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June 30.2025
2 Minutes Read

How McKesson's UNITY ERG is Empowering Native American Employees

Group portrait of professionals for company ERG launches.


Celebrating Diversity: The Birth of UNITY at McKesson

In a world increasingly conscious of diversity and inclusion, McKesson’s initiative to honor Native American and Indigenous heritage through their employee resource group (ERG), UNITY, is a powerful step forward. Launched in response to the growing recognition of Native American Heritage Month, this group has quickly evolved into a vibrant community for employees to share experiences and celebrate their identities.

Inspiring Leadership Through Personal Stories

Two remarkable figures leading the charge within UNITY are Sharon Longwell and her daughter Laura Longwell. With a rich family background intertwined with the Great Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Sharon brings her passion for heritage and inclusive leadership to McKesson. As the Vice President for McKesson Health Systems, her approach goes beyond traditional corporate duties; she aims to eliminate barriers for her colleagues to thrive. "My biggest leadership role is to eliminate obstacles so people can do what they need to do for McKesson," Sharon asserts, echoing a vital theme: leadership in an employee-centric environment.

The Growth of UNITY and Its Impact

Within just a year of its inception, UNITY has grown from 50 members to over 500, showcasing the evolving landscape of corporate ERGs and their importance in fostering a sense of belonging among employees from different backgrounds. Members include descendants of historical figures, such as the granddaughter of a World War II Navajo Code Talker, demonstrating the diverse heritage represented within the group. This profound level of engagement not only aids in personal growth for its members but strengthens McKesson’s overall workplace culture.

Diversity as a Corporate Asset

Sharon emphasizes the significance of ERGs in creating a diverse and inclusive company. "You cannot shine if you are trying to hide or cover up part of what makes you great," she explains. By supporting employee groups like UNITY, McKesson is not merely fulfilling a corporate obligation; rather, they are enriching their organizational fabric, making it a better place for all employees to learn and grow. This dynamic ties into broader industry trends where successful corporations are aligning their objectives with community and employee engagement initiatives.

Join the Movement: Embrace the UNITY Spirit

As organizations make strides towards inclusivity and diversity, the story of McKesson’s UNITY serves as an inspiring example for other corporations. Creating spaces where employees can express their identities and heritage is not just an ethical imperative, but a business strategy that could lead to improved outcomes and employee retention. Companies everywhere are called to reflect on how they can better support their employee resource groups, driven by real stories and genuine commitment.

As you reflect on your workplace's ERG initiatives, consider how you can further support such groups within your organization. Whether through leadership sponsorship or boosting the visibility of their successes, every effort counts in building an inclusive and supportive corporate culture.


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07.09.2025

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07.09.2025

Samsung Austin Semiconductor Launches Black Employee Resource Group: A New Wave in ERG Success Stories

Update A New Era of Inclusion at Samsung Austin Semiconductor On May 8, Samsung Austin Semiconductor proudly introduced its latest employee resource group (ERG), the Black Employee Network, at a vibrant launch event attended by employees and community partners. This initiative is part of Samsung's broader commitment to diversity and inclusion, complementing existing ERGs such as Women in Technology, Military Appreciation, and Pride. Hampton James, one of the executive sponsors of the Black Employee Network, emphasized the significance of this new group during the launch. "We are pleased to work for a company that has focused on creating ERGs to support the diversity and inclusion initiatives central to Samsung's values. These initiatives enable employees to express themselves freely, without fear of harassment or discrimination," he stated. Fostering Community and Culture The vision behind the Black Employee Network is clear: to cultivate awareness of Black culture and influence withinSamsung Austin Semiconductor, while fostering professional development through networking and mentorship. La Toya Morrison, a long-term employee and co-chair of this new organization, reflected on the excitement surrounding the initiative. "I'm not just excited for experienced employees, but I want new employees to know from the moment they walk through the doors that they have the company's support and our ERG members," she said. Engaging with the Community This ERG's mission extends beyond the workplace, emphasizing civic outreach. The inaugural event welcomed community guests, including representatives from the Austin Area Urban League and Manor Independent School District, highlighting Samsung's commitment to its community. “Samsung, thank you for all that you do for our community,” expressed Shauntice Rutley, affirming the meaningful partnerships being forged. Representation Matters Chris Morrison, a supervisor involved in the new group, emphasized the importance of representation. “I felt it was important to show the community that there is representation at Samsung Austin Semiconductor. People often want to see someone that looks like them to make a company or situation more approachable,” Morrison shared. The launch of the Black Employee Network promises to further enhance this sense of belonging and visibility in the workplace. The Future of ERGs at Samsung As we look towards future ERG industry trends, Samsung's commitment to supporting marginalized groups signifies a meaningful shift in corporate culture. Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of ERGs in fostering an inclusive environment where every employee can thrive. With strategic leadership and innovative outreach strategies, the Black Employee Network has the potential to set a strong example for ERGs in other organizations. As the workplace adapts and evolves, keeping communities engaged will be crucial. Companies embracing this shift can unlock insights that lead to greater employee satisfaction and productivity. For HR professionals and leaders keen on following ERG trends, Samsung Austin Semiconductor’s enthusiasm for its new initiative offers crucial lessons in how to successfully launch and sustain impactful employee resource groups.

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