Splunk know how to look after their employees, and they have a number of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support people. We spoke to five of their employees dedicating time and effort to making the ERGs successful and engaging about their mission, the achievements, and what they want everyone to know about their ERG. Read on to hear about the amazing work Splunk are doing – and maybe to get some inspiration for your own company ERG’s!
ANZ DEI Ambassadors
Neil Gow, SE Director, and Gabrielle Knowles, Director, Field Marketing APAC are Australia and New Zealand Diversity Equity and Inclusion (ANZ DEI) Ambassadors.
What do you do in your ERG?
“We support and collaborate with three local ERGs and Splunk for Good.”
What are you most proud of that the ERG has achieved as a group?
“Following on from a visit from our Chief Diversity Officer, and an APAC leadership meeting, the decision was made to develop and enact an DEI strategy that aligned with Splunk’s goals, and was relevant to our local team. Hence, our focus on our three specific ERGs – Pride, Womxn and Neurodiversity, which we believe resonates most strongly with the local team, based on the feedback we have received to date.”
What are the goals of the DEI ERG for the next year?
“Network with the global ERGs, promote the work of each ERG locally and develop a calendar of events for the local team to participate in, specifically relating to further collaboration with third party organizations with similar aims, and the promotion and support of first nations initiatives, and drive greater participation across ANZ.”
What do you wish everyone knew about your ERG?
“There is a role for everyone to participate – big or small. All or any ideas are welcome. We see this as not so much as a corporate initiative, but DEI by the people, for the people.”
ANZ Pride ERG
Andrea Newman is the ANZ Partner Manager and runs Splunk’s ANZ Pride ERG.
What do you do in your ERG?
“I lead the ANZ Pride ERG. Together with the team we define the ERG plan for the year and together we agree on what activities and initiatives we will focus on. I work closely with the global ERG to align to their goals.”
Who does the Pride ERG serve and what is the mission of the group?
“The Pride ERG exists for a couple of reasons here in ANZ. While ANZ as a region is more inclusive than many others and we have come a long way for LGBTIQ+ people, it is still difficult for many people to feel comfortable in the workplace. The ERG exists to ensure everyone feels included, we want to break down barriers and have a group to turn to should anyone feel they have experienced negative behavior either in the workplace or outside of it. We want Splunkers to be able to bring their authentic selves to work. The second part is to help guide others within the organization to understand how best to support LGBTIQ co-workers, sometimes that might be just understanding the best gender neutral language to use or getting a better sense of the barriers faced by LGBTIQ people.”
Why were you passionate about getting involved with the ERG?
“I know how important it is for workplaces to not just talk about Diversity & Inclusion and for it to be a part of the company DNA. I wanted to get involved in projects that make a difference in whatever small way, whether that be to have LGBTIQ people feel more included or whether it be to educate others who do not understand the challenges faced. I am also keen to get involved in voluntary projects that can make a difference to the lives of the LGBTIQ Community.”
What are you most proud of that the ERG has achieved as a group?
“This year Splunk is sponsoring The Victorian Pride Centre. We are excited to be supporting the center and work together on projects for the LGBTIQ community.”
What’s your million data points that make you unique?
“I grew up in England and I have now lived in Australia for exactly 50% of my life. I was a showjumper when I was young. I have worked in technology for 24 years. I live in Melbourne with my partner Annelise, plus our dog Billie and Benson the cat. We spend most of our weekends at our weekender in Daylesford renovating and entertaining. I love the arts & travel.”
What are the goals of the ERG for the next year?
“We want to drive more members to the ERG, to do that we plan on running a quarterly event which will be all inclusive. We would also like to get involved in developing our plans for The Victorian pride Centre, holding events and collaborating with other organizations to bring value to the LGBTIQ community.”
What do you wish everyone knew about your ERG?
“Our ERG is not just open to LGBTIQ+ it is an ERG to all Splunkers who would like to personally and practically support diversity and change, as well as support the LGBTIQ community and get involved. It’s also the most fun. :-)”
Splunk for Good
James Polizzi is the Team Leader, Solutions Engineering, Southern Region, and leads the ANZ Splunk for Good Champions Council.
What do you do in your ERG?
“Lead the A/NZ Splunk for Good Champions council. The council brings together a group of like-minded Splunkers across the region who are motivated to give back to charities that have touched our lives in some way or in support of those less fortunate in our community. Together we organize Splunk for Good events and fundraising activities that promote employee participation and awareness of the various causes we support.”
What is the mission of Splunk for Good?
“The goal of the Splunk for Good program is simple – to support and amplify all those generating positive social impact. We activate our network of users, customers and partners across all sectors to enact positive change in the world. We also empower our employees to have a greater impact on their communities through volunteering and giving. Our open and employee-driven volunteering and giving programs provide time and funding support to thousands of nonprofit organizations all over the world.”
Why were you passionate about getting involved with Splunk for Good?
“I feel that we as Splunkers are very blessed to work in such a wonderful industry and company. We are given a chance to give back to those less fortunate in our community while bonding with fellow colleagues. Organizing these volunteering activities gives me great sense of satisfaction to see the positive change we make in the lives of the people we touch. While collectively our efforts are only a drop in the ocean, they make a world of difference to those that are in need.”
What are you most proud of that the ERG has achieved as a group?
In a pandemic year, most of us faced limits on social interaction and personal movement. Throughout 2020, Splunkers in our region organized virtual volunteering events and fundraising activities that supported the well-being of ourselves and others during lockdown. As a team, we dug deep and raised more than $170,000 AUD to help fund the important work of nonprofits that are close to our hearts. These causes included Australian Bushfire Relief efforts, Movember Foundation and Cure Cancer.
What’s your million data points that make you unique?
I have a passion for travelling and am privileged to have visited over 40+ counties.
“I love being a foodie and cooking. I’m in the constant pursuit of new flavor combinations and cuisines. I have been skydiving, ride motorbikes, jet skis and luckily never broken a bone.”
What are the goals of the ERG for the next year?
“The focus of the A/NZ Splunk for Good program in 2021 is to recommence as many face to face volunteering activities as possible. Each employee, as part of the Splunk for Good Pledge is given 40 hours of paid volunteer time off (VTO). Our goal is to provide as many opportunities for our employees to give back to the community via group volunteering events. If every employee was to use their VTO we would really amplify our collective impact in the community.”
What do you wish everyone knew about Splunk for Good?
“There are so many ways you can give back to those less fortunate in our communities. Volunteering is just one of the ways and it doesn’t always have to be formal. Choose a cause that you are passionate about and ask them how you can get involved. You would be surprised at how valuable your skills are to those that have not had the same opportunities as you.”
Womxn+ ERG group
Rola Almalak is Senior Manager Professional Services Functional Management and leads the ANZ branch of Splunk’s Womxn+ ERG group.
What is the mission of Womxn+?
“At Splunk, Womxn+ has a mission to foster, empower and grow a diverse womxn-led community that collaborates and elevates one another to advance gender equality and intersectional advocacy. Our strategy is to create opportunities for conversation and community building through events, career development, industry thought leadership and allyship programs.”
“Womxn+ is inclusive of all women and allies at Splunk in both technical and non-technical roles. At Splunk, we have a strong cultural belief that “we are all a million data points”. The Womxn+ ERG embraces what makes us unique while also calling attention to the discrimination and institutional barriers that womxn and other minority groups have faced and continue to endure.”
Why were you passionate about getting involved with Womxn+?
“I am passionate about empowering, inspiring and connecting with women at Splunk to help create opportunities for women to take leadership roles both within Splunk and in the broader community.”
What are you most proud of that the ERG has achieved as a group?
“In the last year in ANZ, the Womxn+ ERG has created a supportive virtual community and space for women during the pandemic to support each other.”
What are the goals of the Womxn+ ERG for the next year?
“In the next year, we look forward to a return to in person events that elevate women in Splunk and in the broader community. Womxn+ crosses over with all of the other ERGs so we look forward to more intersectional events and bringing a focus on all forms of diversity at Splunk.”
What do you wish everyone knew about your ERG?
“We welcome allies to be a part of the conversation around empowering women!”
What’s your million data points that make you unique?
“Passionate about leading and empowering Technical teams to achieve their career aspirations and mentoring the new generation of women leaders. I am a Lebanese Australian, a mother, a yogi, a dancer and a cancer warrior.”
