Meet DeepL: Celebrating culture and connection with Roots and Routes

At DeepL, culture is more than heritage; it’s something we live and share everyday. This October, our Roots and Routes employee resource group (ERG) is leading Mosaic Fest, a celebration of the diverse cultures, stories and perspectives that shape our workplace. The program includes a range of activities, from cultural showcases and storytelling, to food, music and panel discussions, giving Deeople the chance to experience and learn from one another’s traditions in meaningful, sensory ways. We sat down with Emilia Gomis and Carolina Alarcón, co-leads of Roots and Routes, to talk about the ERG’s mission, what Mosaic Fest means to them, and how cultural diversity strengthens connections across DeepL.

Could you please both introduce yourselves and share your roles at DeepL?

Bonjour ! ¡Hola! We’re Emilia, Customer Success Manager, and Carolina, Senior Branding Designer. Our roots are in France, with cultural background from Senegal and Bissau-Guinea (Emilia) and Colombia (Carolina). We are proud to co-lead DeepL’s Roots & Routes ERG.

How did the Roots and Routes ERG come about, and what inspired its mission?

The ERG was launched about three years ago as part of DeepL’s BEDI (Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) program, and has grown in members and impact ever since, now counting 115 members. For us at DeepL, diversity isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s fundamental to our identity, both as a platform powered by language, and as a workplace shaped by many cultures. Roots and Routes celebrates this richness. It fosters learning and encourages reflection on the different realities people experience.

What motivated you to take on a leadership role in this ERG?

We co-lead because we share a strong passion for ethnic representation, cultural diversity, and a commitment to critical thinking in everything we do. Ethnic diversity is one of the many joys of being human. We all carry culture, history and identity. Yet too many voices remain underrepresented. By creating spaces where these perspectives are seen, heard and reflected on, we encourage dialogue, learning and thoughtful action.  

Roots and Routes provides exactly that: a safe space where we can share our diverse experiences, have frank conversations and work toward meaningful impact that challenges biases and promotes more inclusive employee practices across the company.

What is Mosaic Fest, and what does the program look like?

Mosaic Fest celebrates the vibrant tapestry of identity, heritage, and our shared place in the world. At DeepL, culture isn’t a distant idea–it lives in every gesture, every conversation, every connection, shaping how we move through the world.

This is a celebration of the many ways we connect through our senses: the colors that catch our eyes, the rhythms that move us, the textures we feel, and the scents and flavors we share. By experiencing culture beyond words, we deepen empathy, build stronger bonds, and create a true sense of belonging.

As we celebrate Mosaic Fest, what key message would you like to share with your colleagues and the broader community?

Carolina: We want to invite our colleagues to see culture as a living, breathing organism, not something that’s distant or passive. Culture is a powerful force that’s present in every gesture, every conversation, every connection, and it shapes how we move through the world.

At Mosaic Fest, we embrace culture as something that grows through stories, food, music, languages, and the different ways we connect with one another.

In your opinion, what makes DeepL a unique and welcoming environment for individuals from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds?

One of the clearest indicators is seeing how colleagues feel comfortable expressing their identities. At DeepL, things like celebrating cultural traditions, providing mentorship and fostering open dialogue create a workplace where everyone feels seen, respected, and able to contribute fully.

Why is advocating for diversity so important to you, both personally and professionally?

Emilia: We were both born and raised in communities that have historically faced barriers to opportunity. Experiencing firsthand the consequences of exclusion and underrepresentation nurtured in us a deep commitment to learn and advocate for belonging, inclusion and equality. 

This resolve continues to guide us, and is present in every aspect of our lives, including the workplace. We believe everyone has a part to play in advocating for, and reaffirming the principles of, equity and inclusion. For us, that work takes shape through the ERG.

Are there any specific initiatives or events during Mosaic Fest that you’re particularly excited about?

Carolina: Honestly, we’re excited about all of the activities! Even though many of them take place online, our strong remote setup lets us engage multiple senses in creative ways — sharing flavors, sounds, and stories across distances to build meaningful connections.

At DeepL, initiatives like Mosaic Fest and communities like Roots and Routes remind us that culture is not static: it’s alive, shared, and evolving. Emilia and Carolina’s leadership shows how diversity strengthens connection, belonging and innovation across our teams.

 Want to be part of this journey? Explore careers at DeepL and discover how you can make an impact.