Every company has its own unique culture. At Blue Cross, we call it living the “Life at Blue.” It’s a phrase that speaks to how everyday work reinforces a culture built on health, flexibility, growth and collaboration. “Life at Blue” also means that every associate is encouraged and empowered to bring their true, authentic self to work.

A reflection of the rich diversity across Blue Cross’ workforce can be found in the many associate resource groups (ARGs) throughout the company.  ARGs are voluntary, employee-led organizations that foster connections based on common interests or lived experiences. Each ARG has its own distinct  identity and encourages involvement within the many communities that Blue Cross serves.

“Encouraging participation in and utilization of ARGs is one of the many ways our organization strives to create an environment of inclusion and belonging," says Teron Buford, director of diversity equity inclusion and belonging. "While ARGs offer space for associates from diverse communities and their allies to come together, they also provide an opportunity to bond over lived experiences, find support during challenging times, create and sponsor learning opportunities, and celebrate the cultural wealth that exists across the Blue Cross enterprise."

“I am honored to help promote the importance of standing together and advocating as a community to improve our daily life at work,” says Stacy Van Meter, vice president of talent acquisition, employer brand and people analytics and executive chair of the Blue Pride ARG.

Meet the Blue Cross ARGs

African American Professionals Network
The African American Professionals Network (AAPN) promotes respect for personal distinctions and to foster an environment and culture where associates of African descent can achieve their full potential.

Allies of the Military
The Allies of the Military supports associates who serve or have served in the military. They also support their families, recruitment efforts, and the military community.

Asian Circle
The Asian Circle promotes access, respect, inclusiveness and cultural insight to associates through our strong commitment to diversity and support in eliminating health disparities in Asian communities.

Blue Pride
Blue Pride is an ARG for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual associates and their allies (LGBTQIA+). The group aims to be a resource for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and its associates, contributing to the business’ mission, vision, and goals. It also aligns with both our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Racial and Health Equity initiatives.

Caregivers Network
As the Caregivers Network, our mission is to advocate, support, educate and provide resources to caregivers at every stage of their journey.

Christian Associate Resource Group
The Christian Associate Resource Group (CHARG) fosters an environment where Christians can develop and contribute to their full potential while focusing a energy derived from faith to all that they do.

Coalition of Allies
The mission of the Coalition of Allies is to foster an inclusive and anti-racist workplace that celebrates diversity and encourages authenticity. It aligns with the enterprise goals of building a diverse workforce and promoting racial and health equity. The group aims to create a space for associates to learn and develop tools that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), ensuring everyone feels comfortable being their true selves at work.

COMPASS
COMPASS raises awareness, increases understanding and encourages acceptance around mental health. They also focus on eliminating stigmas associated with mental health or substance use challenges.

Constelación Latina
Constelación Latina is for associates who consider themselves Latine/a/o/ Hispanic, their descendants, and their allies. They work to promote awareness of Latine culture and contributions, provides networking and development opportunities for associates, facilitates cultural and linguistic business collaborations to better serve our members, and participates in community outreach activities.

Generations +
Generations+ is dedicated to promoting the advantages of employing individuals who are 50+ years old and challenging the myths that foster discrimination and negative stereotypes. It is committed to providing information to support healthy living and better work experiences for this age group and their allies to support company strategy of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Indigenous Peoples Resource Group
The Indigenous Peoples Resource Group (IPRG) is designed for associates who are Native American, Native Hawaiian, Alaskan Native, their descendants and allies to support the company strategy of diversity and inclusion and provide educational opportunities across the enterprise. IPRG is committed to amplifying the voices of Indigenous peoples across Blue Cross  and helping to educate fellow associates on the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples.

Jewish Associate Resource Group
Jewish ARG is designed to provide a forum for Jewish associates and allies at BCBSMN interested in the Jewish community.  We aim to create discussion and share information related to our identity (practices, culture, and holidays) and community issues. We strive to create partnerships with all other BCBSMN ARGs as we collectively address issues of acceptance and inclusion that affect us all.

Mosaic
Mosaic is committed to advancing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment for associates, members, individuals and families living with disabilities by promoting awareness and understanding, advocating for rights and addressing health in a holistic manner.

Women’s Network
The Women’s Network ARG works to make Blue Cross the best place to work women associates. They provide opportunities to network, grow, learn, create positive change and provide thought leadership to the company. They also explore personal development and discuss and take action on how to remove barriers and glass ceilings to create a more gender and racial balanced workplace and world.

“Being part of (the Blue Cross ARG) Constelación Latina means I can belong and be part of a community in a different way,” says Ana Isabel Gabilondo-Scholz, Constelación Latina co-chair and Blue Cross Center for Prevention senior program evaluator. “It means we have opportunities to bond and share our cultural contributions while also helping to make sure Blue Cross is serving all members in authentic and meaningful ways. I really enjoy being involved with an ARG.”