At New Relic, we've always believed in the power of professional development and the importance of creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. For years, attending conferences has been a cornerstone of our diversity, equity, and inclusion program. These events help us connect with diverse talent, offer our employees professional growth, and provide valuable networking opportunities.
This year, we wanted to do more. We listened to feedback from our employees and, in response to their needs and rising conference costs, we created our own internal development conference. This allowed us to build a unique event tailored specifically to the needs of our team members, or "Relics" as we call them, within our own company offices.
In June, we launched our first internal professional development conference, NRISE. The name stands for New Relic Inclusion, Social Interactions, and Engagement, which perfectly captures its purpose. This conference was designed to help our employees enhance their professional and leadership skills, foster a stronger sense of belonging, and reinforce how their work contributes to New Relic's success.
While NRISE was open to all employees, we saw a powerful impact on the women in our company, especially given the challenges women often face in the male-dominated tech industry. The conference created a space where women felt seen and heard, as highlighted by Tamara McManus, Senior Director of Deal Management and Operations,
“I left NRISE feeling truly energized and enthusiastic about the connections made with fellow colleagues. The event prioritized belonging and values, making it clear that the content was designed to engage those of us who are often marginalized. As a woman in tech, it's easy to feel like the minority, but at this conference, I felt seen and heard. It was an inspiring experience, and I highly recommend attending.”
NRISE is a testament to our ongoing commitment to fostering a workplace where every employee can reach their full potential. We understand that our people are our greatest asset, and by investing in their professional growth, we are building a stronger, more dynamic company for everyone.
The connections made and the knowledge shared at NRISE will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on our teams and culture. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to creating an environment where everyone can thrive. When we all come together and NRISE, we truly raise the bar for our entire company.