BY RAY SCIPPA
The Founders:
Black Employee Network created the model 30 years ago
The Black Employee Network (BEN), traces its roots back 30 years to when it began as The Network Group (TNG). Laying the foundation for all affinity groups to come, the Black Employee Network has constructed an enduring legacy of providing opportunities for personal and professional development and giving back to the community.
“There’s a certain culture about corporate America. When you’re first generation, you don’t know the norms, the rituals, the taboos to watch out for,” said Craig Ellis, a ConocoPhillips finance manager and former network president. “These affinity groups provide a way to interact and for people to show you the way and make you feel comfortable, especially early in your career.”
Ellis was one of several past and present leaders and TNG founders who discussed the group’s rich history and legacy in a short film that premiered at the BEN 30th Anniversary Gala on Nov. 4.
“We want to make sure the Black Employee Network is open to all employees, open to all different ethnicities, ages and interests,” said Maalika Moore-Thomas, senior coordinator, Supply Chain Transactional Excellence. “We hope to make sure we’re encouraging contributions from every different type of individual.”
“The network encouraged me not just to do my best,” said Senior Analyst Ron Julun, a TNG founding member, “but to do better than best.” Julun was recognized in 2008 with a ConocoPhillips Lifetime Achievement Award for more than 20 years of mentoring college students, coordinating community programs and participating in company-sponsored charitable activities.
Under the direction of current BEN president Don Williams and the BEN board, the 30th anniversary celebrations included a November 1 panel discussion entitled Inclusion: Network Groups 30 Years Later. The discussion featured founding members of several ConocoPhillips affinity networks, including representatives from the BEN, Patriot, Parents, Global Support Staff and Women’s Networks.
