Employee Resource Group: Hispanic/Latino
Meet the Co-Chairs for Latinos Engaging, Advancing, Developing & Supporting (L.E.A.D.S+)
Introducing… the leaders who will be oversee the activities of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Cook Children’s. They will develop the overall strategy and serve as spokespeople for the group. We asked our ERG leaders a series of questions so you can get to know them a little better and learn more about their views about the importance of Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity.
Lisa Padilla, Chair of the Hispanic/Latino Employee Resource Group
Your name and title at Cook Children’s along with any accolades or accomplishments you may want to share.
Lisa Padilla, MA, CHWI, Director of Member Experience at Cook Children’s Health Plan.
Why is an Employee Resource Group important for our employees?
The ERG will provide opportunities to engage, support and advocate for Latinos at the organization and communities we serve.
Why did you decide to be a chair / co-chair for your ERG?
I am so happy to be involved in the inaugural Latino ERGs at Cook Children’s. It is important to me as a leader and employee that our organization has taken this step toward equity.
What does inclusivity, diversity and equity mean to you?
What it looks like to me is creating a supportive system where ember/patients can trust the organization to act on their interests. It also means that member/patients look and sound like staff at the organization.
What would you say to allies who may not identify directly with the ERG but may resonate with this group or want to find ways to be supportive?
I would say, “Let’s work together to create a shared vision of equity for internal and external stakeholders.”
Erica Espinoza, Co-chair of the Hispanic/Latino Employee Resource Group
Your name and title at Cook Children’s along with any accolades or accomplishments you may want to share.
Erica Espinoza, LSSYB (Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certified), Innovation Coordinator, Innovation.
Blue Castle Collaborators Toastmasters Club: 2022-2023 Vice President of Membership, 2023–2024 President- Elect
Why is an Employee Resource Group important for our employees?
I believe it’s important for employees to have a group to turn to that can relate to them in one way or another. Connecting, encouraging, supporting and growing together within a group can create unity and empowerment. These groups can help give individuals a sense of belonging and allow employees to feel seen, heard and understood.
Why did you decide to be a chair / co-chair for your ERG?
Being co-chair for the Hispanic/Latino Employee Resource Group is an honor and privilege. I enjoy helping individuals in my day-to-day life and feel like this opportunity will allow me to help others on a larger scale. I also know that being co-chair will allow me to learn and grow in my own personal and professional development.
What does inclusivity, diversity and equity mean to you?
I’m not an expert and I am still learning, but to me, inclusivity, diversity and equity means giving everyone an opportunity to be seen, heard, understood and valued. I also think IDE means everyone has representation in the room where decisions are being made that may affect them.
What would you say to allies who may not identify directly with an ERG but may resonate with this group or want to find ways to be supportive?
To our allies who want to support the Hispanic/Latino Employee Resource Group (or any of the other Employee Resource Groups), I encourage you to spread the word about our groups, attend our events, and reach out if you have any insights, feedback and expertise you want to share.
Here's how to sign up on ULearn
You can use a QR code on a mobile device that will take you to ULearn. The same QR code is used for all the ERGs.
Or, you can go straight to ULearn. In the search bar, type in “Employee Resource Groups.” (Do not use the acronym ERG.)
1. Click on Employee Resource Group (ERG) Sign Up.
2. Click the blue box labeled Launch.
3. On the next page click Continue.
4. The next page will allow you to click to join any of the ERGs. You'll indicate if you are a part of the specific demographic or if you are joining as an ally or supporter.