Honoring Freedom and Empowering Change: Black AvePoint Excellence’s Juneteenth Gala
Today, diversity and inclusion have emerged as vital elements for success. AvePoint understands the significance of fostering an inclusive workplace environment. One of the ways AvePoint is championing diversity and empowering underrepresented communities is through the establishment of various employee resource groups (ERGs). As a founding member of one of AvePoint’s first ERGs, Black AvePoint Excellence (BAE), I’ve witnessed first-hand AvePoint’s support for advancing communities and the importance of ERGs in creating meaningful change.
The Importance of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
ERGs play a pivotal role in promoting diversity, inclusion, and belonging within organizations. They serve as platforms for employees to connect, collaborate, and address the unique challenges faced by specific communities. ERGs, like BAE, provide numerous benefits for both employees and the company as a whole.
- Fostering a Sense of Belonging: ERGs create spaces where individuals with shared backgrounds or experiences can come together, share insights, and celebrate their unique identities. As a result, we can help break down barriers, encourage open dialogue, and contribute to a more inclusive corporate culture.
- Engagement and Retention: When people feel supported and valued, they are more likely to be motivated and committed to their work. ERGs offer opportunities for professional development, networking, and mentorship, which enhance satisfaction and career growth. By investing in ERGs, AvePoint demonstrates its commitment to its employees’ personal and professional success.
- Innovation and Creativity: Diversity of thought and perspective is essential for problem-solving and generating fresh ideas. ERGs bring together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints, leading to richer discussions, increased collaboration, and innovative solutions. By leveraging the unique insights of our colleagues through ERGs, AvePoint fosters a culture that thrives on creativity and innovation.
Black AvePoint Excellence (BAE): Empowering the Black Experience
BAE, one of AvePoint’s longest-standing ERGs, is dedicated to promoting the black experience within the company and beyond. BAE’s mission is to channel passion among AvePoint employees, create a positive work environment for all, and focus on productive initiatives to increase awareness of social challenges faced by minority groups globally.
This year, BAE is undertaking multiple initiatives demonstrating our commitment to empowering and uplifting underrepresented communities, both within AvePoint and beyond. First, we participated in the Black Tech Achievement (BTA) Awards in the United Kingdom to showcase our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Additionally, we provide opportunities for underrepresented students to gain valuable work experience through our internship program. We also plan to continue our partnership with StepNow, an organization dedicated to equipping young people with the necessary tools to step into adulthood in the United Kingdom, by organizing a career day for local students at our London office to learn more about working in the technology field.
For the last three years, BAE has led the way to help drive greater awareness, engagement and understanding around Juneteenth, a holiday honoring the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. Considered the longest-running African American holiday, Juneteenth is a day of acknowledgement, education, reflection, and cultural appreciation.
BAE’s recent event, our third annual Juneteenth celebration, exemplified AvePoint’s commitment to advancing communities and supporting ERGs. This year, BAE collaborated with AvePoint partner Bravo Consulting Group to hold a formal Gala Dinner in Washington, DC, serving as a platform to raise funds for the African Diaspora College Access Program (ADC), an organization supporting first-generation African students in gaining access to prestigious colleges nationwide.
The Impact of our Juneteenth Fundraising Gala
The Juneteenth Gala was an overwhelming success, epitomizing AvePoint’s dedication to empowering communities. The event showcased the power of collaboration and the ability to make a significant impact on individuals and small groups. Through generous donations from attendees, the gala raised thousands of dollars to support ADC’s mission of guiding students through the complexities of college admissions.
The stories shared at the event illuminated the incredible talents and resilience of the students benefiting from ADC’s work. These bright minds, nurtured by ADC’s guidance, exhibited skills that rivaled even seasoned professionals. The success of the Juneteenth Gala highlighted the collective effort of AvePoint employees, Bravo Consulting Group, and the broader community in creating transformative opportunities for aspiring African students.
Last week’s Juneteenth Gala exemplified AvePoint’s commitment to supporting ERGs and advancing communities. Through their collective efforts and generous donations, AvePoint employees and partners made a tangible difference in the lives of aspiring African students, supporting their educational aspirations and fostering a brighter future.
AvePoint’s support of BAE and our other ERGs is one example of the company’s continued dedication to diversity, inclusion, and community empowerment. By fostering a supportive environment, providing opportunities for professional development, and organizing impactful events, AvePoint ensures that the voices and perspectives of underrepresented employees are heard and valued. To learn more about our ERGs and the culture we’re fostering at AvePoint, visit our website.
Sam Valme is Senior Director of Partner Experience at AvePoint, working out of our Arlington, Virginia office.
