We want to start this column about creating a diverse and welcoming environment at Mendoza by thanking the many of you who have devoted a lot of time and hard work to the effort. In the past year, we’ve been able to offer many workshops, listening sessions and surveys, partnerships with outside organizations and across campus, and even a new case competition devoted solely to DE&I. Together, these combined efforts speak to the importance we all place on recognizing the strength of a diverse College community.
In this column, we want to highlight a particular DE&I initiative at the University that Mendoza has been an integral part of – the Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). ERGs are formal groups sponsored by Human Resources created to support networking and social outlets for specific groups of employees, their family members and allies. They also assist the University with recruitment, retention and educational activities. Their intention is to serve as a kind of gathering point for people who share common interests or concerns, and to strengthen a sense of belonging and community.
There are currently eight ERGs on campus: Adelante Hispanos, Black Faculty and Staff Association, Association of Faculty and Staff of Chinese Heritage (FSCH), Notre Dame Staff of International Descent (NDSID), Notre Dame Veterans Association, Spectrum LGBTQ+ & Ally, THRIVE! Inspiring ND Women, and Young Leaders. This month, the University will launch a ninth ERG for individuals with disabilities.
Of these nine ERGs, Mendoza staff members are leading the efforts across three ERGs and several other staff members are actively involved:
- Christopher Hillak is a member of the steering committee for Spectrum LGBTQ+ & Ally, which aims to create an open and safe space for LGBTQ+ staff to meet, share fellowship and join in the work to create an inclusive culture of acceptance, dignity and respect for all LGBTQ+ persons at Notre Dame.
- Kara Palmer is the president of Thrive! Inspiring ND Women, which is the largest ERG on campus and focuses on increasing opportunities for women to be recruited, retained and advanced as leaders at the University of Notre Dame. Lindsey McIntyre serves as the chair on the Mentoring committee for Thrive! and the following staff also serve as committee members working to advance the mission of the ERG to include Jessica Noffsinger, Lisa Michaels, Cathi Kennedy and Janel Zakrzewski-Kuntz.
- Rob Kelly is the executive sponsor of a new ERG devoted to supporting individuals with disabilities. (Read more about Rob’s involvement in this NDWorks story.) Rob welcomes anyone who wants to know more or get involved in the IWD ERG to reach out to him directly.
- Phil Drendall is on the membership committee for Young Leaders of Notre Dame.
We encourage all Mendoza faculty and staff to learn more and get involved with the ERGs, either to support you in your specific needs or to provide support to others who may be facing challenges that you have already experienced and have some insights to offer. The groups also can be important sources for networking, professional development and career advancement, and overall enrich your personal and professional journey as part of this great University.
As Dean Cremers has said, “As a community that recognizes every person’s intrinsic human dignity, it is incumbent on us to contribute to the flourishing of each individual and to contribute to our community, recognizing our reciprocal responsibilities and supporting one another. A spirit of diversity, equity and inclusion reflects this fundamental belief and underlies all that we do.”
We are a stronger community when we recognize and celebrate diversity, and draw together to support each other in our differing aspirations and needs.
Gratefully,
Kara Palmer
Senior Director of Administration and Program Management
Senior Director of Administration and Program Management
Rob Kelly
Senior Director of Operations
Senior Director of Operations