The Offices of Equity and Inclusion and Human Resources launched the UMass Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) as of Spring 2020. This initiative will provide UMass staff and faculty with resources for professional development, networking, and mentorship, while also promoting the recruitment, retention, and advancement of employees who are underrepresented in our community. This initiative is one of many ways the University works to invest in our workforce, and make UMass a workplace of choice.
We encourage Supervisors to provide release time to staff members to participate in ERG programming throughout the year.
Please contact a member or members of the steering committees to join the ERGs of your choice.
Employee Resource Groups
UMass Allies for Illness and Disability Access (UMAIDA) Network
Promoting a supportive network and work environment that is inclusive and accessible for all individuals with lived experience of disability, deafness, illness (chronic and mental), injury, neurodiversity and their allies. The group also focuses on ways to support the recruitment, retention, professional development and career advancement of employees with disabilities.
Steering Committee: Michele Cooke (Professor and Graduate Program Director, Geosciences); Samm Delorey, CPACC, IT Digital Accessibility and Assistive Technology Specialist; Marcie Savoie (Instructional Designer & Educational Technologist (Faculty Support Coordinator); Melinda LeLacheur, Compliance Program Coordinator, Research Compliance and Support Services.
UMass Faculty and Staff of Color Network
Fostering connections and developing community for employees from underrepresented groups at UMass Amherst, and promoting an inclusive work environment.
Steering Committee: Erika Dawson-Head (Director of Diversity and Inclusive Community Development, College of Information and Computer Sciences, Sid Ferreira (Special Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life).
UMass International Staff/Faculty Network
Building connections, assisting in the transition to the University, and promoting a community and working environment for both new arrivals and long-time residents of the U.S., that is both welcoming and nurturing.
Please visit the ISF website below for a list of Steering Committee members and more information and resources.
Visit the International Staff and Faculty ERG Website
UMass LGBTQIA+ Network
Cultivating a more welcoming and respectful campus community for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual individuals and their allies, with a primary focus on the retention, advancement, and edification of UMass Amherst staff and faculty.
Steering Committee: Bradley Bennett (Associate Dean for Finance & Administration, Isenberg School of Management), Anne Moore (Libraries), and Crystal Nieves (Assistant Director, Stonewall)
UMass Veterans Network
Working to make UMass Amherst a workplace of choice for veterans, reservists, and guardsmen, while fostering a community to support and encourage networking, career development, and mentorship.
Steering Committee: Candace Berrena (Talent Acquisition Consultant, Human Resources) and Matt Bachmann (Director, Student Veteran Resource Center).
University Women's Network
University Women’s Network (UWN) is a longstanding organization on the UMass Amherst campus that dedicates itself to promoting the personal and professional development of its members by networking, educating and supporting, and also collaborating with other campus organizations throughout the state, such as Massachusetts Women in Public Higher Education (MWPHE). Established in 1981 by then Vice Chancellor of University Relations, Deirdre Ling, UWN has maintained a tradition of support and encouragement for all University women in their endeavors and aspirations for over 40 years.
Glenda Pons (Chair/Budget); Laurie Banas (Charity & Special Events Coordinator), Jennifer Bennett (Co-Chair/membership coordinator), Lisa Groth (Co-Chair/membership coordinator), Pamela Lester(Marketing Coordinator), Nathalie McCormick (Secretary), Karen Ayotte(Fellowship Coordinator), Racquel Kirpan (Fellowship Coordinator)
