ERGs Make a Big Company Feel Small: How Rebecca Found Connection Through BPACS.
By: Beau Hombach, Sr. Content Manager
When Rebecca M. joined Schwab just over two years ago, she had a goal from day one: get involved.
“Even before I officially started, I made joining an ERG part of my 90-day onboarding plan,” she says. “I knew I wanted to find connection early on.”
Today, Rebecca is a Manager on Schwab’s Premier Experience Team and a national board member for the Black Professionals at Charles Schwab (BPACS) Employee Resource Group. She also co-chairs national events for BPACS, helping bring meaningful conversations and celebrations to Schwabbies across the country.
But her journey with BPACS has been about more than just coordinating events — it’s also a story about finding belonging and building lasting relationships.
“At Schwab, you don’t feel like you’re just at work doing your job. You feel like you’re part of something bigger.”
Bringing People Together — In and Beyond the Office
Schwab is a big company — with many teams, departments, and locations — but groups like BPACS make it feel more connected.
“BPACS gives you the opportunity to meet people you’d never cross paths with otherwise,” Rebecca explains. “And you don’t have to identify with any specific group to be part of it. Every employee is welcome — whether you're celebrating your culture, showing up as an ally, or just curious to learn.”
BPACS hosts events year-round, including Juneteenth celebrations, Black History Month programming, and health-focused activities like blood drives for sickle cell awareness. Rebecca’s personal favorite? Last year’s “Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance Ensemble. This was a hit event, and multiple sites joined in virtually. There was a lot of singing and dancing, and all tied to the history of music and dance in our culture.”
Rebecca’s role in BPACS has helped her build strong relationships across the company. When her fully remote team needed a volunteer opportunity during their first onsite visit, it was a connection through BPACS that made it happen.
“It helped me find people, but also use skills I might not otherwise get to use in my day-to-day role — like event planning and public speaking.”
More than that, BPACS gives back to the communities Schwabbies live and work in. “We really advocate for financial literacy,” Rebecca says. “Through Moneywise, we’re able to bring that knowledge into our neighborhoods. I’ve led projects during Schwab Volunteer Week where we teach people about financial basics. That’s incredibly rewarding.”
And BPACS doesn’t do it alone. “We regularly team up with other ERGs — like WINS and CS&S — for collaborative events that expand our reach and impact,” she adds. “It’s about learning from each other and showing up for each other.”
Leading With Purpose
For Rebecca, the opportunity to help lead national programming for BPACS has been both empowering and humbling. One of her most memorable moments? Planning the Juneteenth 2023 virtual celebration.
“We pulled together stories, music, and traditions from different regions,” she recalls. “Even being from Texas, where Juneteenth originated, I learned so much. The feedback was overwhelming — people across Schwab shared how powerful the event was.”
“It wasn’t just about celebration. It was educational. It sparked curiosity. And it brought people together.”
That’s the energy Rebecca hopes to continue carrying into the future. BPACS has already hosted the Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance Ensemble, and this year, they’re bringing in the Black History Mobile Museum for employees to tour — both in-person and virtually.
“Every year, we try something new. There’s always more to learn, more stories to tell.”
A Place to Grow and Give Back
Rebecca is quick to clarify that ERGs aren’t about personal gain — they’re about shared experience. “These groups are open to all employees. They don’t give you any sort of advantage,” she says. “What they do give is perspective. They help you feel connected. And when you feel connected, you bring your best self to work.”
“Whether you’re brand new or have been here for years, ERGs give you a place to belong and are open to all Schwab employees.”
For anyone considering joining a group like BPACS, Rebecca offers this advice: show up. Attend one event. Ask questions. Be curious.
“You don’t have to lead anything or even join officially. Just start by being part of the conversation,” she says. “You’ll meet people. You’ll learn something new. And most importantly, you’ll realize you’re not alone.”
Looking Forward
BPACS’s goals for the year ahead are centered around continuing to educate, collaborate, and celebrate. From Black History Month and Juneteenth to community volunteerism and cross-ERG events, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved.
“We’ll always have our core programming,” Rebecca says. “But what keeps it fresh is our desire to keep learning. That’s the heart of what we do.”
“Whether you’re attending a virtual panel or helping with a local event, you’re contributing to something bigger than yourself.”
At Schwab, employee resource groups like BPACS create the space for that kind of contribution — and connection. They’re not just about identity. They’re about inclusion, growth, and community — for everyone who works here.
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