Cox Automotive Canada’s Black Employee Network (BEN) hosted more than 500 team members on Feb. 8, 2021 in its inaugural event, which officially kicked off the company’s newest employee resource group (ERG) and launched celebrations of Black History Month.
Members from Canada, Brazil, England, Europe, and the United States came together for the event, which was focused on the network’s three main pillars: celebration, education and inspiration.
The event, which was hosted by Black Employee Network co-chairs Pako Tshiamala and Emiliano Void, “celebrated the employee resource group’s (ERG) achievements, educated team members on anti-black and systemic racism and inspired everyone to take action towards a more inclusive workplace and society,” the company said in a news release.
“Our hope is that the spirit of the conversations and actions we are taking will also inspire others within our industry and communities to help drive this much needed change, in their corner of the world,” said Maria Soklis, President of Cox Automotive Canada & Brazil.
Cox Automotive Canada began the Black Employee Network last year, and it is open to any team member who is interested in understanding and combating anti-black and systemic racism. According to the company, the network is a safe and positive space for employees to “discuss ideas and thoughts around inclusion and equality, and to play an active role in creating a better and more inclusive workplace and society for future generations.”
