W&L Employee Resource Group (ERG) Program
Washington and Lee University's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion affirms that diverse perspectives and backgrounds enhance our community. The University is committed to the recruitment, enrichment, and retention of faculty and staff who embody many experiences, cultures, points of view, interests, and identities. The Provost's Office and Human Resources partner to offer Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that foster the development of meaningful connections, and hopefully a robust sense of community, amongst employees. ERGs have been defined in a variety of ways, and are commonly described as voluntary, employee-led groups, with the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace in line with the mission and values of the institution at which they are employed. While all employees are welcome to participate in all ERGs, ERGs are sometimes also referred to as affinity groups, as they are often shaped by employees who share an affinity or characteristic, such as race, ethnicity, nationality, religious affiliation, sexual orientation and gender identity, or other connections. ERGs are designed to bring employees together in a safe place where conversations can flow freely and everyone can feel comfortable being themselves. They offer interested faculty and staff members the chance to strengthen our University through community building, social activities, professional development, and dialogue.
The University provides structure, guidance and funding to support events and programming for the ERGs. All faculty and staff are invited to participate.
- Alumni: sponsored by Alumni Engagement
- Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander: Lynny Chin and Akiko Konishi
- Black, African American, and the African Diaspora: Courtney Penn and Dayo Abah
- Caregivers: Wendy Rains, Karla Bunn and Emily King
- Disabilities and Chronic Conditions: Kristy Crickenberger, Alex Sutton and Catherine Xia
- Indigenous and Native American Cohort: Kelly Fujiwara
- International / Dual Citizen: Hunter Swanson and Mohamed Kamara
- Latine / Hispanic: Fiorela Prado de Lewis, Heidi Bustos, and Jenny Carlos
- Pride at W&L: Jake Reeves
- Newcomers: Sarah Bowers, sponsored by Human Resources (activities are open to benefit-eligible employees hired within the last three years)
- Veteran: Paul Youngman and Mark Fontenot
- Women: K.T. Vaughan and Drewry Sackett
These ERGs were identified either through current existence or through expressed interest during employee focus groups and interviews. We welcome hearing about your interest in developing a future ERG; please contact Jodi Williams (jwilliams@wlu.edu) and Leslie Wingard Cunningham (lwcunningham@wlu.edu) to discuss.