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Celebrating Global Diversity Month at Zayo

Did you know that studies show a more diverse workplace is a more creative, innovative, profitable, and welcoming one? Promoting diversity and inclusion is one of our core commitments here at Zayo. We firmly believe that diverse perspectives fuel our growth and innovation. We strive for a culture that embraces Zayoites for who they are, allowing them to feel seen, valued, respected, and empowered. 

October is Global Diversity Month and we’re celebrating at Zayo by recognizing some of the amazing members of our Multicultural@Zayo employee resource group (ERG)! Our Multicultural@Zayo ERG provides a forum for employees to connect, learn from one another, celebrate diversity, and bring their unique perspectives and ideas to the table. 

Read on for insights from some of our Multicultural@Zayo ERG members. 

Sekia Mangum, Digital Marketing Manager

I grew up in a military household and moved around a lot. It granted me experiences of meeting all walks of life, having a deep understanding of cultural differences, and respecting unique perspectives.

From the moment I joined the Multicultural@Zayo ERG, I was welcomed with open arms by fellow members who share a passion for promoting diversity and inclusion within our organization. The ERG has provided a platform for open discussions, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration on a variety of topics related to multiculturalism, equity, and social awareness.

Individually, diverse perspectives equip me with the skill to adjust and excel in new environments. It promotes embracing discomfort and recognizing how upbringing shapes perceptions of similarities and differences among individuals. In turn, it fosters personal development. From an organizational standpoint, various backgrounds can inspire innovation and ways to solve challenges.

Diverse perspectives equip me with the skill to adjust and excel in new environments.

Catherine Rodriguez-Escallon, Vertical Marketing Specialist

Hailing from a Hispanic/Latino culture that is deeply rooted in close-knit familial values, we often share our experiences and burdens with friends and family, fostering an environment of trust and openness. This cultural trait translates seamlessly into the workplace by promoting team collaboration and ensuring the collective achievement of our goals. Our culture fosters a sense of community and connection amongst coworkers, cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives are not only heard but valued.

Joining the multicultural ERG has been an enriching experience for me. It’s been an incredible journey getting acquainted with people from diverse roles and cultures. The sense of community here is truly heartwarming. Although we each represent different cultures, our shared experiences as minorities create a beautiful tapestry of collective wisdom. It’s also an opportunity to talk and take action about topics that are important to me such as: how to create awareness in our workplace, and how to make sure everyone can feel welcome and part of something. We discuss ways to represent our cultures and build a cohesive team with diverse backgrounds, ideas, and perspectives.

From a marketing point of view, the more diverse our team is, the broader our understanding of our customers is. We get to understand their challenges better and figure out how to enhance our services for them. But it’s more than just that. A variety of viewpoints sparks innovation and fosters a really inclusive vibe. If a company puts in the effort to mix up its workforce, its culture becomes richer and more accepting. It’s like opening up a whole new window on the industry, maybe even discovering markets we didn’t even know were there. It’s a breeding ground for fresh ideas and a real sense of inclusivity.

A variety of viewpoints sparks innovation and fosters a really inclusive vibe. If a company puts in the effort to mix up its workforce, its culture becomes richer and more accepting.

Chris McNair, Senior Account Manager 

Zayo’s Multicultural ERG is a remarkable representation of our ever-evolving industry. Providing a space to collaborate, support, uplift, and be inspired by Zayoites of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds has been encouraging, resourceful, and empowering.

Nurturing an inclusive work environment while also fostering a sense of belonging, is something that is critically important for my generation and the next generations to come. Having a Multicultural ERG (or any ERG for that matter) is the opportunity for a company to truly invest in its employees, and Zayo continues to showcase they are thoroughly invested in us. This has encouraged me to never stop advancing and to continue helping my fellow Zayoites develop & grow their respective talents & skills.

The Multicultural ERG @ Zayo has done a tremendous job of involving people from all various walks of life to bring a dynamically broad range of perspectives & ideas to enhance our pursuits of driving excellence and inspiring collective greatness. I couldn’t be more honored, proud, & excited to work for Zayo, simply because unequivocally I am seen, heard, & feel like I belong.

Providing a space to collaborate, support, uplift, and be inspired by Zayoites of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds has been encouraging, resourceful, and empowering.

Alison Darby, Senior Human Resources Business Partner 

I don’t know what I’d do without my fellow Multicultural ERG family! It’s been really fun uncovering and advancing all of the beautiful things that make us unique. In our ERG, everyone has a seat at the table because we truly believe we are better when everyone’s voice is heard.

I grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana which some may know of as the birthplace of Mardi Gras, but to me, it is a city that has raised me to be resilient, creative, and a really good cook! Growing up in NOLA, I’ve been exposed to a blend of cultures, from Creole and Cajun to French and Spanish influences. This upbringing has fostered an open-mindedness that allows me to appreciate and embrace diverse perspectives. Being from the South, gathering around the table as a family for a good meal is a cultural experience in itself. This spirit of Southern hospitality translates into how I approach interactions with my coworkers. I love being in and creating environments where people are having fun, feel valued, and are heard, mirroring the sense of belonging that my hometown exemplifies.

Diverse perspectives are absolutely essential at all levels of an organization and those perspectives need to be amplified. When organizations value diversity, it lends to a workforce that shows up every day being their authentic selves which enriches the organization’s uniqueness, resilience, and success. 

I love being in and creating environments where people are having fun, feel valued, and are heard.

Fabiola Palomar, Procurement Category Specialist

Being part of a team that looks like you is fantastic, as it fosters a sense of belonging, understanding, and shared cultural experiences. My experience with the Multicultural Employee Resource Group (ERG) has been incredibly enriching, allowing me to connect with diverse colleagues, learn about their backgrounds, and collectively contribute to a more inclusive work environment.

My cultural background brings a unique lens of community, adaptability, and a strong work ethic to the workplace, enhancing collaboration, empathy, and the ability to connect with a diverse range of colleagues and customers.

Diverse perspectives are extremely important to organizations as they bring a multitude of fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and a deep understanding of varied customer needs. This diversity fosters a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to problem-solving, leading to improved decision-making, enhanced creativity, and a stronger connection with an increasingly diverse global market.

Diverse perspectives are extremely important to organizations as they bring a multitude of fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and a deep understanding of varied customer needs.

Mehul Patel, Head of Process Improvement 

Diverse perspectives bring immeasurable value to an organization. They serve as a wellspring of creativity, innovation, and resilience. When Zayoites from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences collaborate, they infuse fresh ideas and approaches into problem-solving, fostering innovation that drives our organization forward. Diverse perspectives also enhance decision-making by challenging biases and assumptions, leading to more well-rounded and informed choices. Moreover, a diverse workforce at Zayo reflects the complexity of today’s global business landscape, allowing us to better understand and serve diverse customer bases and navigate international markets. Embracing diversity not only ensures legal compliance and social responsibility but also creates a vibrant, engaged, and competitive workforce, positioning Zayo for long-term success and growth.

My Indian cultural background enriches the workplace in several meaningful ways. It provides a unique perspective rooted in the diversity, traditions, and values of India. This perspective enhances my ability to approach challenges with innovative solutions and a deep appreciation for different viewpoints. Growing up in a culturally diverse society has nurtured adaptability and open-mindedness, enabling effective collaboration with colleagues from varied backgrounds. My background also fosters cross-cultural sensitivity, promoting smoother interactions in our increasingly globalized business world. Additionally, the emphasis on hard work, dedication, and resilience within Indian culture contributes positively to the workplace environment at Zayo. 

Being part of the Multicultural ERG at Zayo has been an incredibly positive and enriching experience. It has provided me with a platform to connect with colleagues who share a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Through this ERG, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in open dialogues about the importance of cultural diversity in the workplace, fostering a sense of belonging for everyone. Participating in various events and initiatives has allowed me to learn from different cultural backgrounds, broadening my understanding and empathy. Moreover, serving in leadership roles within the ERG has empowered me to develop valuable leadership skills and make a tangible impact on Zayo’s inclusivity efforts. Overall, my journey within the Multicultural ERG has been a fulfilling and educational one, strengthening my sense of purpose within the workplace and contributing to a more inclusive and harmonious work environment.

Embracing diversity not only ensures legal compliance and social responsibility but also creates a vibrant, engaged, and competitive workforce

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