How Highmark’s EAST BRG Builds Belonging and Wellness

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What do you think is the key to developing a strong and impactful business resource group such as EAST?

There are various key factors to developing a strong and impactful business group. The few I would call out are: creating a safe, inclusive, and brave space for members to have a sense of belonging and psychological safety; championing professional development by connecting mentors and mentees with similar backgrounds; acknowledging and celebrating the vast celebrations with the EAST demographic (i.e. Ramadan, Diwali, Lunar New Year, AAPI Heritage Month); and providing culturally relevant resources and events for our members (i.e. Title VI and Language Access, CLAS Standards)

How do BRGs support employee mental health? Do you have any specific examples of impact you’ve seen?

Highmark offers various support and resources for employees, where the BRGs remind their members on a recurring basis. In October 2024, EAST BRG partnered with World Affairs Council of Harrisburg (WACH) to host a World Mental Health Day community panel discussion, where experts shared their knowledge and expertise on the impact of the ongoing mental health crisis on immigrant communities in our region. Additionally, in February 2024, Highmark has an Interest Business Group (IRG), solely focused on Mental Wellness, where they spread awareness of resources within the organization and foster a place where employees can learn more about their mental wellbeing and how to support others. They host monthly Coffee and Compassion meetings, discussing various topics from “Nutrition and Mood” to “Self-Care and Boundaries.” In 2025, our BRG partnered with them in planning a “Minority Mental Health Event.” In 2026, our BRG will be co-sponsoring with another BRG in coordinating “Health and Wellness Family Day.”

Tell us some of the partnerships you’ve fostered between EAST and local organizations and why they are important.

In addition to the ones mentioned above, specifically highlighting our local partnerships, there are a couple that we’ve partnered with: Harrisburg AAPI (HAAPI), Church World Services (CWS) of Harrisburg, Sunshine Dance Club. We’ve partnered with these specific organizations of their mission around inclusivity, cultural knowledge and opportunities to volunteer. Partnering with HAAPI, EAST is able to spread awareness to members of local cultural celebrations during Lunar New Year, AAPI Heritage Month and Diwali. With CWS Harrisburg, there are volunteering opportunities, specifically around World Refugee Day or Friendsgiving Day. With Sunshine Dance Club, we’re able to highlight cultural dances (i.e. Lion Dance) to our members during our virtual events. Overall, these partnerships are important to share knowledge and spread awareness of what’s available within our community to our members.

If you were trick-or-treating this Halloween, what treat would you want to get?

Hershey’s Mr. Goodbar or Kit Kat. Those have been my favorites since childhood. And I always have to make a trade with my kids to get one from their trick or treating.

About Wen Tan

Age: 36

Education: B.A in Aeronautical Engineering, M.B.A.

Residence: Hampden Township

Family: Family of 4