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The Office of the Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion) (VPCEI) recently celebrated the hard work of the Queen’s 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 Queen’s University Employee Resource Groups include: Indigenous Staff and Faculty Network, Queen’s University Association for Queer Employees, Queen’s Global Connect, Queen’s Military and Veterans Network, Queen’s University Muslim Inclusion Network, Queen’s Parents and Caregivers Village, Queen’s Women’s Network, and Women in Science at Queen’s.

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 – 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).

“Your contributions bring life and creativity to our workplace,” says Simpson. “As we move forward together, let’s 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’s continue to build connections, nurture inclusion, and create positive impact.”

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 “SoJay” Jackson. 

Jackson, a singer and self-care expert, expressed the importance of maintaining one’s mental health and a willingness to let out their creative inner child. 

“In case you weren't aware why we are here, we're here to reflect, we're here to recharge, and reconnect,” 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: Queen’s Military and Veterans Network, and Queen’s 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.

“I 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 Queen’s and within Kingston,” says Lavonne Hood, Associate Vice-Principal (Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion). “When we talk about belonging, ERGs have the power to connect those on our campus for the first time – and we have all been there – 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.”