Flight Centre advances equity mission with launch of employee resource groups

Flight Centre Travel Group (Americas) has appointed Employee Resource Group (ERG) coordinators for its five new ERGs. 

The purpose of ERGs is to provide equity seeking groups with a formal structure within the organization to support their unique needs, serve as a focus group for the business, create networking opportunities, and support employee retention by building community ties across the organization.

“ERGs are a central function of our DEI vision. They fully embody the collaborative work that drives our ongoing commitment to equity. We’ve built a team of dedicated ERG coordinators and executive sponsors with strong ties to a wide variety of brands and geographic areas throughout our business, which puts us in the best position to create relevant programming that benefits ERG members and the business as a whole,” said Emese Graham, DEI Manager for FCTG Americas, who provides strategic direction and support for the business’ ERGs.

Race 

The Racial Equity ERG will connect racialized and Indigenous employees as well as non-racialized allies. 

It is coordinated by Teresa Rolack and sponsored by executive David Richardson and FCTG Americas president Charlene Leiss. 

“It is my hope to shed light on all the wonderful career opportunities that are available in the travel space and attract more ethnically diverse populations,” Rolack said.

Gender

The Gender Equity ERG will connect employees interested in advocating for gender equality including women, gender-non-conforming employees, and men. 

It is coordinated by Kate Neufeld and sponsored by executive Chris Lynes. 

“My aim is to make FCTG Americas as supportive and welcoming as possible for everyone. I'm looking forward to a collaborative effort in bringing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to as many spaces as possible,” Neufeld said.

Accessibility

The Accessibility ERG will connect employees living with visible or invisible disabilities, chronic illnesses, mental illnesses, marginalized neurotypes, and non-disabled allies. It is coordinated by Chelsea Eaton and sponsored by executive Lisa Baker. 

“A welcoming world is an accessible one. Disabled and neurodivergent people bring so much talent and tenacity to the workforce, and it's a privilege of mine to support Flight Centre Travel Group, Americas with designing a workplace that uplifts these identities,” Eaton said.

LGBTQ2+

The LGBTQ2+ ERG will connect LGBTQ2SIA+ employees and cisgender heterosexual allies. 

It is coordinated by Daniel Baker and sponsored by executives Billy McDonough and Christina Pedroni. 

“This employee resource group is vital to help bring a voice to FCTG’s LGBTQ2IA+ employees and affirm to our teammates that they have support. I want to make sure that the future of the business world is all-inclusive for everyone stepping through our front door and that our company be a forerunner in being all-inclusive for everyone,” Baker said.

Environment 

The Environmental Justice ERG will connect employees who wish to advocate for environmental justice, animal rights, and sustainability. 

It is coordinated by Chris Garrard and sponsored by executive Marc Casto. 

“This employee resource group will allow us to collaborate across business pillars on internal sustainability opportunities and education on environmental justice issues. Our individual decisions always matter, but together we can help FCTG become a true agent of change in the travel space!,” said Garrard.

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