Finding community, building culture: ERG leaders share the power of connection

What does belonging look like at FCT?

That question was at the heart of this year's Employee Resource Group (ERG) panel discussion, where leaders from each of FCT's five ERGs came together to share how connection, representation, and community help shape the employee experience.

Held on July 16 under the theme "Find your community. Build our culture.", the event brought employees together to hear firsthand how Employee Resource Groups create spaces where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.

Moderated by Korinne March, Underwriter, Operations – Commercial Solutions, the discussion invited each ERG leader to share their group's purpose, the impact it has on employees, and why creating opportunities for connection continue to strengthen FCT's culture.

The event opened with remarks from Marco De Paolis, Chief Revenue Officer & Vice President, Sales and Marketing, and Executive Sponsor of the Mosaic ERG, who reflected on this year's theme, "Find your community. Build our culture." He reminded employees that culture isn't built through policies or programs alone—it's built through people, relationships, and the moments when employees feel seen, heard, supported, and valued.

Representing the Black Excellence (BE) ERG, Sanmi Oguntade, Analyst, Customer Experience, spoke about creating a community that celebrates Black voices and experiences while welcoming employees from across FCT to learn, connect, and grow together. He emphasized that the group's focus extends beyond representation—it's about building understanding, fostering allyship, and creating opportunities for meaningful conversations that benefit everyone.

Megan Janisse, Analyst, Treasury and Chair of the Exchange ERG, shared how mentorship, networking, and continuous learning help employees expand their perspectives and build relationships beyond their day-to-day teams. She spoke about the value of creating opportunities for colleagues to connect, share experiences, and support one another's professional growth.

Speaking on behalf of the Mosaic ERG, Denisha Stephenson, Manager, Digital Marketing, reflected on the importance of celebrating the diverse backgrounds and perspectives that make up FCT. She discussed how curiosity, open dialogue, and cultural awareness help create stronger teams and a workplace where everyone feels they belong.

For Pride Plus, Michael Bates, Director, Marketing, spoke about the importance of creating a workplace where LGBTQ+ employees and allies feel welcomed, respected, and supported. He highlighted how visibility, education, and allyship encourage employees to bring their authentic selves to work while strengthening inclusion across the organization.

Representing Thrive, Maria Fiordalisi, Manager, Compliance, focused on employee well-being and the importance of creating psychologically safe spaces where colleagues feel comfortable having open conversations about mental health. She shared how empathy, awareness, and support contribute to a healthier workplace for everyone.

Although each panelist shared a different perspective, a common message emerged throughout the discussion: belonging doesn't happen by chance. It grows through meaningful conversations, shared experiences, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from one another.

Following the panel discussion, employees continued those conversations at the ERG Fair, where each Employee Resource Group welcomed colleagues to learn more about upcoming initiatives, ask questions, and explore ways to get involved as members or allies.

Together, the panel discussion and ERG Fair demonstrated how FCT's Employee Resource Groups continue to strengthen workplace culture by creating opportunities for connection, learning, and belonging. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, education, or well-being, each ERG plays an important role in helping employees find community while building a stronger FCT.