Employee Resource Groups

Employee Resource Groups provide opportunities for faculty and staff to engage in networking and professional development activities to foster connection and community at Suffolk University. Currently, 9% of the Suffolk workforce is engaged in one or more employee resource group.

Affinity@Suffolk  

There are twelve fully-formed groups with more to come. Each group is lead by employees, called Influencers, who receive leadership and professional development training during their tenure. We are excited to invite the entire campus community to participate in member events throughout the year.

Employee Resource Groups have a significant impact on employee morale, allowing for employees to gather around shared interests, network, and advance their careers.

Affinity@Suffolk groups will strengthen our community experience by supporting the development and retention of our diverse workforce, celebrating cultural awareness, and allowing for authentic engagement across campus.

To join an existing group, request a new group or to begin a conversation, please fill out the Affinity@Suffolk Employee Resource Group Interest Form.

Connect with an Employee Resource Group

  Mission Statement Influencers
Asian Faculty & Staff
 To strengthen faculty and staff who identify as Asians so that they can embody the vision statement of Suffolk University.

Micky Lee

Leah Grinvald
Black Faculty/Staff
 To serve as a resource to the university to positively influence the environment, to ensure professional development of all Black Faculty and Staff and to assist the university in achieving its diversity and inclusion plan.

Jennifer Blakely

Jessica Johnson
Fiber Arts
 To serve as a resource to positively influence the environment by allowing one's craft to be enjoyed amongst colleagues, to allow a space for participants to engage in self-care, to meet new people and learn new skills.

Julia Howington

 
Moms Making It Work
 To serve as a resource to the organization to prepare women for the addition of a child to their family, to support women in their return to the workplace after a period of leave and in the years that follow.

Harpreet Kaur
Religious Dialogue
 To serve as a place to create new relationships and build a community at Suffolk based on a common interest in developing greater knowledge, understanding, appreciation and respect for the variety of religious secular and spiritual orientations.

Sheila McGarey

Amy Fisher

S.A.G.A. Sexuality And Gender Alliance
To create a positive and inclusive environment for all Suffolk employees, around sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression through education, networking and workplace collaboration.

Cam Breither

Michael Dello Iacono
SU Network
 To promote the heritage of each Hispanic or Latinx ethnicity by sharing of each culture and through educational opportunities, cultural events, and social gatherings. Ximena Ojopi San Martin

 
Suffolk Sisters of Color
 To promote diversity and inclusion, as well as employees’ professional development, serve as a resource to members, offer opportunities to network internally, and to create opportunities for mentoring and career development.

Jenny Joseph-Hayle

Bea Patino
Whole Health Team
To provide Suffolk employees with a network of individuals who aspire to live a healthy and mindful life. The Whole Health Team is dedicated to supporting and promoting a healthy lifestyle and to include individuals of all abilities, and fitness levels.

Valentina Joseph

David Demosthenes
Women's Network
To serve as a resource to positively influence the Suffolk workplace environment, to ensure personal and professional development, and advocacy for all women.

Marian Sales

Stephannie Barboza
Young Professionals
 To help empower employees who are early in their careers to develop their skills, build important and lasting relationships within their network, and reach their full potential.

Jamie Murnane

Margaret Wakelee

Group Development

During an Affinity@Suffolk initial meeting, a representative from Diversity, Access, and Inclusion will be present to assist with the formation of group charters and to respond to questions. A group leader will be provided with tools and support for facilitating group meetings and future events. Group leaders should enlist the support of a university sponsor in the form of an administrator on campus. University administration endorses the creation of Affinity@Suffolk groups and will show their commitment through their involvement in the program at all levels. For the initial group meeting, Diversity, Access, and Inclusion will supply up to $250 for refreshments and/or supplies.

Recommended Activities

Affinity@Suffolk Groups are encouraged to meet monthly to maintain connection among group members. Groups are also encouraged to meet to foster community, share professional expertise and resources, and to help promote recruitment and retention of employees. Funding may be requested for webinars, workshops, speakers, or activities that enhance group engagement. Activities may include:

  • Networking Opportunities / Roundtable Discussions
  • Conferences and Professional Development Events
  • Cultural Celebrations and Opportunities to Share Perspective and Voice
  • Mentoring and Coaching
  • Speakers Series
  • Employee Recruitment and Retention Events and
  • Much More!