Inclusive workplace
Employee Resource Groups leads gather to celebrate
July 21, 2025
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Sophia 鈥淪oJay鈥 Jackson, guest speaker, talks to members of 皇冠体育鈥檚 eight Employee Resource Groups about the connection between self-care and creativity. (Photo by: Eddie Daniels)
The Office of the Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion) (VPCEI) recently celebrated the hard work of the 皇冠体育鈥檚 University Employee Resource Groups leads with a special event hosted by Lavonne Hood, Associate Vice-Principal (Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion).
The celebration featured several guest speakers, including Stephanie Simpson, Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion), entrepreneur Sophia Jackson, and Smith School of Business Career Coach Keith McWhirter.
Connection, Possibility, and Progress
Simpson and Hood emphasized how ERGs play a critical role in facilitating a workplace that is inclusive. This is achieved through giving equity-deserving groups a formal structure within an organization to support their unique needs. ERGs also contribute to community building within an organization and can provide an avenue for all employees to learn more about diverse groups.
The collection of 皇冠体育鈥檚 University Employee Resource Groups include: Indigenous Staff and Faculty Network, 皇冠体育鈥檚 University Association for Queer Employees, 皇冠体育鈥檚 Global Connect, 皇冠体育鈥檚 Military and Veterans Network, 皇冠体育鈥檚 University Muslim Inclusion Network, 皇冠体育鈥檚 Parents and Caregivers Village, 皇冠体育鈥檚 Women鈥檚 Network, and Women in Science at 皇冠体育鈥檚.
Simpson provided updates on the ERG Needs Assessment and Website Review conducted by the Human Rights and Equity Office (HREO) during the 2023/24 academic school year. The assessment found ERGs helped increase employee engagement, retention, and wellness; foster feelings of belonging; provide strategic HR and I-EDIAA (Indigenization 鈥 Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism) advice to Senior Leadership; support more inclusive policies and procedures; and support the recruitment and retention of untapped talent pools, among many other benefits.
Arising from the review were 32 recommendations, including the need for administrative support, which is now given by the Office of the Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion).
鈥淵our contributions bring life and creativity to our workplace,鈥 says Simpson. 鈥淎s we move forward together, let鈥檚 remember that ERGs are more than communities; they represent connection, possibility, and progress. Thank you, ERG leads, for being the driving force behind meaningful change and for inspiring all of us to do better. Let鈥檚 continue to build connections, nurture inclusion, and create positive impact.鈥
Through the VPCEI, ERGs have received coordinated and centralized support including scheduling ERG events, coordinating storage space, and assisting with financial management to website development and revisions or liaising with University Marketing and Communications to coordinate new, accessible logos, among several other duties.
Making connections
The roughly two dozen faculty and staff members in attendance were encouraged to step outside the proverbial box during a portion of the morning session led by guest speaker Sophia 鈥淪oJay鈥 Jackson.
Jackson, a singer and self-care expert, expressed the importance of maintaining one鈥檚 mental health and a willingness to let out their creative inner child.
鈥淚n case you weren't aware why we are here, we're here to reflect, we're here to recharge, and reconnect,鈥 Jackson says.
The afternoon session featured Keith McWhirter of the Smith School of Business, who led the group in a Reciprocity Ring exercise. This activity allows groups to come together, detail specific needs, and find solutions through connections or expertise. It is a way to help, while also building relationships.
Opportunity for Professional Development
Two new ERGs were introduced during the 2024/25 academic school year: 皇冠体育鈥檚 Military and Veterans Network, and 皇冠体育鈥檚 Parents and Caregivers Village.
In addition to the support and connections formed by the groups, ERGs also provide opportunities for faculty and staff to gain professional development. That includes helping to gain project management, budget development, public speaking and committee organization skills. All of which directly transfer to the workplace.
鈥淚 want you to know that each and every one of you play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity, promoting diversity, and creating a sense of belonging here at 皇冠体育鈥檚 and within Kingston,鈥 says Lavonne Hood, Associate Vice-Principal (Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion). 鈥淲hen we talk about belonging, ERGs have the power to connect those on our campus for the first time 鈥 and we have all been there 鈥 with someone else who shares a bonding link. That is how we truly make this campus one that is welcoming to all. Thank you for being part of our ERG community.鈥