TNC’s 2024 DEIJ Annual Report
Explore these learnings and engagements from colleagues across the globe.
Check Out the ReportERGs Embrace Collaboration for a More Inclusive TNC
It was a milestone year for TNC’s global Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), thanks in large part to the collaborative efforts of ERG Steering Committees, Co-Leads, Executive Sponsors and Executive Leadership Team (ELT) Sponsors.
With guidance from Associate Director of Inclusive Employee Investment Lyzel Krebs and GDEI Engagements Manager Abby Barber, this all-volunteer group met throughout the last fiscal year to discuss their respective goals and challenges, as well as their collective ideas for promoting inclusion and belonging across TNC’s organizational culture.
The result was a strategic multi-year vision, which groups presented at a virtual all-ERG retreat in March. The event also featured inclusion-focused icebreakers, games and activities, as well as a vulnerability storytelling session with diverse ERG sponsors from TNC’s Executive Leadership Team.
Highlights from a Year of ERG Impact
While each ERG has a specific identity and area of focus, they come together in support of TNC’s organizational values and mission, promoting unity across the global footprint by:
- Cultivating an inclusive and inviting organizational culture.
- Helping to empower and amplify a diverse and equitable workforce.
- Raising awareness of issues faced by underrepresented employees.
- Addressing systemic problems facing communities around the world.
Last year TNC welcomed its ninth ERG, the Alliance for Diverse Asian and Pacific Islander Talent (ADAPT with Nature), and plans for several new member groups are currently in the works. Read on to learn about each ERG’s major goals and highlights from the year.
Employee Resource Groups
Read more about our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and what they've accomplished this year!
ADAPT with Nature
Alliance for Diverse Asian and Pacific Islander Talent (ADAPT) with Nature
Amplify and empower Asian and Pacific Islander (API) staff to be visible and vocal at all levels of the organization.
Goals + Milestones
- Update processes for strategic communications and crisis response.
- Outline processes for Co-Lead/ELT recruitment and relationship management.
- Expand engagement efforts to raise colleagues’ profiles in the Asia Pacific (AP) region.
After hosting successful events this year to honor Lunar New Year, Ramadhan and other important API observances, the ADAPT with Nature Steering Committee is planning for the 2025 fiscal year with expanded focus on elevating API voices and TNC career opportunities for colleagues across TNC.
“As TNC’s youngest ERG, ADAPT with Nature is working hard to connect API colleagues across the organization. Our Steering Committee members based in the AP have helped us shift into a more global mindset.”
—Melinda Y. Ching, Senior Attorney and ADAPT with Nature Steering Committee Member, TNC Hawaii
EverGreen
Honoring experience, sharing and learning, and planning for the future.
Goals + Milestones
- Help TNC become a truly diverse, inclusive organization, including across generations and career stages.
- Share financial, legal and other resources to help staff prepare for retirement, health care, caregiving, children’s college.
- Advocate for varied options to enable staff to have long, fulfilling, flexible careers with TNC.
For example, EverGreen hosts webinars with financial experts and recently retired TNC staff to learn how to successfully navigate the transition to their next phase of life. EverGreen also worked with the People Team on guidance outlining TNC’s support for multiple ways staff can make that transition.
“Evergreen is an ERG that is focused on creating a space in which skilled, seasoned professionals can make meaningful contributions to TNC’s mission during their careers and after.”
—Stephanie Holthaus, Climate Action Advisor, TNC Alaska and EverGreen Co-lead
League of Employees of African Descent
Meaningfully recognize and engage all TNC employees of African descent by representing, acknowledging and promoting our talents, perspectives and leadership.
Goals + Milestones
- Strengthen the Power of Our Voices on a global scale.
- Meaningfully leverage differences to harness leadership potential of members.
- Create, leverage and support space for professional development and community outreach opportunities.
LEAD successfully expanded membership and opportunities for Black colleagues by hosting LEAD Chats, sponsoring events like the Urban League Career Fair and Diversity Brazil Workshop, and supporting members to attend Global Staff Enrichment Week.
“We will continue to build a strong, vibrant, connected community of constituents and allies who work together to make The Nature Conservancy a more diverse and inclusive organization.”
—John H. Hammond III, Learning Technology Manager and LEAD Co-Lead
Multicultural (MERG)
Increase global representation and cultural competency at TNC and in the communities we serve.
Goals + Milestones
- Build on inclusive networks, storytelling platforms and convening spaces.
- Implement broader access to translated content and cultural competency tools.
- Increase global member engagement and participation.
In July 2024, MERG hosted a virtual 10-year anniversary celebration, welcoming past and present members to share highlights from MERG’s Humans of TNC storytelling project, Global Cookbook recipe collection and other milestone achievements.
“I think MERG is building up TNC’s awareness for diversity in cultures. My hope is for MERG to be the place where people can share who they are, listen to one another and learn about the world beyond ourselves.”
—Hou Liping, Senior Strategic Development Manager and MERG Co-Lead
Nature's Pride
Embrace inclusivity with respect to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.
Goals + Milestones
- Plan and coordinate Pride Month activities.
- Hone direction and process for new Enterprise Resource Planning system and working group.
- Communicate action items for BU allies LGBTQ+ safe space creation.
This year, Nature’s Pride launched the Year-round Allyship Checklist, a set of simple guidelines for colleagues. With this resource, the group hopes to chart a path every team can take, and in the process raise collective expectations for LGBTQ+ allyship at TNC.
“Being out at work can be scary for many people, so seeing your BU leadership taking active steps of allyship helps to make a more inclusive workplace for everyone and sends a clear message that this is a place where you belong and are welcome.”
—Raven Shank, Geospatial Analyst, NatureVest—Impact Management and Nature’s Pride Co-Lead
StigmaFree
Recognize the value people with disabilities and mental illness bring to the organization.
Goals + Milestones
- Expand discussion group hours and languages.
- Partner with Branding team for inclusive ERG logo redesign.
- Collaborate with WIN and EverGreen ERGs for menopause support network.
- Engage Ethics & Compliance team to demystify reporting process.
For the third year, StigmaFree will invite colleagues to join its October film and discussion series in observance of Mental Illness Awareness Month. This four-part series explores topics and resources for people living with mental illness and/or supporting loved ones on the journey to health and well-being.
“We hope through activities like this, StigmaFree can provide a safe, open space for colleagues and bring awareness to all the different ways people living with disabilities and mental illness show up to life.”
—Megan Whatton, Nature Allies Program Manager and StigmaFree Co-Lead
Veterans in Nature's Service (VINS)
Celebrate the unique skills, experiences and contributions of veterans and other members of the military community at TNC.
Goals + Milestones
- Onboard two co-leads, one ELT sponsor, four full members and two interns.
- Plan and coordinate in-person retreat and collaborative StigmaFree event.
- Outline 2026 fiscal year budget and strategic goals.
VINS continued building on its recruitment and retention goals this year, sharing a number of inspirational successes since adopting the U.S. Department of Defense’s Skillbridge program, which enables active-duty service members to gain civilian work experience during their final 180 days of service.
“We know military community members are uniquely positioned to lead in conservation. Skillbridge is one tool that helps TNC connect with qualified candidates to advance our 2030 Goals.”
—VINS Steering Committee
Women In Nature (WIN)
Advocate for systems change, expand opportunities and elevate the voices of all who identify as women to strengthen gender equity across TNC.
Goals + Milestones
- Redefine leader, member and ally roles to increase effectiveness of WIN initiatives.
- Elevate importance of allyship with particular focus on the work of Men as Allies at TNC.
- Create collaborative opportunities with other ERGs at TNC and with partner NGOs.
In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, WIN launched a series of safe, open, internal discussions with relevant topics for women and allies alike. The series is set to recur, featuring dual TNC-led panels focused on career progression and caregiving.
“More than 150 people have attended our four sessions to date, underscoring this vital need and opportunity. We look forward to developing the series and expanding our reach for Women Supporting Women at TNC.”
—Jill Bieri, Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve Program Director and WIN Co-Lead
Young and Emerging Professionals (YEP)
Leverage potential by enabling future generations to feel seen, heard and valued.
Goals + Milestones
- Recruit new Steering Committee members from non-North American regions.
- Identify liaison/ambassador from each of the five regions.
- Provide at least eight new career development/engagement opportunities.
Co-piloted in 2017, the YEP & EverGreen Two-Way Mentoring Program provides space for colleagues at every career phase to exchange ideas and support. Now in their sixth year, leaders plan to expand the program with additional benefits for mid-career professionals.
“As an introvert, I needed to work on my approach to taking on diverse challenges beyond my day-to-day tasks. Being in YEP has helped me establish professional and interpersonal connections. I now have more belief in myself and my potential.”
—Caroline Gitari, Africa Conservation Coordinator and YEP Steering Committee Member