Ascensus Sponsors Employee Resource Group Program

DRESHER, Pa. - March 1, 2016 - PRLog -- Ascensus, the nation’s largest independent retirement plan and college savings services provider, is a proud sponsor of several employee resource groups in which associates with shared characteristics, life experiences, or interests are offered the opportunity and resources to network.

“In accordance with our Core Values, we strive tofoster a culture of openness and acceptance here at Ascensus,” states Amy Walker, Ascensus’ senior vice president of human resources. “We seek to celebrate the diversity of our associates and embrace new initiatives through which we can do so.”

With these ideals in mind, Ascensus’ Employee Resource Group (“ERG”) Program kicked off in January 2014. The company’s first official group to form—the Cancer Support ERG—remains the largest to date, and is comprised of cancer survivors, caregivers, family, and friends of those affected by all cancer types. On June 27, 2015, group members, their family and friends, and fellow Ascensus associates participated in the Brainerd Big Lakes Susan G. Komen Run/Walk for the Cure. Ascensus was proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the event.

Ascensus’ Work-Life Balance ERG was also formed in early 2014 and has members across several office locations. The group meets on a monthly basis and discusses articles, techniques, and issues relevant to maintaining a healthy balance between career and personal goals. “Overall, the benefits of work-life balance allow individuals to feel in control and get the most out of their lives—both professionally and personally,” explains ERG lead and Ascensus Training Coordinator Timothy Fighera.

The “Lean In” Women in Leadership ERG offers Ascensus’ female leaders the opportunity to discuss their shared challenges and triumphs in their roles. “Our group meets monthly to explore professional topics and exchange personal experiences in an effort to ensure our members are learning together and from each other,” adds Lean In ERG lead and Ascensus’ senior vice president of IT project management, Denise Hilpl. “We expect that this ERG will validate that women in leadership have unique perspectives to be considered, which Ascensus recognizes and fully supports.”

Ascensus’ most recently created ERG, the LGBT Affinity Group, seeks to provide education, resources, and support for associates who are members or allies of the LGBT community. The LGBT ERG provides a safe zone in which open discussion is encouraged within a circle of trust. The group hopes to increase the company’s recognition in the community as a workplace in which individual talents are recognized and valued regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“Ascensus’ ERG program was initially formed with our lead Core Value, People Matter, top of mind. We hope to create opportunities for associates to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to discuss their thoughts, challenges, and passions freely,” states Barbara Galante, Ascensus’ director of human resources. “Several more employee resource groups are expected to develop and grow—our Single Parents ERG should be up and running soon—as our program and diverse associate base continue to evolve. We thank our senior leadership, associates, and current ERG members for their continued support.”

About Ascensus

Ascensus is the largest independent retirement and college savings services provider in the United States, helping over 6 million Americans save for the future. With more than 35 years of experience, the firm partners with financial institutions to offer tailored solutions that meet the needs of financial professionals, employers, and individuals. Ascensus specializes in recordkeeping, administrative, and program management services, supporting over 40,000 retirement plans and over 3.3 million 529 college savings accounts. It also administers more than 1.5 million IRAs and health savings accounts and is home to one of the largest ERISA consulting teams in the country.

For more information about Ascensus, visit www.ascensus.com.

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