Chrystal Boza, senior network clinical program manager, and Emerging Blue Talent chair, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island

This blog post is the third in a series highlighting BCBSRI’s employee business resource groups, also known as EBRGs, which are employee networks structured around non-majority dimensions of diversity. Dimensions of diversity are traits that impact a person at home, work and in society. Examples include gender, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, age or physical ability. While EBRGs are usually composed of employees with a shared dimension of diversity, all interested employees are welcome to participate. BCBSRI recognizes the importance of EBRGs and their place within the organization. We currently have six active EBRGs: Emerging Blue Talent, Latin@Link, Blue pRIde, Military Services EBRG, Parents@Work, and Black Council @ Blue.

Although small in size, Rhode Island is a bustling academic hub with 12 colleges and universities including two research universities, a community college and a school of art. As graduation season continues, we celebrate college graduates as they step into their new roles as young professionals in the workplace. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is committed to providing a supportive and motivating workplace, and recognizes the importance of welcoming young professionals. Our EBRG, Emerging Blue Talent, works to encourage and develop ideas, talent and contributions from professionals under the age of 40, who make up nearly 50 percent of our organization.

Founded in 2015, Emerging Blue Talent facilitates growth and encourages engagement in young professionals while acting as a think tank for corporate initiatives. The group provides the opportunity for employees of all ages to come together and share their experiences in leadership, collaboration, networking and all aspects of professional development.

During the council’s bi-monthly meetings, our leadership team discusses the best and most successful practices for offering developmental advice to young professionals while upholding each of BCBSRI’s core values of collaboration, accountability, respect and integrity. Our events give industry leaders and thinkers from different branches within the organization the opportunity to connect on interesting conversations and learning opportunities.

One of Emerging Blue Talent’s ongoing accomplishments is the Lunch with Leaders series: a Q&A panel discussion held quarterly that explores the qualities and definitions of leadership while introducing young professionals to different management opportunities within BCBSRI.

To promote public speaking skills, Emerging Blue Talent is launching a regular workshop where participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere. In addition to improving public speaking, our members can connect, collaborate and share knowledge and experiences through educational forums, professional development and networking events, and targeted civic engagement opportunities. Our ongoing strategic initiatives include after-hours networking events, photo shoots for professional portraits, focus groups, wellness fairs, and volunteer projects at College Visions: a local organization aiding under-served communities in gaining access to educational opportunities.

As countless employers welcome recent graduates into their organizations this spring, we take this opportunity to reflect on the importance of Emerging Blue Talent here at BCBSRI and their commitment to creating a supportive and encouraging atmosphere that positively shapes the future of BCBSRI.