In honor of Black History Month, the Communications Department is partnering with The Collective, Webcor's Black employee resource group (ERG, open to ALL Webcorians), to share CONNECT articles that highlight their members, activities, and goals for 2026.
"If I make one mistake, everyone who looks like me will be judged based on my failure."
"Are people wondering if I got this job because they needed to hire a Black person?"
"I can't sound like a victim, even if I have a valid reason."
"Do I really belong here?"
Nearly three decades into Chris Jones' career, these internal battles haven't quieted. Despite his exemplary safety resume—which includes being named Webcor's corporate safety director after an intense months-long search—he can't help but feel a relentless pressure to prove himself.
Since joining Webcor last September, however, Chris is beginning to feel a little lighter. Within days of starting his new role, he joined The Collective, our Black ERG led by HR Specialist Dante Robinson, Outreach and Partnerships Manager Sharla Sullivan, and Assistant Quality Manager Melanie Walker.
"Having a space at work where I can connect with those who share my background is refreshing," he says. "The Collective gives me hope and a space for important conversations around shared struggles and experiences."
For Chris, simply having the option to join an ERG was a new concept—none of the companies for which he'd previously worked had supported them.
Connecting With The Collective’s Allies
Before he’d even joined The Collective—or Webcor, for that matter—Chris was drawn to the strong sense of allyship within the group.
While interviewing for his current role, Chris spoke to one of The Collective’s original ally members: Sr. Director, Insurance and Risk Management Andy Stoelting, who gave Chris an overview of the ERG and encouraged him to get involved if he joined Webcor.
Listening to Andy speak so highly of The Collective, as well as to the fervent support of other Collective allies in meetings he’s attended since, has ignited a new sense of optimism in Chris.
“Truthfully, I’m shocked to see this level of support,” he says. “Knowing I have like-minded coworkers intent on making Webcor a better place to work for ALL has been extremely rewarding.
“Our conversations have the power to heal those mental battles that have followed me my entire career. Because of The Collective, I’m finally hopeful that I can overcome them.”
He’s just getting started, but already, his experience has affirmed that Webcor’s exactly where he needs to be. The company’s support of ERGs has fueled his motivation to not only lead as impactfully as he can, but to promote Webcor as an exceptional place to work.
“Although there’s no ‘perfect’ company, to me, Webcor’s ERGs put it one step closer to perfection,” he says. “The freedom, focus on real conversations/issues, and sense of community from The Collective have made my ERG experience more impactful than I ever expected.”
Cultivating a More Inclusive Culture With The Collective
Now that he’s settled into Webcor, Chris is eager to help put the group’s long-term plans into action.
“I want to partner with our executive leaders on The Collective’s initiatives and share our vision with them,” he says. “I also want to keep building meaningful relationships with Webcorians—nothing combats assumptions and judgment like genuine connection.”
Chris knows he’s not alone in his determination to effect transformative change at Webcor. He’s continually inspired by his fellow Collective members and leaders—particularly Dante, who’s led the majority of The Collective’s meetings since Chris joined.
“I’d like to publicly give Dante his ‘flowers,’” he says. “He’s done an excellent job at leading, managing, and representing The Collective. I look forward to partnering with him and the rest of the group on fostering a more inclusive culture at Webcor!”
