This September is the second anniversary of the Latinx@Pega ERG and our commemoration of Latinx Heritage Month – a time when we come together to celebrate the rich and diverse culture, history, and contributions of the Latinx community. This month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, is a special opportunity for all of us at Pega, and beyond, to embrace and recognize the vital role Latinx individuals have played in shaping our society.
Latinx people come from various countries, backgrounds, and experiences. Within our Latinx@Pega ERG, we are committed to celebrating this diversity. We encourage all our members to share their unique stories and perspectives, fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. It's a time for unity, understanding, and mutual respect.
It's incredibly remarkable that we are commemorating the two-year anniversary of this highly engaging and passionate ERG this year. This accomplishment is not only a reason for joy but also a demonstration of the commitment and influence of our Latinx community at Pega. Time has passed swiftly, my friends!
Over these two years, Latinx@Pega has played a pivotal role in fostering diversity and inclusion within our organization. When we created this ERG, we were driven by the passion for creating a safe space where people can speak up and engage with other Latinx people to maintain our culture, while ensuring we build an equal opportunity environment for all of us. Throughout last year, the ERG raised funds to aid the victims of Hurricane Fiona and provided relief for the Petrópolis flooding in Brazil. Additionally, we organized educational and awareness events, fireside chats, and volunteer events with the Massachusetts-based nonprofit Food for Free, where we assisted in packing 360 boxes of nutritious groceries for local families facing hardships. We’ve grown, matured, and learned a lot in this period. It was an amazing experience for us – as leaders, members, and allies.
ERGs also play an important role in helping align employees around the company’s goals, vision, and culture. Whether it be a shift in strategy, the latest launch of Pega Infinity™, or the introduction of a new benefit, our ERGs assist in ensuring the Pega community is united and engaged. This led us to plan this year’s initiatives around three main pillars: engagement and cross-team collaboration, career development, and social impact.
The entire ERG leadership team has been working hard to expand membership in a diverse way by attracting Pega folks from all regions through events promotion and partnership with other Pega ERGs. This shows how Latinx@Pega embraces the One Pega culture and helps the company to foster a diverse and inclusive culture where all employees feel represented and enjoy working for Pega. We are also fully dedicated to creating learning and engagement opportunities for our members.
Some of the activities the ERG hosted this year also positively impacted the lives of people outside Pega. For example, a few members of Latinx@Pega visited Afesu to show under-represented girls what it was like working for a multinational technology company and encouraged them to keep studying and pursuing their dreams. It is very rewarding to see our impact go beyond Pega, and the ERG is fostering a supportive environment not only for the Pega community, but also for society.
As we reflect on these two years, it's a great opportunity to acknowledge the achievements and contributions of Latinx@Pega, and to look forward to the continued growth and positive impact this group will have in the years to come. Thank you to all the members and allies for your dedication and the entire Pega community for your support in making this journey a success. Here's to many more years of diversity, inclusion, and progress! We are so proud of what we’ve accomplished so far. And we can’t wait to see what will come next. You have our commitment that we will continue working hard to make sure our community has a seat at the table here at Pega.
Cheers,
Anna Cotta & Luiz Felipe Barbalat
About the authors
Anna Cotta, HR Business Partner for GTM and Co-Chair for the Latinx@Pega ERG. Mother of two beautiful daughters, two crazy dogs, and an activist for a better world.
Luiz Barbalat is an accomplished, mission-focused Client Success Manager and Co-Chair for the Latinx@Pega ERG. Luiz’s main focus as Co-Chair is to share his passion with the Pega community and to raise awareness and visibility of Latinx@Pega around all regions.