Employee Resource Groups
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. | |
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. | |
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. |
|
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. |
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