Celebrating Impact: The 2025 GEN IMPACT Award Winners
The Global ERG Network (GEN) shone a spotlight on the remarkable efforts of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at the recently concluded 2025 GEN Conference in Tucson, Arizona. Here, they celebrated the winners of the 2025 GEN IMPACT Awards—teams and leaders who exemplify excellence in driving organizational change through grassroots initiatives. The awards ceremony drew participants from over 50 organizations across varied sectors, uniting under the theme: "The ERG & Council Evolution: From Advocacy to Impact."
Understanding the Role of ERGs in Modern Workplaces
ERGs have become pivotal in creating inclusive workplace environments where employees feel a strong sense of belonging. Anna Ettin, Executive Officer of Innovation and Generational Transformation at Tapestry Partner Solutions, described these groups as more than facilitators of events—they are engines of innovation and retention, delivering measurable results that resonate at all levels of the organization. By connecting individual passions with strategic objectives, ERGs empower employees and bolster corporate culture.
What to Expect in 2026: A Virtual Summit Introduction
As the 2025 conference wrapped up, GEN also revealed an exciting opportunity for 2026—the upcoming GEN Virtual Summit. This event is set to explore how ERGs can shape the workforce's future from within. Rather than a hierarchy, the summit promotes viewing talent as a living system. Esteemed speakers, such as Monica Brunache, highlighted how elevating ERGs provides every employee a platform to lead, fostering sustainable organizational growth.
Featured Discussion Tracks: Building Tomorrow’s Leaders
The virtual summit aims to be a launching pad for professional development, featuring transformative tracks such as “Experience into Impact,” focusing on how personal experiences can translate into organizational success, and “Leaders Are Grown, Not Hired,” emphasizing the vital role of ERGs in nurturing future leaders. Participants will also delve into strategies for retention and engagement, reinforcing the importance of how communal efforts can build workplaces where employees thrive.
Why This Matters to You
As companies navigate complex social landscapes, understanding the strategic advantages of fostering robust ERGs is crucial. For professionals aiming to adapt their organizations for future challenges, these insights could redefine employee engagement. The GEN initiative serves not only as a recognition of what’s being done but, more importantly, as a roadmap for others to follow. The focus on measurable, impactful contributions challenges us all to rethink how we leverage diversity in our workplaces.
The 2026 GEN Virtual Summit promises to inspire organizations to harness the untapped potential within their ERGs. Registration is already open, with Super Early Bird pricing available through December 2. This is not just an event; it’s a community-driven movement towards more inclusive and effective workplaces.
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