Indeed’s employee-led Inclusion Resource Groups (IRGs) are composed of employees, across all functions and levels, who act as trusted business partners and thoughtful advocates throughout the organization. They are critical to establishing a sense of community, providing opportunities for employees to network and develop their careers, and improving our products and processes for a more inclusive workforce.
Asian Network (AN) is our global Inclusion Resource Group whose mission is to empower and educate Asian employees and allies so that all Indeedians can thrive at work and beyond. In this blog, you’ll read several inspirational stories from members.
Meet Asian Network Members
Tu, Executive Assistant, Regional Co-Chair
How has being involved with the Asian Network impacted you professionally and/or personally?
Asian Network made a huge impact on my professional and personal life. I started as the Central Zone Events Lead and moved to Co-Chair after a few months. During my time as Co-Chair, I gained professional experience I wouldn’t have in my daily work. I learned how to manage a team of 19 people across three time zones, gaining valuable public speaking experience and learning decision-making and project management skills. I got to meet, network, and make friendships! I even managed to bring Asian superhero, Simu Liu, to speak at Indeed, which landed us a great book deal! In my personal life, I’ve learned to prioritize my mental health, learned about the greater Asian-American community at a national level, and started advocating for my community.
What would you say to someone who was considering joining an IRG?
I would highly recommend joining an IRG. You get opportunities to network and meet folks across Indeed, locally and nationally and participate in exclusive events, including celebrity guest speakers and healing hours. At the same time, you have a community to support your needs. I’m in several IRGs as a member, leader, or even just an ally. Being part of an IRG only enhanced my experience at Indeed.
Madhu, Vice President, Software Engineering
How has being involved with the Asian Network impacted you professionally and/or personally?
Being involved with Asian Network has helped me connect with a wider group of people I would not have normally met. Each of us has a normal operating mode in which there is a default circle of interaction. My belief is that the circle constrains our growth and development. The broader it is, the more you can grow. Asian Network has helped me grow.
What would you say to someone who was considering joining an IRG?
An IRG is an opportunity to belong and feel connected to others in more ways than just being at the same company. An IRG is an opportunity to serve, to help others, and the broader community. You may feel anxiety that you may not be able to help or participate in the ways that others can. Remember that joining an IRG is to help you connect – if nothing else, you get to watch and learn. All growth journeys start with a small step – do yours today and join an IRG.
Kimberly, Senior Specialist, Client Optimization, East Zone Operations Lead
What made you want to join the Asian Network?
My cousin wanted me to join Asian Network while she was still at Indeed. It was intimidating because there were so many smart colleagues in Asian Network, and I felt like I couldn’t contribute. I only joined after my colleague urged me to. He needed assistance with the Site Lead role, and he was able to ease me into joining. Once I was in several meetings, I realized that we have similar stories. It’s really nice relating to other Indeedians who I may not interact with daily.
How has being involved with the Asian Network impacted you professionally and/or personally?
Joining Asian Network has made me more confident in discussing my culture with my colleagues. I am meeting more people within my company, which is really great for networking. Members are also very encouraging and supportive. As site lead, I’ve set up set events, which has given me more confidence in my day-to-day role. It allowed me to take charge and be more confident overall.
Why is being a member of the Asian Network IRG important to you?
Being a member allows me to feel comfortable in my own skin. I find it difficult sometimes to relate to my coworkers due to age, different backgrounds, etc. It’s nice to have someone understand your culture. We have amazing allies that attend meetings and are able to shed insight into their backgrounds. Overall, it’s a great learning opportunity.
What would you say to someone who was considering joining an IRG?
It’s a way to meet new people and colleagues who work in other departments, and it’s a great way to socialize. We hold a lot of fun events and speakers. Joining any IRG puts you in the know. If you are an ally, it’s a way to learn about new groups.
Joe, Research Engineer II, Central Site Communications Lead
What made you want to join the Asian Network?
I wanted to get involved with an IRG, especially after talking to a member during a mentorship. I chose Asian Network due to my love of the various Asian languages and cultures.
How has being involved with the Asian Network impacted you professionally and/or personally?
It has helped me be more aware of inclusivity issues in my work (mainly A11y related) and in the communities around me.
Why is being a member of the Asian Network IRG important to you?
The AN community is amazing! Even as an ally, I feel right at home, and I have learned so much about the different cultures through the events and chats.
What would you say to someone who was considering joining an IRG?
Join several! Joining an IRG does not mean you HAVE to be actively involved. Pick a few that interest you, attend a few events and see which IRGs fit you. If you enjoy them, you’ll naturally get more involved, and if you don’t, try some different ones. There’s an IRG for everyone; honestly, I can’t think of any downsides to joining them.
Anthony, Global Product Solutions (GPS) Senior Specialist, National Accounts Staffing, Regional Ally Lead
What made you want to join the Asian Network?
I had been a member and really enjoyed the events and atmosphere Asian Network provided. It was great seeing faces that look like me and my family, as well as sharing stories and experiences that were more culturally relevant to me than the typical Euro-centric that saturate our society. I found myself advocating for the community during COVID knowing so many family-owned businesses were the primary income for many in the Asian community. That also means they serve their communities and play an important role. I developed a crowd-sourced resource for Asian Network’s members of their favorite Asian-owned businesses to support our local community, bond with each other, and find new places to explore based on recommendations by members.
How has being involved with the Asian Network impacted you professionally and/or personally?
It has had a huge impact on me. It normalizes my reactions and thoughts, seeing so many with similar upbringings and cultural influences that might not be as accepted or understood by many people in my professional orbit. Having that outlet makes work more enjoyable and provides exposure to so many different roles and resources within the IRG. It has made me more aware of my culture and others I wouldn’t typically be exposed to.
Why is being a member of the Asian Network IRG important to you?
I find joy in seeing others experiencing joy. Seeing someone do what brings happiness to their heart makes my effort worth it. The professional world can be joyless and emotionally draining, so providing an outlet for others and seeing the joy it brings them is important.
What would you say to someone who was considering joining an IRG?
It’s a great learning experience, and there is so much exposure within your communities and others. Partnering and joining other IRGs, has helped me grow, better understand those around me and be a better ally to underrepresented minorities. Often it’s aspects of life that I’m not aware of, and these experiences allow me to recognize my privilege and use it to help others when they’re not afforded the attention and space that I might be. I think joining an IRG is one of the best experiences Indeed offers; it’s an outlet to experience creativity or use your own to give different experiences to others.
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