As the New Year settles in, many people consider ways to be more engaged and connected in the workplace. Employee resource groups (ERGs) provide an inclusive space to foster trust and build relationships with colleagues and give a collective voice to underrepresented groups. In the transportation industry, ERGs connect people across multiple disciplines, expertise, and life experience to build community and tackle challenges. In highlighting the importance of ERGs, WTS Philadelphia is honored to spotlight Brenna Schmidt from the City of Philadelphia, Patricia Macchi and Asal Khanbilvardi from STV. 

City of Philadelphia

Employee Resource Groups are a powerful tool in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within organizations, and this is particularly true for the City of Philadelphia where they are referred to as City Resource Groups (CRGs). These employee-led spaces, guided by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI), create spaces where individuals with shared identities and experiences can connect and support one another. At the City, ODEI plays a crucial role in facilitating these groups, ensuring that they are not only inclusive but also impactful. Through CRGs, employees gain a platform to discuss challenges, celebrate achievements, and advocate for changes that enhance workplace culture. This commitment to DEI nurtures a sense of belonging among employees and drives engagement. 

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As of November 2024, the City of Philadelphia has seven CRGs: the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) CRG, the Disability-Focused CRG, the CRG for Latinidad, the LGBTQ+ CRG, the Silver Collaborative for those 50 and older, the Women of Color CRG, and the Young Employees Resource Group (YERG). These groups empower participants with essential knowledge about City policies and practices. Each CRG is led by a dedicated leadership team of City employees who volunteer their time to work in an elevated capacity, ensuring that the needs and voices of their members are heard. Additionally, each group has an executive sponsor, who is either a senior leader, department head, or cabinet member, who provides mentorship to the leadership team and elevates any concerns expressed by the resource groups to the highest levels of City government. All CRGs are inclusive of allies, encouraging a collaborative environment where participants can distribute vital resources and act as trusted messengers within their communities and networks. This collective engagement fosters a more equitable workplace and a vibrant city, emphasizing the importance of unity in cultivating a culture of belonging and mutual support.

For those looking to start Resource Groups within their organizations, it’s important to recognize that establishing and maintaining these groups can come with its own set of challenges.  One key lesson learned has been the importance of ensuring sustained leadership support and clear communication throughout the CRG. Inconsistent participation can hinder the effectiveness of these groups, so fostering a sense of ownership among members is crucial. Additionally, balancing the diverse needs and perspectives within each CRG can be complex, requiring ongoing dialogue and adaptability. By addressing these challenges and learning from them, the City continues to enhance the impact of its CRGs, ensuring they remain effective advocates for DEI and community engagement.

For more information on City Resource Groups, reach out to Brenna Schmidt at [email protected]. 

Patricia Macchi & Asal Khanbilvardi 

Building Bridges: The Journey of STV's Women's Network ERG

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Patricia Macchi serves as STV Vice President and Director of Infrastructure Economic and Grant Advisory Services, bringing a wealth of expertise to her role. She is also the founder of STV’s Women’s Network ERG, where she has led the development of a supportive community dedicated to advancing women in the workplace. A committed advocate for infrastructure and women’s leadership, Patricia is an active member of the WTS DC Chapter and serves on the Board of Directors for WTS Foundation, supporting the growth of future leaders in transportation and infrastructure.

 

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Asal Khanbilvardi serves as STV Business Development Manager focused on New York Transit & Infrastructure. She is the Chair of STV Women’s Network ERG, where she’s been involved since the creation of the ERG. Asal’s passion for advocacy, diversity, equity, and inclusion have led her to joining STV's DEIB Council.  She is a dedicated member of WTS Greater New York chapter and serves as Co-chair for their Young Professionals Committee.

Three years ago, STV recognized the need for a community where women could connect, learn, and support one another. With this vision, Patricia launched what would grow into the STV Women’s Network ERG. Starting as a small group, it has evolved into a powerful network of nearly 300 members who are united by shared goals and experiences. In this article, we look at the journey of the Women’s Network ERG, from its grassroots beginnings to its present achievements and the exciting initiatives on the horizon. 

Question: How did the Women's Network ERG at STV get started?

Patricia: When I joined STV, I noticed there wasn’t a dedicated women’s group, so I took the initiative to create one, originally called WTS at STV. I began by identifying the women within STV who were members of WTS already, inviting them to join and encouraging them to bring other women on board. Our calls followed a structured format, starting with a presentation and then moving into breakout groups, which quickly became a favorite part for many members. These sessions provided a safe, supportive space where women could connect, learn, and share their concerns.

I’m proud of how the group evolved, especially with HR’s support, allowing us to transition from a WTS group to an official Women’s Network ERG at STV. This growth reflects the value we’ve created together and the positive impact of fostering such a supportive community.

Question: What achievements have been made over the past 2 ½ years?

Patricia: It’s been an absolute honor to help start this group two and a half years ago and to watch it grow into the vibrant, impactful community it is today. Together, we’ve achieved so much, from increasing our membership to nearly 300 colleagues to welcoming esteemed guests like our CEO Greg Kelly and Board Member Lynda Tran. We’ve facilitated meaningful conversations with leadership at all levels, including presidents, vice presidents, and several of our women chiefs. To support HR efforts, we published the 'Work-Life Success' paper, and we’ve celebrated Women’s History Month three times in memorable ways, including an inspiring session with external speaker Pegine. We also instituted the group’s first book club and hosted engaging, insightful sessions, including learning with our interns, exploring personality tests, and leading article discussions. These milestones reflect our commitment to fostering connection, inspiration, and growth within STV.

Question: Tell us about ERG sessions that were held and upcoming plans. 

Asal: Last year participants of the WTS Leadership Training in Washington DC presented on what they learned and experienced. We also held a session on Prioritizing Mental Health during the holiday season. Upcoming sessions will highlight some of the amazing women we have in the fields of Engineering and Transportation. In honor of Earth Day, we’ll be featuring our incredible women who are accomplishing amazing work within the fields of Resilience and Sustainability. After the popularity of last year’s Women’s History Month event, we will host another outside speaker. During the summer, we’ll continue to highlight our interns and give them the opportunity to present on the work they’ve accomplished.

Question: How has the transition to your new role as ERG Chair been? What are your hopes and dreams for the STV Women’s Network ERG?

Asal: The transition has been such a joy, mostly due to how incredible it is to work with Patricia and the entire steering committee. Getting to work within the steering committee for the past 2 years on developing and growing the ERG has taught me to be resourceful and how to get things done. We are building upon what has been created and will continue to offer dynamic speakers who provide a space for professional women to expand their development. We plan to host more outside speakers and to provide more opportunities for our group to engage within their own local communities. We will continue to grow our popular book club and cover new titles. We will uplift more women in leadership positions through trainings and provide additional professional development resources to our personnel. We are all looking forward to a very fun-filled year ahead of us!