Work needs women, and that’s a fact that we strive to acknowledge and champion every day #insideindeed. We are committed to supporting female-identifying employees with various benefits, including our Women at Indeed (WAI) Inclusion Resource Group (IRG). IRGs are employee-led groups formed around marginalized communities that actively contribute to efforts specific to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. In this blog, you’ll read personal stories from leaders and members of the Women at Indeed IRG.
What is Women at Indeed?
Caroline, Director of Inside Sales and Co-Chair of Women at Indeed
Women at Indeed (WAI) is one of the ten Inclusion Resource Groups (IRGs) that employees can access #insideindeed. When you join an IRG, you gain access to a community of people who share unique experiences. These connections and comradery can help employees feel like they genuinely have a place where they belong here at Indeed. If you join an IRG as an ally, you have the opportunity to educate yourself on how you can help create more equity for marginalized communities.
The mission of our Women at Indeed IRG is to champion a culture of inclusion and intersectionality by providing a platform for advocacy, development, and support for women and gender minorities at Indeed. The goal of WAI is for our workplace to model equity for all genders within culture, opportunity, representation, and product offerings. We host events throughout the year to support and educate members and allies of WAI. This year, we have a strong focus on intersectionality, marginalized genders, and gender expressions, as well as allyship within our community.
My favorite part of Women at Indeed is the strong community we have established. With over 3,500 members worldwide, we have inspired and educated many Indeedians on equity for women in the business world and our personal lives. It’s an incredible platform to be a part of and something I am passionate about.
Meet WAI Members
Stacy, Manager of Learning Experience Operations
Stacy, (she, her, hers) currently manages a 16-person Learning Operations function within Indeed’s HR organization. On top of that role, she’s been an IRG leader at Indeed for over six years, previously co-chairing the Black Inclusion Group (BIG).
What made you want to join WAI?
Having been a member of WAI for some time, I just recently began my role as co-chair. I fondly refer to Women at Indeed as “WAI” and pronounce it as “why.” One of my colleagues pointed it out the other day, and it made me think about my why – my “WAI.”
So, what made me want to join WAI?
- To be a woman, to be black, and to be me unapologetically in every room. When I enter a space, those who can see me immediately know I am a black woman. Once my island-grown accent’s sweet melody and rhythm cuts through the zoom silence, those who can hear me realize I am part of an ethnic minority. I am all of these and so much more.
- To make safe moments and spaces for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) women. Having inseparable layers is the reality for many BIPOC and marginalized gender people. This is why it is crucial to bring their stories to the center of the efforts for gender equality and equity. I fight against racism and misogyny of every form because, for many, they are inseparable.
- To be Womanist. The term “Womanist” was coined by “The Color Purple” author Alice Walker. Therma Bryant-Davis and Lillian Comas-Díaz explained it as “…a Black feminist or feminist of color committed to the survival and wholeness of entire people…” Learning about Womanism permitted me to define my role in gender-focused movements. I will continue learning about Womanism to help me further the work and be inclusive in it.
- To be courageous. I am here because many women from different backgrounds, races, ethnicities, social statuses, religions, ages, and abilities have affirmed, mentored, and encouraged me amid their fights. I do this because these women, and the women coming to be, are worthy of all the good this world offers them. We are just as human. Also, I do this because I am worthy of peace, freedom, and equity in all the spaces.
How has being involved with WAI impacted you?
Being an IRG leader has offered me opportunities and platforms to amplify the voices of BIOPIC women. I have and will continue to take every single one. Being involved in WAI is also an accountability measure for me. I need to be solution-focused and be the change I want to see as we continue to make Indeed a place where all women can thrive. I want to touch as many multi-layered lives as I can. Involvement with WAI as a new leader in the IRG also means personal growth for me.
What would you say to someone who was considering joining an IRG?
I would say do it and do what you can with what you have. I grew up with the saying, “light up the corner where you are.” I firmly believe that everyone has a unique part to play in making positive, widespread change happen from where ever they are in their lives. An IRG is a great way to add more meaning to your work, build skills and change lives (even your own).
Brandy, Director of Business Enablement Operations
Brandy, Director of Business Enablement Operations, leads teams partnering across Indeed to pursue opportunities that require testing a new process and analyzing the results.
What made you want to join WAI?
Growing up, my mom (a Mexican American woman from a family of migrant workers) has always been transparent about the mistreatment and challenges she experienced in the workplace. She never had a community to relate to or get support from. This thread carried through my career. I’ve faced challenges unique to being a woman and a minority. I felt alone and wished there had been something like Indeed’s IRGs. The IRGs offer a community, a place to discuss subjects unique to your experience, but most importantly, an avenue to influence positive change. As a new hire, I wanted to be a part of that.
How has being involved with WAI impacted you?
Being a part of the IRG has allowed me to create connections with other Indeedians I would never have naturally intersected with at work. It’s expanded my understanding of others’ experiences and how I can show up as an ally. WAI gives me the space and agency to actively impact our employees and the community through the programs our team creates and supports. Not only that- having two kids, I am also transparent about my experiences in the workplace and talk with them about Indeed and the IRGs. They are more empowered and educated than I ever was at their age, and I hope that continues to make a difference.
What would you say to someone who was considering joining an IRG?
Do it! What reasons are there not to? Everybody has something to learn and contribute. By joining, you become a part of a larger community and a part of the conversation. Your involvement level is your choice, and you have nothing to lose. You can immerse yourself in a program you identify with or join as an ally in any IRG. You can also become an active volunteer and directly influence change by planning and executing exciting programs.
“An IRG is a great way to add more meaning to your work, build skills and change lives (even your own).”
Jill, Senior Talent Acquisition Operations Specialist
Jill is a Senior Talent Acquisition Operations Specialist supporting the Asia Pacific (APAC) Talent Acquisition team. Being a TA system subject matter expert, she focuses on improving the hiring process and experience to enable the Recruiting team to hire the best talent for Indeed.
What WAI Means to Me
WAI is beyond an IRG; it’s a community, a platform, a place where I can make a difference and impact people’s lives by listening, bringing women’s voices to the table, and amplifying them.
What made you want to join WAI?
The sense of responsibility to represent my community or intersectionality. The community of women in the Singapore tech office was relatively small when I first joined Indeed. We started the Singapore WAI Chapter with three other colleagues to build a safe community for women in tech. Three years later, our community has grown and is stronger than ever.
How has being involved with WAI impacted you?
It’s been a steep learning curve for me as a non-people manager. I get to lead as a Co-Chair, gain exposure to Senior Leadership, and have conversations beyond my comfort zone. It also built up my confidence in public speaking and becoming the leader I aspire to be.
What would you say to someone who was considering joining an IRG?
Don’t consider; just choose one and join. You can start small by joining the IRG events or activities, conversing with the IRG leadership team, and getting to know their passions and how they make things happen.
Ben, Talent Attraction Program Specialist II
In addition to being a TA Program Specialist, Ben is a WAI Communication Lead for the Asia Pacific region (APAC). He works in Candidate Experience and leads APAC Diversity & Inclusion Panel sessions for Talent Attraction.
What made you want to join WAI?
Diversity and inclusion have always been close to my heart. As a male ally, I feel the need and conviction to understand, contribute, and support my female colleagues in any way I can. I wanted to help create a safe, respectful, supportive culture within Indeed. With all that I’ve learned and the blind spots I’ve identified, I can now share and raise awareness on behalf of WAI.
Especially in recruitment, being part of an IRG enables me to confidently showcase and share the great things we have done within Indeed/WAI to help candidates better understand the environment and the strong support we provide to our employees.
How has being involved with WAI impacted you?
WAI provides a platform to sharpen my communication skills as the APAC Communication Lead. Opportunities include drafting newsletters, event invitations, understanding the audience, and ensuring that all communication channels for WAI remain safe and inclusive. I’ve learned to delegate tasks while managing my communication team members, which has allowed me to hone my leadership skills.
What would you say to someone who was considering joining an IRG?
It will be a fulfilling experience you’ll never regret. Don’t think further! Everyone has something to offer; join an IRG today!
Ada, Client Success Manager
As a Client Success (CS) Manager, Ada works with clients to help them reach their objectives, solve challenges, and create innovative strategies to achieve their overall goals. In addition to her CS role, Ada is also a WAI Site Lead in the Scottsdale office.
What made you want to join WAI?
A sense of belonging is one, if not the most important, factor I look for in a job. Joining WAI has made me feel like I belong and that my feelings and perspective are valid. I value being part of a community that supports its members and opens doors to new growth opportunities, which WAI has consistently provided for me.
How has being involved with WAI impacted you?
Being a Site Lead for the Scottsdale office has empowered me to help spread WAI’s mission and bring my office’s WAI community closer. I’ve also been able to collaborate with other IRG leaders. I cherish the relationships I’ve forged and all the perspectives I have gained through the different meet-ups and projects.
As a WAI member, I could also sign up and attend the Texas Conference for Women with keynote speakers like Brene Brown and Selena Gomez. WAI has given me an outlet for vulnerability, immense support during collective hard times, and even guidance on how to help others and myself.
When you join WAI, you can make a real impact!
What would you say to someone considering joining an IRG?
Sign up if you can! You will enjoy the sense of community every IRG offers. Even if it’s not for you, being an ally is educational, rewarding, and humbling! So join, join, join! You’ll be that much richer because of it!
Lena, Senior National Account Manager
Lena is a Senior National Account Manager for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) in the DACH market. DACH region refers to the three Central European countries of Germany (D), Austria (A), and Switzerland (CH). She specializes in managing clients within the business-to-business and professional services sectors.
What made you want to join WAI?
Women at Indeed offers a place where people can support each other separately from their official jobs. I get to participate in meetings, and have conversations where important matters are discussed without fear. Members can safely discuss their challenges, their dreams, and how they’ve overcome hurdles. It’s a community based on empathy, mutual respect, and the passion for drawing attention to important issues in our everyday lives.
How has being involved with WAI impacted you?
There have been many benefits to participating in this group, but I’ve primarily enjoyed meeting colleagues worldwide and connecting over a shared purpose. I’ve also gained insights into other women’s issues and learned what’s most important to them.
I’ve had the opportunity to participate in many wonderful conversations about issues that impact us. It makes me feel good to know I’m not alone, and some women have the same insecurities, fears, or questions. Moreover, I’ve met some fantastic people who joined our discussions as external speakers. Joining WAI is a fabulous opportunity to meet new colleagues, share passions, discuss common concerns, inspire (and be inspired), and learn to recognize, respect, and value different views.
What would you say to someone who was considering joining an IRG?
Do it! It has helped my career and personal development, as my understanding of diversity and inclusion issues has been dramatically enhanced. Through organizing events, my confidence in presenting in front of an audience and taking the lead on projects has grown enormously.
Learn more about Indeed’s commitment to supporting our people, our communities and our environment at www.indeed.com/esg.
