Mentorship, career advancement, resources and leadership development are just some of the ways women can benefit from being a part of professional groups. But if they do not know these resources exist, they can not take advantage of the services.

Executive Alliance recently published its annual At The Table: Women’s Resource Guide. The main feature of the 24-page booklet is a list of companies, organizations, government agencies, businesses and nonprofits that offer groups designed to help advance women’s careers through discussions and programs.

Many of the organizations listed are Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) — a gathering of co-workers that share the same characteristics or wish to be an ally. We spoke with several women leaders that helped to found ERGs at their workplaces. They discuss the importance of having these groups for diversity, equity and inclusion efforts as well as how company culture may be impacted by their efforts.

“The external culture is ever changing and so is the workforce,” said Stephanie Baker, chief experience officer for Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies (WAEPA). “I thought it was really important that the organization make sure that we meet our employees where they are. I think it is important for employees, when they show up to work, that they see somebody else that maybe looks like them or has maybe the same diverse train of thought. I thought that was important. …(The group) has been a real great start for us and it has been received really well by the staff.”

The guide also features an article on author Jackie Insinger who was the featured speaker during Executive Alliance’s recent Women of Excellence event.

We hope that you will take a look at the resource guide and see what groups are available to help, guide and support women across the area.