(And Not Just Because We Said So)
Let’s be honest: Women’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have been quietly (and sometimes loudly) doing the hard work of connecting colleagues, developing leaders, and advocating for equity for decades. These groups have operated as everything from safe harbors to strategic think tanks. And today, in a world of hybrid everything, shifting policies, and “Wait, are we doing in-person again?” meetings, ERGs are not just relevant; they are indispensable.
But don’t just take our word for it. In 2023, Forté and DEI expert Ana Duarte McCarthy took a deep dive into how leading companies are leveraging women’s ERGs. After interviews with nine major organizations and countless member conversations, they discovered a pattern: ERGs wear seven very stylish (and now literal) hats. And each one serves a unique, and crucial, purpose.
Let’s break them down, hat by hat.
The Connector — The Fedora
For when you need a network, not just a newsletter.
Think of this hat as the ultimate social architect. Like the versatile and stylish fedora, the Connector breaks down silos, brings together different teams and seniority levels, and sparks the kind of relationships that lead to mentorship, sponsorship, and sometimes even real friendships (gasp!).
Real-life moment: One global ERG ditched the PowerPoints and hosted monthly virtual coffee chats with breakout rooms. Just women, just conversations, just powerful.
The Developer — The Graduation Cap
Because growth isn’t just about job titles—it’s about trajectory.
This is the upskilling hat. Like a graduation cap, it symbolizes progress and new beginnings. ERGs curate learning opportunities that are tailor-made for their members whether that be filling skill gaps, boosting confidence, or opening doors.
Real-life moment: One ERG partnered with a leadership development firm to run a “Career Action Inventory” workshop. The result? Clearer goals, new skills, and visible growth.
The Advocate — The Hard Hat
Policy doesn’t change itself.
Nothing says “we’re here to fix the system” like a hard hat. Women’s ERGs are often the internal lobbyists companies didn’t know they needed. Whether it’s pushing for better parental leave or ensuring hybrid policies work for caregivers, this role builds real change.
Real-life moment: When offices reopened post-COVID, an ERG leader helped HR rethink flexibility for working parents. After all, “return to office” shouldn't mean “return to burnout.”
The Advisor — The Thinking Cap
Having all the answers when the C-suite asks, “What are we missing?”
Wearing the Thinking Cap means turning member feedback into strategic insight. ERG leaders often have a seat at the tables where conversations can drive action. This presents opportunities to share on-the-ground realities that leadership might not otherwise see.
Real-life moment: One ERG leader brought survey data to the CEO about how meeting times were excluding caregivers. Solution? A calendar policy shift that worked better for more people. Voilà: insight became impact.
The Brand Amplifier — The Fascinator
Shining a light on what matters, both internally and externally.
This is the spotlight hat. Like the eye-catching, social-media-ready fascinator, this role helps tell a story people want to be part of. ERGs showcase both the brilliance of their members and the values of the organization.
Real-life moment: For Women’s History Month, one ERG live-streamed a panel of female execs swapping “lessons I learned the hard way” stories, before reposting that content on social media. The engagement? Through the roof.
The Innovator — The Beanie with a Propeller
If traditional learning is stale toast, this hat’s bringing the avocado.
This whimsical hat symbolizes fresh thinking and high-velocity ideas. ERGs often lead the charge in delivering relevant, bite-sized, and radically different learning formats.
Real-life moment: One ERG launched 30-minute “Power Skill” webinars between meetings. Topics included how to run inclusive meetings or give feedback without flinching. Quick hits, big results.
The Community Builder — The Beret
Because sometimes you just need a deep breath and a support circle.
Soft, warm, and undeniably human, the beret is the hat of empathy. Whether it’s resilience roundtables, mindfulness sessions, or group check-ins during tough transitions, this hat builds belonging.
Spotlight moment: After a major merger, one ERG hosted “Resilience Roundtables” to help women process the change together. What started as a space to untangle personal confusion and post-merger whiplash turned into a source of collective clarity, solidarity, and renewed purpose.
So, What Now?
If you're an ERG leader, you’re probably already wearing more than one of these hats while maybe juggling a few others (like Event Planner, Therapist, or Unofficial Team Cheerleader). But understanding and naming these seven roles helps everyone (yes, including senior leadership) see the strategic value you bring.
Women’s ERGs aren’t a “nice-to-have” anymore. They’re cultural architects, strategic advisors, and innovation labs rolled into one. And when companies invest in their women’s ERGs by resourcing them, respecting them and celebrating them, they don’t just empower women.
They future-proof their workplace.
Interested in expanding your reach to top women leaders? Explore how sponsorship can connect your brand to a powerful network of talent and impact.
