At Mutual of Omaha, investing in our people means creating space for growth, leadership and connection. Beyond traditional development programs, we empower associates to lead through a wide range of employee-led groups and activities including our employee resource groups (ERGs).
Employee-led groups offer meaningful leadership opportunities and experiences that help associates grow personally and professionally. Recently, we hosted our annual ERG leadership summit, a full-day hybrid event that equipped ERG board members with tools, inspiration and connections to lead with purpose.
Empowering leaders at every level
Our nine ERGs are central to our inclusion and engagement strategy. This year’s summit, “Leading with Purpose,” brought together in-person and virtual attendees for a powerful keynote, impactful breakout sessions and energizing peer networking. Three attendees shared how their time in ERG leadership has helped them develop new skills, foster cross-functional connections and inspire lasting confidence.
Molly Fellows, advisor and past president of the Veterans Employee Resource Board (VERB), attended some sessions of the summit in-person and some virtually. Through her leadership role in VERB, Fellows not only deepened her impact on her community but also unlocked transformative professional growth.
"Leading VERB gave me more than just a platform to serve. It gave me the confidence to lead a team, overcome my fear of public speaking and grow into a stronger, more connected professional. That kind of growth wouldn’t have been possible without the support and development opportunities that came from being part of our ERG community."
Michael Johnson, president of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies Organization for Business and Leadership (GLOBAL) ERG, attended in person from our Omaha campus. His leadership journey started with a desire to give back and evolved into a deeper sense of purpose.
“I realized I could do more than just support events or meetings,” Johnson said. “I realized I could help other associates live and work as their authentic selves. The ERG summit was powerful because it creates shared connections, so we can learn from each other.”
Skye Hambrick, a virtual attendee based near Chattanooga, Tennessee, leads within the Advocates for All Abilities (A3) ERG. Her advocacy is driven by her son’s autism diagnosis and a desire to make workplaces more inclusive for all.
“That experience ignited a passion in me to support others and raise awareness. Events like the summit fuel both personal and professional growth.”
A culture built from within
These leaders aren’t just volunteers — they’re shaping our culture.
“Employee-led group leaders are key drivers of inclusion and belonging at Mutual of Omaha,” said Cicely Tomlinson, Mutual of Omaha’s director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “Experiences like the ERG Summit equip them with tools to grow, lead effectively and make lasting impact. Supporting growth and development is one of the most valuable ways we invest in our people.”
Because when our people grow, so does Mutual of Omaha.
Explore our culture and career opportunities at mutualofomaha.com/careers.