At ChenMed, we believe in the value of team members bringing their whole selves to work. The diversity of points of view and lived experiences expands the opportunities for building community and building connections inside and outside of the office. Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are but one of the vehicles that allow the amplification of the voices that help drive the transformation of healthcare for seniors.

While there are dedicated spaces and events for each ERG and its members, the Fireside Chats, curated and produced by the Culture team, provide a platform where all ChenMed team members are invited to gain insight into the thought leadership and social impact efforts of the ERGs. This conversation-style event is interactive in nature, as attendees can participate in the Q&A session with the panelists at the end of each event.

Q2 - 2023 Fireside Chat Round Up

Juneteenth 2023 Fireside Chat

AWARE2 (All Working to Achieve Racial Equity & Equality) brought together Iris Gonzalez (VP of Operations, Transformation) and Randall Delice to discuss the historical and present-day impact of Juneteenth along with the importance of promoting cultural awareness and enhancing cross-cultural communication within a diverse work environment. During this Fireside Chat, Iris and Randall explored and appreciated different communication styles and languages used by diverse employees. Throughout the engaging conversation, they (Iris and Randall) noted that it is imperative to acknowledge and celebrate cultural differences. In doing so, organizations can foster a greater understanding of various backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences, leading to a more inclusive work environment.

“One is just the acknowledgement of it. Number two, I think it’s continuing to uplift and affirm employee resource groups like AWARE2, like WIN, like CHARISMA, to help make sure that this is all coming from a place of helping to bring different- again- perspectives to the table, bring different places of humanity at the forefront. To say we’re all here coming together for a common purpose, for a common goal. Let’s embrace that, let’s maximize that. Let’s support each other in building a place where we can always look, be empathetic, be compassionate, seek to understand, look for the best in others because we all benefit as individuals as teams, and as a unit looking out to support communities.”

– Iris Gonzalez, VP of Operations, Transformation, Fireside Chat: Juneteenth

Pride 2023 Fireside Chat

Brian Sikora (Chief Analytics Officer) joined Ashton Hartley (Manager, DEI) for a discussion to highlight the strength and perseverance of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the importance of representation and advocacy. Brian shared his perspectives and experiences related to coming out, discrimination, mental health, legal rights, and intersectionality, with the hopes that increased awareness can lead to greater empathy, compassion, and informed allyship. With the support of leadership and CHARISMA (LGBTQ+ ERG), Fireside Chats like this one provide a platform for empowerment, education, visibility, community building, and fostering empathy. They play a vital role in creating inclusive spaces, inspiring positive change, and promoting the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.

“We see LGBT patients, like we may or not know it. But if we think about what they went through, the challenge of living through the AIDS crisis and probably having loved ones die from aids or being ostracized from their family or being the ones on the front lines of those earlier stages of activism. They’re our patients now we can honor them by celebrating this month, and we can learn from them and carry it forward by having these types of conversations within our teams within our communities and everyday conversations.”

– Brian Sikora, Chief of Analytics, Fireside Chat: Pride 2023

Our ERGs build a sense of belonging and inclusion by providing a supportive space for employees with shared backgrounds, interests, or experiences. ERGs create environments where individuals can connect, network, and find common ground, ultimately contributing to team member engagement and growth.

At ChenMed, there are currently four ERGs:

AWARE2 - All Working to Achieve Racial Equity & Equality
WIN - Women Inspire Network
CHARISMA - ChenMed Healthcare Allies Respecting Individuality & Sexuality of Members and Associates
VET - Veterans Engagement Team

With core values of love, accountability, and passion leading the way, ChenMed is steadfast in the aim of building and nurturing a culture of belonging and inclusion. Growth and transformation begin within and pour out to all of the lives team members touch along the path of transforming healthcare.

Explore opportunities to join a mission-driven value-based healthcare provider that values employee well-being and offers competitive compensation and benefits packages, DEI initiatives, and opportunities for growth and community service.

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