This February at Vena, we are celebrating Black History Month as well as the formation of our new Black Employee Resource Group.
Our employee-run resource groups, what we call Vena Resource Groups (VRGs) in our organization, highlight Vena’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Our DEI policies and efforts aim to create the space and freedom for our employees to be themselves and to celebrate and value our differences. Through our various VRGs, employees are encouraged to bring together their diverse perspectives, experiences and ideals, and are given a platform to join the important conversations happening internally and externally.
Vena’s new Black VRG is open to all employees looking to learn, grow and contribute to a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment.
Siobhan Mondesire, Senior Director, Digital Strategy at Vena, knew it was the right time to initiate the formation of Vena’s new Black Employee Resource Group. “In the spirit of building a more inclusive work environment, we recognized the need to support Black employees throughout the organization and community. Our Black VRG is the space where we can normalize conversations around the Black lived experience—both inside and outside of work—and engrain it in Vena’s culture beyond the month of February,” she says.
While Vena’s Black VRG is helping to advance our inclusive culture, it’s also raising awareness of the importance of driving change, especially in our recruitment efforts, and improving the experiences for Black professionals at Vena. As Shada McShannon, Director, People Partners & DEI at Vena explains, “Our new Black VRG will create a community and support our efforts and commitment as an organization to attract, retain and grow Black talent at Vena.”
Vena, together with its new Black VRG, will be celebrating Black History Month through three key pillars: Internal Education, Community Impact and Celebration. Internally, we’ll be highlighting Black excellence through shared stories across the organization and hosting a roundtable learning on microaggressions and impacts on mental health. We’ll also be sharing learning resources for employees and their families and looking for opportunities to support Black communities and organizations. On our social channels, look out for spotlights on the career journeys of our Black employees in finance and tech.
Beyond February. Vena’s Black VRG is dedicated to sustaining impact all year long.
Did you know? Last year, Vena won Comparably Awards for Best Company Culture, Best Company for Diversity, Best Company for Women, Best CEO and more. For the full list of Comparably awards Vena won in 2021, click here.
Come grow with us! Vena is hiring. We have offices in Toronto, Canada and in London, England. Visit our Careers page for current job openings or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter or Facebook to learn more about life at Vena.