Empowering Voices, Building Community: Behind the ERG

At AIR, the journey toward inclusivity and belonging is deeply woven into the fabric of our culture, and at the heart of this journey are the Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). These employee-led groups are more than just spaces for connection—they are vehicles for change, ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table. Access AIR is a champion for employees with disabilities, both visible and invisible. Through its leadership and initiatives, Access AIR has transformed the way AIR approaches accessibility, advocacy, and inclusivity.

Beth Howard-Brown : A Commitment to Inclusion

Beth Howard-Brown, a principal TA consultant at AIR and Access' social engagement lead, has always believed in the power of small actions creating profound change. Her journey with Access began with a simple yet impactful initiative: the creation of AIR’s Inclusive Meeting Guidelines. This initiative, developed in collaboration with AIR Collaborative Remote Employee Workforce (CREW), another AIR ERG, and the DEI Office, aimed to ensure that virtual meetings were accessible for all employees, especially non-native English speakers and those with hearing impairments and visual disabilities. 

“This initiative made me realize how often we overlook simple accessibility improvements that can make a huge difference,” Beth said. “We created a set of guidelines that drastically improved the meeting experience for everyone, and that’s the kind of change we need in all areas of the workplace.” 

Beth views her involvement with Access as a constant reminder that accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about empathy and awareness. “Being part of Access has broadened my understanding of how crucial it is to make every aspect of work accessible, whether it’s mental health support or ADA accommodations,” she said. “Everyone will need these resources at some point in their lives."

Vanessa Batiste : A Commitment to Empowering Growth

For Vanessa Batiste, senior manager of Human Resources, her role as co-chair of Access is a way to address barriers to equity. “Equity isn’t about treating everyone the same; it’s about meeting people where they are and ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed,” she said. “There’s always a deeper layer to equity that requires us to understand how bias and different backgrounds can affect people’s perceptions. That’s where we must be proactive, ensuring that everyone has equal access to the tools and support they need.”

Inspired by the mentorship she received early in her career, Vanessa aims to empower others as part of her ERG leadership role. “In my own journey, I was lucky enough to have someone take me under their wing. That mentor taught me one of the most valuable lessons: to listen more and talk less,” Vanessa said. “Now, as a leader within Access, I try to carry that same spirit forward—being a mentor, offering support, and empowering others to grow.”

A Significant Moment

In 2022, Access sponsored an internal and external webinar featuring Judith Heumann, who was instrumental in the development of the Americans with Disabilities Act. “Sitting in the same virtual space with Judy reminded me of the power of one person to change the world,” Beth said. “It made me realize that we, too, have the ability to make a difference. And that’s what Access is all about—empowering people to bring about change.”

Vanessa recalled the energy in the webinar during Heumann’s speech, particularly when Heumann emphasized the importance of creating a culture of belonging for underrepresented groups. “That moment was profound. It showed me the power of community and how critical it is to build an environment where people feel safe and valued,” Vanessa said.

From developing inclusive policies to mentoring the next generation of leaders, Beth and Vanessa are creating a legacy of change at AIR—one that will continue to grow and evolve. At AIR, Access is more than just an ERG. It is a catalyst for transformation—one meeting, one mentor, one initiative at a time.