspectives they bring to Southwire each day.

“Promoting holidays like this at Southwire is important because these opportunities allow men to know we care for and value them. Encouraging my facility to wear blue for International Men’s Day was very important to me because I wanted them to feel loved, appreciated and recognized.”
-Lebrandi Prothro, Customer Service Clerk and TEAM Champion at Villa Rica Energy CSC

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In honor of Veterans Day, Southwire’s Veterans Network ERG partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) to raise money and awareness by hosting a Carry Forward 5K. More than 50 team members participated — both virtually and in person — raising nearly $3,000 to help WWP provide veterans with free services for mental health, career counseling and long-term rehabilitative care. In terms of funds raised, Southwire ranked 22nd out of 245 organizations that participated in the event.

“As a prior service member, I value every opportunity to be of service to others. It was an honor to be a part of an event supporting Veterans Day and to raise money and awareness for our service members in need.”
-Andrew Johnson, Director of Finance for Tools, Components and Assembled Solutions and Veterans Network Committee Champion at Southwire

In recognition of LGBTQ+ History Month, Southwire’s Allied ERG focused on building awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and highlighting ways their colleagues could connect with the ERG and get involved. Southwire also served as a sponsor for the Atlanta Pride Parade and Festival with team members walking in the parade and volunteering at Southwire’s booth to showcase the company as an inclusive employer of choice in the greater Atlanta area.

“As the chair of the Learning & Awareness subcommittee within Allied, LGBTQ+ History Month is an extraordinarily important opportunity to help promote compassion, understanding and recognition in the community and within Southwire.”
-Christine Shumay, Digital Marketing Manager and Allied Committee Member at Southwire

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion News

All Hands on Deck: Southwire Participates in 2023 Women in Manufacturing Summit

October 11, 2023

Attracting hundreds of manufacturing professionals from around the country, the Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Summit is the only national conference of its kind.

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The Power of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Southwire Releases First DEI Report and Updates Website with New Mission Statement and Areas of Focus

September 12, 2023

As Southwire powers forward and establishes itself as an organization that is intently focused on DEI, the company has released its first DEI report.

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Southwire Named as a Top 10 Enterprise-Wide ERG Recipient and on the Top 25 ERGs list for the Diversity Impact Awards

August 10, 2023

Southwire is proud to announce that it has been named as a Top 10 Enterprise-Wide ERG recipient for the Diversity Impact Awards™ and is recognized on the Top 25 ERGs list.

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Nancy Richards Farese to be inducted into the 2023 Class of the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame

August 04, 2023

Southwire is proud to celebrate Nancy Richards Farese as one of 10 outstanding women leaders who make up the 2023 class of Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame inductees.

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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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