Canadian National Railway : CN Celebrates Black History Month and Launches the R.I.S.E. Employee Resource Group

What does the R.I.S.E. Employee Resource Group mean for CN and what are the next steps?

'The R.I.S.E. ERG is an Employee Resource Group specifically designed to provide a community for CN's Black Employees and their allies [and] will work to improve the diversity demographics at CN by focusing on the personal and professional needs of the Black employees,' says Stacey Lyons (National Account Manager). This 'intimate view into the demographic will aid in building a more diverse, innovative and sustainable organization,' adds Mayo.

Supply Chain Sales, Account Manager, Andrew de Freitas describes that the R.I.S.E. ERG (as well as the other ERGs) are important to creating a culture that celebrates differences. 'In my life one of the statements I have heard is 'I don't see colour',' says de Freitas. 'I know that statement is coming from a good place and the speaker is trying to assure me that they are not judging me because I am Black. All the same, it is one of those things that has always left me a little frustrated. I want you to see my colour. My colour is not something to be discounted, it is something to be celebrated and valued. I see it as a part of my value proposition. It is who I am.'

Herman Searcy-Plunkett notes that 'taking diversity seriously' is doing things 'the CN Way' and that through ERGs like R.I.S.E., 'CN recognizes that diversity is vital for growth and that all employees should have a voice and a platform.'

As for what is next, the R.I.S.E. steering committee is dedicated to building their membership and getting straight to work. Employees joining R.I.S.E. will have the opportunity to join committees, and most importantly, to be a voice at the table. Stacey Lyons hopes that R.I.S.E. will prove to be 'a resource for not only the employee base, but the Leadership Teams as well when important matters are discussed related to people.'

What message would R.I.S.E. like to share today with CN employees, customers, and our communities?

Arthur Mayoll explains that 'valuing diversity, fairness, respect, and inclusion,' paves the road for both corporate as well as individual success. Similarly, Andrew de Freitas explains that, 'the decisions we make are incomplete and imperfect if we don't have diversity… A diverse table that includes strong Black voices that are heard will be a key part of what makes our teams and decisions great.'

In other words, an inclusive and diverse culture that reflects the diversity of the communities that CN serves will inevitably lead to better decision-making and a stronger CN.

Stacey Lyons emphasizes that the launch of the ERGs shows that 'CN values the employees and cares for their personal and professional development,' which 'results in a better customer experience [and] ensures that CN has the top talent in the right places.'