Annie Lu Balagot

Balagot oversaw distribution deals with AT&T, Cox, Hulu and YouTube and is a big believer in NBCU’s employee resource groups, which help promote women, cultures, orientations, career stages and more. “There are ample ways to give feedback, ongoing trainings to educate all employees,” she says. ERGs also can help connect recruiters with local communities and on-campus diversity organizations, Balagot adds. This ensures a diversified stream of candidates regularly applying and interviewing for jobs at NBCU.

What does your company/organization do to ensure all employees feel included?
I feel NBCUniversal goes above and beyond in making sure all employees feel represented and included. We have excellent Employee Resource Groups that help promote women, cultures, orientations, career stages, and more. There are ample ways to give feedback, ongoing trainings to educate all employees about how to speak up, managers who have open lines of communication and an overall commitment to inclusion starting from the highest levels of management.

How can diversity be better incorporated into the recruiting process?
The industry should always be looking at ways to further improve the recruitment process from all perspectives. I think all companies can leverage their Employee Resource Groups more for awareness, driving interest and highlighting the importance of these employee-run groups during the recruitment process. ERGs can help connect the recruitment organization with local communities and on-campus diversity organizations to help drive interest in the company.

Can you share a successful diversity program at your company or one you’ve observed at another company or organization?
I’ve been involved with the Asian Pacific American ERG for many years and am proud to say it is a standout organization within NBCUniversal. The group grew from just a handful of volunteers to a membership base of more than 800 today. APA is active in the community by providing resume and interview skills workshops, APA also promotes the various cultures throughout Asia with social events and provides career development opportunities in all NBCU locations across the US.

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