In September 2025, Defined Contribution Institutional Investment Association (DCIIA) convened leaders from across financial services to explore how employee resource groups are evolving into strategic drivers of engagement, leadership development, and business impact. The panel featured Sarah Lux-Lee (Mindr), Indhira Arrington (Ares Management), and Rashanda Harris (Lincoln Financial), who shared perspectives on the impact of employee communities across their organizations and sectors.

Panelists emphasized that ERGs are most effective when treated as any other strategic initiative in the organization: they should be aligned to business priorities, supported by active executive sponsorship, and resourced with the right infrastructure, funding, expertise, and data. Indhira Arrington shared how Ares Management uses participation, engagement, and advancement metrics to demonstrate impact, noting a 765% increase in ERG participation since 2021 and that 57% of Ares team members are engaged in one or more ERGs. She also highlighted that employees who participate in one or more ERGs and a cohort of the Mindr Mentorship Exchange are 65% less likely to leave the firm and twice as likely to be promoted compared to those who do not, underscoring the tangible business value of sustained investment in this work.

Sarah Lux-Lee, Mindr’s CEO and Founder, added that this level of impact does not happen overnight. ERG success requires patience to build strong foundations, focus to stay aligned with strategy through changing times, and an ecosystem mindset, recognizing that no single initiative drives culture alone. When ERGs are supported as part of the organization’s goals, and as a part of the leadership and development ecosystem, their impact compounds over time, strengthening culture and talent outcomes while delivering lasting value for employees, clients, and the organization.

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To invite Sarah as a speaker for your next event, reach out to getstarted@mindrglobal.com.