Diversity and inclusivity are essential elements of a thriving corporate environment. When employees feel a strong sense of inclusion within their organizations, they are less likely to leave and more likely to experience improved job performance.
To increase feelings of inclusion among employees, organizations must establish safe spaces for employees to share diverse perspectives and foster openness and belonging. 90% of Fortune 500 Companies have employee resource groups (ERGs), spaces that value every voice and embrace diverse perspectives. At Zayo, ERGs drive cultural enrichment and professional growth and foster an inclusive workplace. Our ERGs unlock employee potential, champion underrepresented groups, and provide skill development and networking opportunities among colleagues with similar interests and backgrounds.
The impact of ERGs is clear – from improved retention to increased employer appeal, ERGs are reshaping the modern corporate landscape for the better. In this new blog series, we highlight leaders from each of our six ERGs who positively impact Zayo’s inclusive culture.
Jose Banales, Multicultural@Zayo ERG
Senior Account Executive
Why did you decide to join the ERG?
I joined because I wanted to be involved in an inclusive group while working at Zayo Group. The ERG also is a great group where employees come together to share experiences, vulnerability, and help each other grow personally and professionally.
What made you want to pursue a leadership role?
I value what the Multicultural ERG stands for, so being able to work very closely with the initiatives and beliefs on a leadership level provides personal and professional contentment.
Describe your role for the ERG.
I am currently the Multicultural ERG Vice Chair of Communications. I work closely with other leaders within and outside of our ERG to help communicate planned events and ongoing initiatives to the Zayo community.
Share some advice for Zayoites looking to get more involved with ERGs.
A piece of advice for anyone who wants to get more involved with ERGs is to always look for updates on events and initiatives that are happening within our systems. Whether that is the All Zayo Calendar, Chatter, or zWell+, the ERGs are continuously working providing updates for anyone who is interested in participating. Also, feel free to reach out to anyone who is associated with an ERG, I believe I speak for everyone where we are all-inclusive and would love more people wanting to get involved!
Share a fun fact!
A fun fact about me is that I am really big on movies, shows, and anime! My current favorites within those categories are Spider-Man 2, Avatar the Last Airbender (cartoon version), and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
Paul Deckard, Pride@Zayo ERG
Director, Corporate Performance Management
Why did you decide to join the ERG?
I decided to join the Pride ERG because I wanted to feel a sense of belonging with other LGBTQIA+ Zayoites and get to know more people across the company I otherwise wouldn’t get the opportunity to meet.
What made you want to pursue a leadership role?
I was inspired by our previous Pride ERG Chair Stephen Tryon who made an extraordinary effort to build a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ Zayoites. He also helped us secure a Zayo-sponsored spot in Denver’s annual pride parade for the first time in our company’s history. I am very passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion work because I’ve seen firsthand how effective it is in building an authentic culture and driving value for business. I felt moved to take on an ERG leadership role to actively advance our DEIB efforts and contribute to building a stellar culture here at Zayo.
Describe your role for the ERG.
I view my role as Pride ERG Chair as a wonderful opportunity to bring visibility to LGBTQIA+ issues and continue building a safe and welcoming space to explore together as a community. We have an absolutely amazing leadership team and are working on building a monthly learning series to bring awareness to important topics for our community and engage in thoughtful discussion. We are also planning several fun events throughout the year to celebrate Pride at Zayo with the goal of bringing as many Zayoites as we can along this journey with us.
Share some advice for Zayoites looking to get more involved with ERGs.
If you haven’t joined one I strongly recommend you do. They are a great way to meet others you might not ever have the opportunity to meet otherwise. And they are a fun and engaging way to get involved at Zayo. Pick an ERG that interests you or that you identify with. Or start by attending an event hosted or sponsored by an ERG as your starting point.
Share a fun fact!
Prior to joining Zayo I spent nearly 15 years in show business and have professionally produced over 80 operas throughout the US, most recently as CFO for the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. And while I absolutely love the operatic art form you’ll find me most days dancing to EDM or belting Whitney Houston ballads.
Maria Timofeeva, Mental Health@Zayo ERG
Tax Analyst Senior
Why did you decide to join the ERG?
Mental Health is something that has always been very important to me. Having a group that is full of people who are currently going through or have gone through a variety of life experiences is really comforting because then no one feels alone in what they’re dealing with. The support of the people in this group has been absolutely remarkable.
What made you want to pursue a leadership role?
I saw how big of an impact this ERG made in my work life and I wanted to do whatever I could to help support the ERG so others could get the same benefit that I did. There was an open position and I wanted to be part of it.
Describe your role for the ERG.
Although I technically have the role of “Chair” in our ERG, our ERG is extremely collaborative. All of our ERG leaders work together to come up with ideas, lead events, and make decisions. The passion of all of the leaders in our ERG is what makes it so special.
Share some advice for Zayoites looking to get more involved with ERGs.
If you have an interest, attend any ERG meeting or event! Every ERG at Zayo is led by some of the most wonderful people I have met during my time at Zayo. Everyone is so kind, non-judgmental, and inclusive. Any Zayoite is welcome to join!
Share a fun fact!
Something I’m really looking forward to this year is our very first MHDA ERG Book Club!
Tyler Burke, Veterans@Zayo ERG
Product Manager
Why did you decide to join the ERG?
Zayo was my first civilian role after I transitioned out of the military. I Joined the Veterans Resource Group at Zayo to connect with fellow veterans and have a support network of peers who understand my background and experiences outside the military. Transitioning from the military to a civilian job can be challenging, and having a community of like-minded individuals can provide invaluable support.
What made you want to pursue a leadership role?
I decided to pursue a leadership role within the ERG when the opportunity presented itself, as some of the previous leaders were transitioning to new roles or careers, leaving vacancies. This was an opportunity to contribute to the group’s mission and help integrate it more closely with other ERGs within Zayo.
Describe your role for the ERG briefly.
My role within the ERG involves leading and facilitating initiatives that promote the group’s objectives, such as networking events, mentorship programs, and advocacy for veterans within the company. Additionally, I work to foster collaboration with other ERGs to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.
Share some advice for Zayoites looking to get more involved with ERGs.
I would say explore your interest, attend ERG events, and help with volunteer opportunities. Enhance your involvement with ERGs, contribute to a more inclusive workplace culture, and build meaningful connections with your colleagues.
Share a fun fact!
I have a lot of outdoor hobbies, including camping, hiking, backpacking, skiing, fly fishing, and cycling. I’m also a certified rescue diver, so I like to travel to places I can scuba dive. I enjoy doing just about anything outdoors and playing most sports.
Rachel Davis, Women@Zayo ERG
Account Director, Strategic Carrier
Why did you decide to join the ERG?
I decided to join the ERG because I’m passionate about serving as a champion for diversity and inclusion and getting to help provide opportunities to create inclusivity and belonging for my fellow Zayoites. Getting to be a part of that journey and story is very important to me.
What made you want to pursue a leadership role?
I pursued a leadership role with the ERG because I enjoy contributing to the success of my fellow women and male allies by promoting a culture of inclusion, belonging, and diversity.
Describe your role for the ERG.
Co-chair of the ERG – I have the opportunity to facilitate the team in strategy development, and setting the vision and direction of the ERG in conjunction with a fabulous group of women.
Share some advice for Zayoites looking to get more involved with ERGs.
Show up! Each event is open and welcome to all. And if you would like to learn how to be a part of a planning committee or Steerco, please reach out to any of our leaders found on our zHub page.
Share a fun fact!
This year I’m looking forward to international travel and adventure!
Wayne Gasperini, Sustainability@Zayo ERG
Strategic Customer Success Manager
Why did you decide to join the ERG?
The ERG helps provide structure and space to all employees for participation and involvement with common interests in different facets of the workplace and community. I have an innate passion to impact my peers and my company to the best of my ability. An overlapping goal that led me to Colorado, we have a shared responsibility to take care of our planet and make improvements for the sustainability of all living things in this world.
What made you want to pursue a leadership role?
My background is as a people developer and leader. Having the opportunity to step into the co-chair role when the position opened provided another challenge for me to step into and take on.
Describe your role for the ERG.
I am the co-chair of the Sustainability ERG while holding a dual responsibility as the Financial Lead. I work directly with the chair and team to strategize, plan, and implement monthly activities and events while planning the financial impact to determine what additional events and contributions the Sustainability team can support throughout the fiscal year.
Share some advice for Zayoites looking to get more involved with ERGs.
Zayo provides a platform outside of day-to-day responsibilities for team members to collaborate and come together on commonalities, goals, and initiatives that are important to our core values as human beings. We have the ability to work with multiple different teams to drive participation, conversation, and action regarding events held in office and out in our communities.
Share a fun fact!
I have been an active member of the Westminster community volunteering as a soccer coach for my 3 sons over the past 10 years. I am the biggest kid of all kids, loving all things related to Star Wars and Marvel. Our elementary school students truly believe there is a real-life Wookie that walks the school grounds.
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