Empowering All Abilities: Disability Awareness Month at NM
At Northwestern Mutual, we believe that our employees’ unique talents and perspectives are what make us strong.
This October, we are celebrating Disability Awareness month with our disABILITY Alliance Employee Resource Group (ERG) to honor the incredible contributions of individuals with disabilities in our workplace. Hear from three employees as they discuss how this ERG has positively impacted the culture and community here at NM.
What does being a member of the disABILITY Alliance ERG mean to you?
“Being a member of the Disability Alliance ERG has been pivotal in my growth here at Northwestern Mutual. It has allowed me to become more involved in the enterprise, meet people in other areas of the business that I would have otherwise never met, and it has also allowed me to pursue my passion of giving back to others and volunteering in the community.” --Katherine
“I've been a member and board member of the Disability Alliance ERG for close to six years. Being an active member has really helped deepen my understanding of the challenges and unique strengths brought by those with visible and non-visible disabilities, as well as understanding different ways that we can reduce the stigma around talking about mental health. As an ally, I've really gained a deeper appreciation for the perspectives of those around me and how that's changed me as a person and as a leader here at NM.” --Chris
How has the DA-ERG impacted the culture and community of Northwestern Mutual?
“As with any ERG, the impact that we get to make is endless. We get to see people with all abilities come together in events and meetings, share who they are authentically, and become allies and work together to find ways to make NM an inclusive environment for all abilities. It's an evolution that encourages the NM community to never settle and always strive for more.” --Katherine
“This ERG has helped make NM a more inclusive place for people of all abilities. Not only has the ERG advocated for improvements to our physical workplace environment to make it more accessible, but they have also created safe spaces for people to discuss difficult topics with others who are going through similar situations. Whether you have a disability yourself, are a caregiver for someone with disabilities, or a strong ally, this ERG provides a supportive community for all.” --Caitlin
How does NM allow you to show up as your authentic self?
“For the last 33 years, I have lived with type 1 diabetes and I've always been an advocate for those with disabilities. Thanks to the Disability Alliance ERG and NM’s culture, I get to fully show up as Kathy, project manager, marketing professional, ally, advocate, and somebody who happens to live with a disability. I get to bring my unique perspective and skills to a job that allows me to contribute to meaningful work. I feel very lucky that I don't have to leave any part of myself at the door. --Katherine
“I absolutely love that I can come to work every day and feel like I don't have to be a different person and that “home me” and “work me” can coexist. People here genuinely care about each other as humans, and I've made some of my best friends for life here. I feel like I can be open and vulnerable, and that's not something you find at every company.” --Caitlin
Can you share a memorable experience/success story that you have with the DA-ERG?
“I was volunteering at a DA-ERG event, and I met an individual who was legally blind. We were discussing with the audience their perceptions of what a blind person could achieve. During the event, this individual shared pictures of incredibly detailed Lego cities they had built—just by feeling the bumps on the Legos. Their work was amazing and left the audience in awe. I'll never forget how taken aback everyone was; I truly believe perspectives were changed that day.” --Chris
Here at Northwestern Mutual, we are committed to creating a culture that allows every employee to bring their unique perspective to work every day. We are proud of all the work our eight award winning ERGs do to create this community of inclusion and belonging.