Employee Networks

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Launched Employee Networks in Fall 2019.

Effective December 1, 2021, this initiative was housed in Human Resources.

Employee Networks (E-Nets), also known as Employee Resource Groups, and Employee Affinity Groups, are voluntary employee-led groups whose memberships are typically based on specific demographic groups. They are dedicated to a diverse and inclusive environment that align with the mission, values, and goals of an organization (Welbourne, Rolf, & Schlachter, 2015, 2017).

The E-Nets are considered to be an integral component of diverse and underrepresented employee recruitment and retention. Although the E-Nets are social-identity specific, they acknowledge and make room for intersectionality while firmly promoting an inclusive campus community. The E-Nets welcome collaborations and partnerships broadly with every member of the campus community, regardless of their social identities.

How to Participate

Participation:
The E-Nets are open to all faculty and staff, full time or part time. It is recommended that employees have social identities that align with the E-Nets they join or have an interest in supporting the goals of the E-Nets.

Leadership:
Each E-Net is led by two co-leaders and also supported by Human Resources and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The team leaders coordinate activities for their respective E-Nets.

The Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee created a list of about a dozen E-Nets with room to grow more, eventually enabling every UW employee to have an opportunity to join an E-Net. In Fall of 2019, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion launched five E-Nets and in the Spring of 2020 added the Women's E-Net.

1. African American and Black E-Net

2. Asian and Pacific Islander E-Net: Dr. Tao Han, Associate Professor, School of Teacher Education, College of Education (Co-Team Leader); Adam Comeau, Aquatics & Risk Management Coordinator, Campus Recreation (Co-Team Leader).

2. Latinx and Hispanic E-Net: Becky Garcia, Internal Auditor, Internal Auditor (Co-Team Leader); Milton Ontiveroz, Communications Specialist, University Public Relations (Co-Team Leaders).

4. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer+ (LGBTQ+) E-Net: Tyler Wolfgang, Gender & Sexuality Program Advisor, Multicultural Affairs (Co-Team Leader), Courtney Titus, Project Coordinator, Sr., Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Co-Team Leader).

5. Native American and Indigenous People E-Net: Reinette Curry, Director, Native American Education, Research, and Cultural Center (Co-Team Leader), Christie Wildcat, Office Associate Sr., Native American Education, Research, and Cultural Center (Co-Team Leader).

6.Women's E-Net: Jennifer Chavez, Director of Enterprise Information Technology Infrastructure and Security, Information Technology (Co-Team Leader); Erin Olsen, Manager of Inclusivity Initiatives, Human Resources (Co-Team Leader).

7. Men's E-Net

8. Working Parents E-Net

9. Advocates for Individuals with Disabilities E-Net

Activities:
The activities are themed around welcoming new employees and connecting with current employees, social engagement, professional development, networking, etc. The goal is to coordinate at least one annual activity for all the E-Nets collectively.

To Join:
To be announced

To Provide Leadership:

If you are interested in providing leadership or starting an Employee Network please contact HR.

Employee Networks Seeking Leadership: