Minority Employee Resource Group (MERG)

The Minority Employee Resource Group (MERG) was founded in 2022 and we are electrified to be a brand new ERG! Our purpose is to create a sense of belonging including a secure and supportive environment where employees can come together within the workplace. Our goal is to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups and ignite a spark of community for all employees. Here's what the leaders of MERG have to say about the group:

Miylie Roan- HR Generalist

• What interested you in becoming a MERG leader? 

I was interested in becoming a leader because I want to help build a sense of community at Lawline amongst all employees. Working remotely, it can be challenging to build meaningful relationships, and I wanted to play a role in creating a space where everyone feels a sense of belonging. 

• What does being a MERG leader mean to you? 

Being a leader in MERG means embracing diversity. I accept all individuals, regardless of their background, and as a leader, I make a commitment to ensure that all employees feel that same acceptance from me in every interaction. My goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

• What impact are you aspiring to make as a MERG leader? 

My aspiration is to be a positive influence. I aim to be a beacon of hope, where all employees feel comfortable approaching me and opening up without fear of judgment. My objective is to consistently build trust and establish a rapport with all members of the organization,

Joy Payne - Creative Content Producer

• What interested you in becoming a MERG leader? 

I was interested in becoming a MERG leader to help foster connections between the various unique personalities at Lawline. This role also allows me the opportunity to grow and learn how to create safe and educational spaces in the workplace. 

• What does being a MERG leader mean to you? 

To me, being a MERG leader means showing up for myself and others who may not have found their voice. It means, assisting in opening the hearts and minds of those around me and helping to highlight everyone's similarities in order to foster happier environments. 

• What impact are you aspiring to make as a MERG leader? 

As a leader, I hope to truly help everyone at Lawline see the value in being different and celebrating how those differences create a beautiful company portrait. 

Gabby DiSilvio - Program Attorney 

• What interested you in becoming a MERG leader? 

I was interested in learning how I could best support other Lawliners who are part of groups that may not have been recognized or celebrated historically, and to offer my perspectives on workplace practices that take into account the recognition and celebration of special moments for our community. As a new leader, I'm learning that as I offer support, it's also an opportunity for me to be supported by others, too. Sharing stories and ideas has been an excellent means to deepening connections with others, which I value so much.

• What does being a MERG leader mean to you? 

Being a MERG leader means supporting and serving as an ally for those around me, first and foremost. For me, it is important to amplify voices that are different from mine, and to celebrate both the things that make us each unique while recognizing that we are one community (and that there must be space for everyone within that community).   

• What impact are you aspiring to make as a MERG leader? 

As a MERG leader, I aspire to make space for conversations about DEI among the many groups that exist within Lawline's body, and to make our community a kind, open space for questions, for learning, for sharing struggles, and for celebrating who we are.  

Dan Anslow O’Rourke - Senior Video Producer

• What interested you in becoming a MERG leader? 

Since I identify as a gay male and am very open about it, in this industry and this company I felt a strong sense of responsibility in ensuring LGBTQIA+ values and stories be part of the education that MERG provides and encourages. 

• What does being a MERG leader mean to you? 

It means being a voice and representation for the community I come from. It also gives me the opportunity to collaborate and play an instrumental role in the impact MERG has across the company. 

• What impact are you aspiring to make as a MERG leader? 

I value authenticity and consistency, unfortunately I feel a lot of DEI groups are not carried out with either of these in mind. This is something we already have working in our favor that I intend to contribute to the continued success and growth of. I think the more we can all learn and better understand about the various diversity groups out there the more inclusive we can be as not only a company but as human beings.