Empowering Excellence: The WISE Way

“I often find WISE to be something to hold on to when things become stressful and overwhelming in my daily role...it recenters me and reminds me of the bigger picture at Interwell Health,” shares Kristen DeMaria, a medical records preceptor at Interwell and one of the founders of the employee resource group (ERG) WISE (Women in Search of Excellence).

At Interwell, our ERGs stand as vital pillars in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The WISE ERG is dedicated to creating a supportive community for employees who identify as women and their allies, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Mission and Impact

WISE advocates for the needs and interests of women within Interwell, working with the leadership team to advance our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This advocacy is not just about representation, but about making tangible changes that enhance the professional experience of women employees across the company.

The impact of WISE on its members is profound. DeMaria shared, “I found myself wanting to be more involved. I wanted to be a part of this amazing group of women who are established in their leadership roles.”

For DeMaria and other members, WISE is a place to build a professional network and gain new skills to help achieve their career goals. Members feel a greater sense of belonging and empowerment, attributing their increased confidence and career advancement to the support and opportunities provided by the ERG.

Crafting Connections: From Panel Discussions to Charcuterie Boards

Earlier this year, WISE hosted the "WISE ERG International Women's Day Event” featuring a panel of inspiring Interwell leaders who shared their diverse stories and experiences. The event kicked off Women's History Month and focused on forming connections, showcasing role models, and promoting professional growth and empowerment for women in the workplace. Jessica Demaline, senior vice president of healthcare operations, noted during the panel, “Seeing women in powerful positions can empower others, whether men or women, to strive for similar achievements.”

As one of the panelists, Interwell’s chief marketing officer Kate Dobbs shared her perspective that women play an important role advocating for women’s needs and sharing diverse perspectives that can help drive change and inclusivity in the workplace. “It’s important to have all types of diversity in leadership," said Dobbs. “We need the different perspectives in order to be able to support our patient population and to support our employees.”

WISE members also enjoy casual get-togethers such as "Grazing with WISE," a virtual charcuterie class featuring JG Charcuterie held in celebration of Women's History Month. WISE provided attendees with ingredients to create their own charcuterie boards at home, creating an interactive experience where participants connected over a shared activity while supporting a woman-led business, embodying the ERG’s commitment to celebrating and uplifting women’s achievements.

Creating a WISE Future

Looking forward, WISE plans to expand its programming to include collaborations with other ERGs and networking opportunities that address the evolving needs of women employees. WISE is one of eight ERGs at Interwell that advance our commitment to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging—a key element of our Corporate Social Responsibility framework.