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A new group launching next week aims to support the professional development of women at Queen’s.

A partnership between Human Resources and the Equity Office, the employee resource group (ERG) for women will create a forum for staff and faculty from across the university to discuss issues that are important to them.

“We are excited to introduce the first employee resource group at Queen’s,” says Mary Elms, Manager, Organizational Development and Learning, Human Resources. “This is a positive and progressive development for Queen’s that will empower employees and help the university recruit and retain top talent from equity seeking groups.”

The employee resource group will:

• Enhance professional development resources and opportunities for women
• Give women a channel for voicing their concerns and ideas for improving the workplace
• Foster innovative mentoring opportunities

“The employee resource group for women supports the university’s commitment to ensuring employees have an equal opportunity to develop in their careers at Queen’s,” says Irène Bujara, Director, Equity and Human Rights Offices. “Even though the first ERG is focused on women, this is a diverse group and we anticipate representation from different equity seeking groups as well, paving the way for additional ERGs in the future.”

The inaugural meeting of the group will occur in Wallace Hall (John Deutsch University Centre) on Friday, Nov. 14 from noon until 1:30 pm with lunch provided. Dr. Yolande Chan, Associate Vice-Principal (Research), will serve as the guest speaker following introductory remarks by Principal Daniel Woolf. After the speeches, attendees will get together in small groups to discuss the next steps for the ERG.

“Grassroots efforts are essential to the success of employee resource groups,” Ms. Elms says. “Members determine what issues they want to tackle or where they want to advocate based on their interests and experiences.”

Fixtures in companies and post-secondary institutions in the United States, employee resource groups are a recent development north of the border. Ms. Elms believes Queen’s is only the second Canadian university to establish an employee resource group on campus.

People who plan to attend the first meeting can RSVP by email. The Equity Office asks that you indicate in your RSVP if you require an accommodation or if you have any dietary restrictions.