At Upside, we know that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are not just values to uphold—they are drivers of innovation, growth, and community. One of the most powerful ways this comes to life is through our employee resource groups (ERGs). Unidos, our ERG for Latin and Hispanic team members and allies, fosters an environment where people who identify as Latino/a/x/e or Hispanic can thrive and make a lasting impact on both our company and our community.

How Unidos positively impacts Upside

Bringing the Spanish-language version of the Upside app to life

One of Unidos’ most transformative contributions has been their leadership in bringing a Spanish-language version of the Upside app to life. What started as a vision when Unidos was founded became a reality through dedicated effort, leadership engagement, and hands-on collaboration.

From hosting a fireside chat with engineering leadership to help define what a Spanish-language version of the app should include, to raising the idea in company-wide forums and leadership discussions, Unidos helped turn the vision into reality. Members provided expertise on Spanish dialect selection—ultimately ensuring a culturally relevant Latin American (LATAM) version—and helped review every line of text in the app to make sure it was accurate, natural, and true to how native speakers communicate.

As Nika Schrauf, Manager, Revenue Operations, shared, “The Spanish App has to be our proudest accomplishment…knowing we were able to make a positive impact has been so incredibly rewarding. Our Hispanic community here in the U.S. will now be able to enjoy the cash back benefits we offer in their own language.”

This initiative not only opened Upside to new users and markets, but also became a meaningful way to reflect our employees’ heritage and voices directly in our product.

“Unidos helped bring the Spanish-language version of the Upside app to life—working hand-in-hand with product and engineering to shape features, guide dialect choices, and ensure accuracy. They set a new benchmark for how ERGs can create both cultural and business impact,” said Rick McPhee, executive sponsor and Upside CIO.

Shaping Upside’s culture & creating community

Beyond its business impact, Unidos has shaped Upside’s culture in lasting ways. Since its formation, the group has created space for connection through monthly member and ally meetings that blend leadership updates, cultural discussions, and open conversation.

Unidos hosts vibrant celebrations during Hispanic Heritage Month, from spotlighting national leaders like Dolores Huerta and Sonia Sotomayor, to office-wide lunches catered by Latinx-owned restaurants, to music, trivia, and recipe swaps. These events not only highlight cultural richness but also spark conversations that build awareness across the company.

The group also steps up in times of need—organizing fundraisers for affected families after natural disasters, sharing mental health resources tailored for the Latinx community, and providing space for employees to connect and support one another.

For many, this sense of belonging has been transformative. “Being able to connect with other members of the Upside team who shared similar experiences and cultural backgrounds was a game changer and really helped me feel at home,” said Denisse Mejia, Senior Benefits Manager.

Evolving from affinity group to an employee resource group 

Unidos’ journey has been one of growth. What began as a grassroots affinity group has developed into a formal ERG with a charter, co-leads, executive sponsors, and regular programming. This evolution has not only provided structure but also set a standard for other ERGs at Upside. 

As Jose Rubiani, Senior Technical Project Manager, shared, “It’s been encouraging to see other ERGs iterate on what we’ve done and continue to make Upside’s culture strong.”

Looking ahead: Unidos as a model for partnership

Unidos continues to set the benchmark for how ERGs can influence both culture and business. From helping leadership strike an authentic tone when addressing Hispanic and Latin issues, to envisioning partnerships with local Latin-owned businesses, the group is constantly pushing forward.

Looking to the future, Unidos’ leaders hope to further elevate their external presence—showcasing Upside’s commitment to belonging not only inside our walls but also in the communities we serve.

Upside 🤝 Unidos

At Upside, we believe groups like Unidos show the powerful role employees can play in shaping our products, culture, and strategy. From helping bring the Spanish-language version of the Upside app to life, to building community across teams, to evolving into a model employee resource group, Unidos reflects our shared commitment to diversity, inclusion, and creating pathways where every team member can thrive.

Stay tuned to the Upside blog for more stories from our ERGs, insights into our business successes, and updates on the Spanish-language app launch. Together, we’re building a workplace—and a future—that works better for everyone.