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At CHG Healthcare, we strive to make sure everyone feels valued and included. That’s why we have put a special effort toward supporting women in technology — a field where women are often underrepresented. Women leaders like Aurelia Redd, president of CHG’s Women in Technology Employee Inclusion Group (also known as WIT and Wisdom) have been working tirelessly to create connections and opportunities for women in technology and digital roles.
Employee Inclusion Groups and Women in Technology at CHG
So, what exactly is an Employee Inclusion Group (EIG)? As Aurelia explains it, “EIGs are about creating connection, opportunity, and a felt sense of belonging for individuals who share a defined demographic background.”
EIGs are deeply rooted in CHG’s guiding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles and were created to support traditionally marginalized or under-represented groups, like CHG’s Pride Collective, an EIG for LGBTQIA+ employees, and Mixed Roots, an EIG for Latinx employees.
Aurelia’s career path has had a big influence on her commitment to the WIT and Wisdom EIG. She says, “I have had the chance to participate in many women’s leadership organizations. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn’t about women versus men. It was about understanding how women think, how they show up in the workplace, and how to apply those strengths to help shatter the glass ceiling we hear so much about. I find so much fulfillment in helping others.”
Creating connections for women in technology
It’s not unusual for a member of the WIT and Wisdom EIG to be the only woman on her team, which can lead to feelings of isolation. The group meets regularly both in person and at virtual events that provide opportunities for women to connect and learn from each other.
Nicole Montague, director of software engineering, appreciates the connections and community the group creates. “The WIT and Wisdom group gives us the chance to meet every month and talk openly about topics that impact us as women in technology,” she says. “It also gives us a safe space to support and understand each other better, even if we don’t work together every day.”
Nicole is quick to point out that male colleagues also play a supportive role and can be valuable advocates for development and growth. She talks enthusiastically about her experience in software engineering at CHG. “I moved to CHG in 2015 after starting as a QA tester at another company. I expressed a desire to get into leadership and was given every opportunity to be able to make that dream a reality. I’ve been a leader for six years and I’m loving it.”
For Dani Weigand, who works as a leader on CHG digital product management team, the supportive community around women in technology was a big factor in her decision to pursue a role at CHG. Dani is self-trained in the IT space and finds fulfillment in connecting with women who share her passion for making a difference by solving big technical puzzles. She says, “I 100% wanted to be on board with that. It not only brings women with similar backgrounds together in a male-dominated industry but also creates connections that can last a lifetime.”
When you ask WIT and Wisdom EIG members what advice they’d offer to other women in technology, a common theme emerges. Nicole’s take is, “You were hired for this job, and you deserve to be here. Seek out supporters and advocates who will encourage you to just do the work and make it happen.”
Dani echoes that same sentiment. “Look for female mentors, but stay open to male allies as well. Have the courage to partner with someone you can trust, male or female, who is willing to shoulder tap and bring you into conversations or make sure that your voice is being heard.”
CHG’s inclusive vision for women in technology
WIT and Wisdom was one of the earliest EIGs to form at CHG, and as the group’s president, Aurelia makes it a priority to keep learning and listening. Based on the voice of the membership, the group’s top priorities are to provide pathways to personal and professional development, to promote connection, and to help members give back to the wider community in ways that are personally meaningful to them. “So far, I think the connection piece of that vision has been our most wild success. As a multi-year recipient of the Shatter Award, CHG is absolutely committed to creating equality for women in the workplace.”
As a woman in technology, imagine a career home that not only welcomes you fully but also advocates for your development as a whole person. Explore open jobs at CHG and apply today!
