What is the Black Inclusion Resource Group (IRG)?
Yahan is an Associate UX Content Designer and a Regional Co-Chair of the BIG IRG. In her role as Associate UX Content Designer, she designs content in line with our user experience goals. As BIG Regional Co-Chair, Yahan is involved in organizing in-person and virtual events, determining opportunities for IRG collaboration, and working closely with members.
Inclusion Resource Groups at Indeed help strengthen our culture by centering Inclusion and Belonging and deepening relationships by partnering with organizations that focus on attracting, retaining, and promoting people in underrepresented groups. The Black Inclusion Resource Group (BIG) specifically values being able to create a safe and inclusive environment, where members and allies connect, promote cultural awareness, support business imperatives at Indeed, and provide support, career development, and mentoring to one another.
Why should I get involved in an IRG?
Nicole is a Manager of Business Operations & Support Solutions (BOSS) and Regional Co-Chair of the BIG IRG. As a BOSS Manager, Nicole handles bug investigations for the Sales, Client Success, and Job Seeker Success teams. As BIG Regional Co-Chair, Nicole is involved in organizing in-person and virtual events, determining opportunities for IRG collaboration, and working closely with members.
The benefits of getting involved in one of Indeed’s IRGs are endless. You experience mentorship, connect with other members and allies, have opportunities for career development, and have a safe space where you can be your authentic self. BIG members are supported via our community, but also through a variety of events that we create and host.
Just a few of the events we host include wellness panels, Q&As, and quarterly meetings where members can voice their concerns and celebrate incredible wins in the community. We’ve got a program called Meet the Exec that connects Black employees with Senior Leaders at Indeed to foster mentorship and sponsor relationships. This program is intended to inspire innovation, strengthen skills and productivity, and encourage career growth.
Meet BIG Members
Noah, Business Operations Analyst, Indeed Research
Noah is a Business Operations Analyst for Indeed Research as well as the Zone Communication Lead for BIG Central. He works in partnership with his team to make sure new project operations are optimized to drive business growth and profitability. Noah has helped facilitate and volunteered at multiple BIG events over the past year.
What made you want to join BIG?
When I joined Indeed a few years back the concept of an Inclusion Resource Group was completely new to me. Before being hired at Indeed I had felt of sense of isolation and a lack of community in this industry. Joining BIG changed that significantly. My first exposure was participating in the Meet the Exec program over the span of 3 months. I saw a deep passion and care to give Black people a voice and a foundation to create a community and the freedom to be uniquely themselves in a world that would say otherwise. After completing the program I know I wanted to join BIG as a contributor. To help set the best example and give back to a program that made me feel like I could be seen.
How has being involved with BIG impacted you?
My time with BIG has been short, but in less than a year, the impact has been monumental. I’m now empowered to grow outside my comfort zone personally and professionally. It has allowed me to reach another level of my career. The facilitated healing spaces and mental health events allow me and others to share our thoughts in a supportive, safe environment. Working with other BIG members has been an honor and has allowed me to build great relationships with other leaders across Indeed.
What would you say to someone considering joining an IRG?
Go ahead and do it! I would ask yourself how you can impact and give back to that IRG. I have loved my time with BIG. Not only for the people I’ve been able to meet but the skills I’ve had the opportunity to develop. Most significantly, the chance to make a difference and influence future leaders.
Makayla, Senior Client Success Specialist
In addition to her Client Success role, Makayla is a Job Squad Volunteer, Marketing Liaison, and the Black Inclusion Group Events/Ops lead for Canada. She’s organized exciting and impactful BIG events in Canada and across the organization.
What made you want to join BIG?
I’m very passionate about social justice and community building which aligns with BIG’s ability to create safe spaces for Black people to come together, be themselves and for allies to support and learn along the way! Before joining I witnessed how BIG creates necessary dialogue/exposure on a range of topics so I couldn’t resist! BIG is a community in action.
How has being involved with BIG impacted you?
I’m so grateful to be a BIG lead. BIG has provided me the opportunity to connect and collaborate with so many unique individuals across organizations. BIG has an unmatched communal and personal value, and anyone who joins will benefit tremendously.
What would you say to someone considering joining an IRG?
I would offer three sentiments:
- The more curious you are, the better your IRG experience will be.
- Every IRG member you’ll collaborate with provides different perspectives that will expand your own.
- Knowledge is most powerful when shared. IRGs pave the way for future leaders.
Misael, Business Analyst Team Lead
As a Business Analyst Team Lead, Misael works closely with analytics to provide solutions to business partners. Utilizing data, he creates and tests strategies to make process improvements.
What made you want to join BIG?
The first Black History Month I was at Indeed, I remember seeing the walls in the office covered with Black leaders, facts, and overall excellence. The feeling of pride that flowed through me inspired me to get involved. I’m very passionate about organizing, building community, and bringing people together, so I was very excited to join BIG.
How has being involved with BIG impacted you?
Being involved in BIG has allowed me to meet other employees throughout Indeed and has also given me the opportunity to work with external organizations outside of Indeed as well. Being a part of BIG has allowed me to grow considerably in my career and personal life!
What would you say to someone considering joining an IRG?
DO IT! It’s a great way to not only meet and work with other Indeedians but it’s also a way to give back. The experience is amazing and I highly recommend folks to join an IRG!
Chela, Senior Executive Advisor, Talent Intelligence
On top of being an Executive Talent Intelligence Advisor, Chela is the Zone Operations Lead for BIG Central. She strategizes with her team to increase engagement, plan events, identify ways to get more involved in the local community and ensure IRG goals are top of mind.
What made you want to join BIG?
I participated in the first cohort of the Meet the Exec program and was mentored by Chris Hyams over the course of a year. That program had a significant impact on my career, and I learned so much. It made me want to contribute to the BIG community even more and give back since the program had given me so much.
How has being involved with BIG impacted you?
I love love love being involved with BIG. It’s increased my overall engagement with Indeed and helped me build connections across functions, levels, and geography. My favorite thing is fostering community among the other local BIG members and creating ways for people to connect organically and build relationships. I HIGHLY encourage people to get involved.
What would you say to someone considering joining an IRG?
I would say to think about what you want to offer to the BIG community and what serving as a leader could provide you with in terms of your career. I’d also encourage people to be active members of the IRG and look for opportunities to participate as much as possible.
Timothy, Specialist, Learning & Development, Learning Experience
Apart from being a Learning & Development Specialist, Timothy is a Zone Operations Lead for BIG East. In this role, Timothy has volunteered for multiple events, participated in the Black Inclusion Group/Senior Leadership Team mentoring program, and mentored new BIG members.
What made you want to join BIG?
I remember being in person when BIG launched in the Stamford, Connecticut office. There was a sense of pride and community present that showcased how eclectic, empowering, and supportive the members were, and I wanted to be a part of it. BIG stands for something more than just an interest group, it serves as a beacon of inclusivity for those who feel isolated, or apart from the larger collective of employees whose shared experiences and culture brought them together. BIG is the torch that lights the path toward support, growth, and belonging.
How has being involved with BIG impacted you?
Being a BIG member has been an amazing experience over the years.I have seen BIG grow not only in number but as a source of comfort to many employees who see the IRG as a safe place to be themselves truly.
What would you say to someone considering joining an IRG?
Where would I be without my IRG? Joining any IRG is a worthwhile and exciting experience that provides you with an opportunity to meet new people and possibly develop exciting skills. It provides a great safe space for anyone to learn, grow, and be a part of something bigger than themselves.
Miracle, Client Success Specialist
Miracle, Client Success Specialist at Indeed, joined the Black Inclusion Group in 2022. Since joining BIG, Miracle has had the opportunity to participate in healing hours, round table discussions, and celebrations.
What made you want to join BIG?
I will be honest, during my recruitment process with Indeed, when my hiring manager mentioned IRGs, it HEAVILY swayed my decisions to onboard. The concept of an Inclusion Group sounded so confounding, foreign, and NEW. The idea that there were groups created to nurture marginalized individuals; I knew I wanted to become a part of Indeed’s family because there was a family there that wanted to welcome me.
How has being involved with BIG impacted you?
I have learned so much from being involved in inclusion groups, be it through allyship or through communities I identify with. I have benefited immensely through the following:
- Healing Hours: I have shed tears with people through many atrocities that occurred during 2022.
- Round table discussions: I have gained insight into the work environment of other Indeed departments and offices through interactions with my peers. I have learned that sometimes with hardship while talking about issues may not provide a solution, the presence of community gives the strength to persevere. At times people offer shoulders to lean on if anyone is a little too weak to keep enduring on their own.
- Celebrations: I thoroughly enjoyed the Juneteenth event, where the invited panelist shared some scrumptious-looking dishes. I have also enjoyed several occasions where I just observed and saw someone who looked like me excel and thrive.
- Support: I appreciate everyone’s willingness to see and contribute to everyone thriving by supporting businesses, letting people know about food drives, and ailing family support, etc. – BIG is constantly growing! Our suggestions mean something so if there is a need, there is a will to satisfy that need when resources allow.
What would you say to someone considering joining an IRG?
Why not? It can only benefit you. It is free, a great way to learn about the people around you, and it cultivates a safe environment to make changes in your organization.
I knew I wanted to become a part of Indeed’s family because there was a family there that wanted to welcome me.
Shivashis, Senior Quality Automation Engineer
Shivashis is a Senior Quality Automation Engineer in the Enterprise Organization. In his role as a Quality Automation Engineer, he is involved in mentoring new Indeedians on his team and planning new tools to help deliver quality products for job seekers.
What made you want to join BIG?
This is a bit of a long story, but when I was in school, we recited the song “We Shall Overcome” by Dr. Martin Luther King daily. It really made me realize that though at times life can be tough and intense, you can either break or transform into a refined, resilient, and yet humble individual.
On the professional front, I’ve worked with very gifted engineers from across the globe. I learned that one should not judge a practice, culture, or way of life as right or wrong. Instead, we should think of culture as a different way of doing things.
Last but not the least, LaFawn Davis, Senior VP of Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG) at Indeed, has recommended the book “Brag! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn without Blowing It”. After reading it, I knew I wanted to get involved with an IRG to learn and grow even more. I was excited to participate and join Indeed’s Black Inclusion Group where I can relate to others with my personal and professional values.
How has being involved with BIG impacted you?
I’ve been humbled and at times overwhelmed hearing some of the stories that BIG members share. I’ve learned a lot about the power of grace in face of adversity. It’s helped me understand the importance of forgiveness and inclusivity without compromising one’s ethical values. BIG has played an important role in my continuous learning journey, and I strive to be a better person every day.
What would you say to someone considering joining an IRG?
Joining an IRG will come with unexpected benefits – both personally, and professionally. Being a member of BIG has definitely helped me broaden my horizons and perspectives, and meeting colleagues from diverse cultures and backgrounds in this setting has inspired me to strive for success. When people are given a diverse space to collaborate, true synergy and innovation occur.
Dana, Dedicated Client Success Specialist
Dana, a Client Success Specialist, focuses on supplying an excellent customer experience to her clients. She provides support, addresses concerns, and cross-collaborates when necessary.
What made you want to join BIG?
BIG is a treasure! I wanted to join BIG to gain a supportive and inclusive network for familiar and positive engagement in my workplace.
How has being involved with BIG impacted you?
BIG is a welcoming space and has been a great source of connections. This group has helped me feel empowered and accountable in my role. I’ve also aligned with mentors for career advancement and skill building. It’s a privilege to join up with people who mutually encourage growth and really pitch in to help each other flourish.
What would you say to someone considering joining an IRG
Do it! Whichever one you’re interested in, research, and join. The most important advantage of joining an IRG is it’s a resource that helps everyone feel valued and respected in an inclusive and comfortable space. I love BIG!
Cristian, Solutions Architect
Cristian is a Solutions Architect on the enterprise solutions team, focusing on re-introducing Indeed Hire as a scalable solution. Cristian is also the LATAM Growth Lead for the Unidos IRG, focusing on helping Latin Americans get jobs.
What made you want to join BIG?
During my second day at Indeed, Andrea Lopez, an Unidos IRG Site lead at the time, came into our training class to speak about IRGs. She gave a breakdown of what they were, the community, the events, and belonging. Being new to tech, instantly I wanted to join BIG and find a community that felt familiar and that I belonged in. I wanted to find mentors that looked like me and could give me the Black perspective about working at Indeed. I found all that and so much more.
How has being involved with BIG impacted you?
I have met some of the most incredible people because of BIG. The conversations have ranged from cultural experience to advanced technologies at work. The network at BIG is welcoming, warm, and reliable. I had recently moved to Austin, TX. Prior to the move, I did not know many people. Luckily the move timed up with the AfroTech conference. On top of all the great content the conference had, the most valuable thing gained was the new friendships with fellow BIG members from Austin.
What would you say to someone considering joining an IRG?
Align with your manager and get it done. Joining is absolutely an incredible experience, but it’s also a valuable experience that your manager should know about. Share your contributions and BIG’s contributions to Indeed and the community.
Learn more about Indeed’s commitment to supporting our people, our communities and our environment at www.indeed.com/esg.
