B.U.I.L.D. Members and Allies
(Picture from 2019)

History of B.U.I.L.D.

Red Hatters are able to join employee resource groups (ERGs) - also known as affinity groups - to celebrate our differences and shared experiences. We know we can do more as a community than as individuals. 

• In 2015, a group of Black Red Hatters in IT started meeting on a monthly basis to discuss shared experiences
• During this time the Red Hat ERG framework was implemented, we expanded beyond IT and the group became the first community to be approved
• The founding members came up with the name Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity (B.U.I.L.D)
• We officially launched in July 2017 with Mike Kelly (CIO) as our Executive Sponsor.
• Currently, John Chapman, is our Executive Sponsor.
• Since our inception, we have grown to approximately 450 members and allies

Committees and Accomplishments

We have 5 committees to have achieve our goal to support Red Hat’s ongoing commitment to improving the inclusivity of its workforce.

• Community Outreach
• Social + Member Engagement
• Comms + Creative
• Education + Membership Development
• EmpowerED Student Engagement

Each committee work together to accomplish these projects annually.

• MLK Day of Service
• “We Are Red Hat Week” Activities
• Black History Events
• Social Justice Thought Leadership
• Annual School Supply Drive
• Holiday Cheer Event