Use Case
ERG and DEI coffee chat programs that create real cross-company connections
Employee Resource Groups are only as strong as the connections they build. CoffeeChats.ai helps ERGs run structured 1:1 matching programs that connect members with executive allies, senior mentors, and peers across the organization, not just within the ERG itself.
76%
Of ERG members want more senior connections
2x
Promotion rate for ERG members with exec allies
43%
Of ERGs cite low engagement as their top challenge
Privacy-first
No demographic data exposed in introductions
Many ERGs have strong programming but struggle with one critical gap: connecting members to the broader organization in ways that advance careers. A women in tech ERG that only connects women to other women misses half the opportunity. CoffeeChats.ai enables ERGs to run ally matching, executive sponsor introductions, and cross-ERG programs that build genuinely inclusive networks.
We take privacy seriously in these programs. Members control what they share. Demographic information is used only to inform matching criteria that members explicitly opt into, never exposed in ways that could create discomfort or bias.
How CoffeeChats.ai handles dei and erg programs
- 1
Configure your ERG's matching goals: peer support within the group, mentor matching with senior employees, ally matching with supporters outside the ERG, or executive sponsor introductions.
- 2
Members complete a brief profile indicating their role, career goals, and what kind of connection they're looking for. No sensitive demographic data is required in the profile.
- 3
CoffeeChats.ai generates match recommendations based on role, seniority, stated goals, and career interests. Admins review and confirm before introductions are sent.
- 4
Introduction messages are sent via Slack or email with context about why the pair was matched and suggested conversation topics relevant to the program's goals.
- 5
Post-session feedback is collected privately and used to improve future matches and demonstrate program impact to leadership.
What you get
Cross-ERG matching
Connect members of different ERGs for cross-cultural conversations and alliance-building between communities.
Executive ally programs
Pair ERG members with senior leaders who have expressed interest in being allies, creating visible sponsorship relationships.
Privacy controls built in
Members opt into matching criteria themselves. No sensitive information is shared in introduction messages without member consent.
Separate programs per ERG
Each ERG can run its own program with distinct matching logic, cadence, and participant pool, managed from a shared admin dashboard.
Measurable DEI impact
Track cross-group connection rates and participation by ERG to show DEI program outcomes in terms leadership understands.
Remote and hybrid inclusive
Works across locations and time zones. Geographic matching options ensure remote employees aren't excluded from programs.
"Our LGBTQ+ ERG used to run in-person events that excluded remote employees entirely. CoffeeChats.ai let us launch a virtual coffee chat program that now has 3x more active participants than our in-person events ever did."
Jordan Hayes
ERG Lead, Global Technology Company
Frequently asked questions
Can we run ally programs where non-ERG members participate?
Yes. You can configure programs where ERG members are matched with senior allies or supporters from the broader employee population. Allies register separately and are matched based on stated interests.
How do we protect member privacy?
Matching criteria are configured by admins and opted into by members. Introduction messages contain only what members have agreed to share. Sensitive information is never exposed in automated communications.
Can we run executive sponsor matching specifically?
Yes. Executive sponsorship programs are a specific configuration where ERG members are matched with senior leaders who have signed up as sponsors. You control the ratio and frequency.
Do we need one CoffeeChats.ai account per ERG?
No. One account supports multiple ERGs as separate programs, each with their own matching rules, member pools, and reporting dashboards.
Can we show DEI impact data to our CHRO?
Yes. The analytics dashboard includes cross-group connection rates, participation by program, and qualitative feedback scores. You can export reports for leadership reviews.
Related use cases
Ready to start?
Launch your dei and erg programs program this week.
CoffeeChats.ai handles the matching, introductions, scheduling, and follow-up. You get the results without the manual work. Most programs are live within one week.