Asian ERG Lifts ‘First-Generation American’ to New Heights

19 June 2023

After a few years in the United States, Nancy spent her formative years in Russia, attending public schools there. When she returned to the United States at 17 with no family members in the country, she said it was similar to being a first-generation American.

College, she said, was a struggle; she needed to do more work than others to achieve the same grades. And after graduation, she had few connections or mentors to help her land a job -- unlike those raised in the United States.

But after working for a handful of companies, she was hired in 2020 by Northwestern Mutual as a Senior Project Manager in the Strategy and Business Operations team of the Information Risk & Cybersecurity department, a new position. After moving to Wisconsin and only a month into her role, she joined the Asian Employee Resource Group (ERG). A while later, she was tapped to be its secretary-treasurer.

The ERG was a game-changer in terms of opening her eyes to ways she could accelerate her own career and adapting to the culture at NM.

“My role at NM was new, so there was no playbook I could follow,” recalled Nancy, who is now the co-vice chair of the ERG. “I was able to connect with individuals in similar roles but from different departments to understand what worked for them and what didn’t. I was able to create new processes and influence processes for our team by connecting with others.

“The governance board has strengthened my leadership skills and expanded my network across NM. By attending bimonthly meetings with the other ERGs, I had the opportunity to meet people outside of my daily job, which opened opportunities to learn more about NM and about my core role.”

ERGs play an important role in fostering a culture of belonging by building community and supporting career growth through networking, professional development and community service initiatives. Beyond these contributions, ERGs add tremendous value to our company by driving innovation, enhancing employee engagement, and improving business outcomes. Their efforts help us attract and retain top talent, create a more inclusive workplace, and ultimately contribute to our overall success.

Almost half of NM employees are involved in at least one ERG, underscoring the significant role these groups play in strengthening a supportive and inclusive environment. Across the enterprise, there are eight employee groups: African American, Asian, disABILITY Alliance, Generations, Hispanic, PRIDE, Military Veterans, and Women’s ERGs. Employees can join an ERG even if they don’t identify as a member of a particular group – everyone is welcome and everyone can benefit.

“ERGs help NM employees connect with colleagues who share something in common,” said Jen, senior creative producer for Talent Brand. “They help provide a sense of community, which can help employees find purpose, belonging and confidence in the workplace. We know that top talent is looking for good company culture, and our ERGs support that by providing a differentiating employee experience.”

The Asian ERG is designed to attract, retain and maximize Asian talent, celebrate Asian multi-cultural values and serve as a resource for NM. The Asian ERG offers other benefits as well.

“Normally with someone as new as Nancy and I, you would not have exposure to senior leadership. Due to our work on the Asian ERG, we have high visibility with them,” said Lorraine, chair of the Asian ERG who joined NM just a few years ago.

During Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, a number of events are scheduled under the theme Lifting Our Voices to Build Community, including traditional Asian dance performances, Taekwondo demonstrations, and Dragon Boat Races to be held later this summer.

Aside from enjoying those fun activities offered, Nancy appreciates all that the Asian ERG has done for her. Said she, “The ERG really gave me this big jumpstart to my career.”