Inclusive Excellence Employee Resource Groups (IEERGs)
Diverse, equitable, and inclusive practice is vital for WPI’s ability to grow and innovate in a fast-changing environment. To help drive change in these areas, WPI is forming employee-led, self-directed voluntary Inclusive Excellence Employee Resource Groups—great minds at work.
IEERGs offer opportunities for employees to network internally, to provide the inclusion of ideas and solutions, and to create opportunities for mentoring and career development. These groups highlight WPI’s commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across campus and to supporting employees’ professional development. IEERGs help attract a diverse employee base and further tap the extraordinary resources and talents of WPI’s employees.
WPI seeks to build groups in these IEERGs affinity areas:
- Women in STEM
- Veterans/Military
- Young Professionals
- LGBTQIAP+
- Working Parents/Guardians
- Social Justice
- Cognitive and Physical Challenges
- Expatriates
Objectives for IEERGs
- Create communities across WPI that align with the institution’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Create connections with others, share knowledge, raise and build cohesiveness
- Collaborate with colleagues to support personal growth and professional development
- Share best practices and learnings with other IEERGs across the campus and externally
Available Inclusive Excellence Resource Groups
Men of Color Coalition
Mission Statement
The Men of Color Coalition (MoCC) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a community dedicated to nurturing a sense of belonging and facilitating growth among men of color.
Our mission is to cultivate a supportive environment that fosters positive outcomes and experiences. MoCC strives to raise campus awareness and advocate for issues pertaining to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We actively work towards strengthening community bonds, reducing discrimination, and bolstering feelings of empowerment. Additionally, we aim to increase confidence in self-advocacy, improve retention rates, enhance job satisfaction, and promote professional development and growth among men of color faculty and staff at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Focus
Serve as a platform for the coalition to openly address and discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion issues specifically relevant to Men of Color; Facilitate academic excellence, as well as professional and personal development, within the Men of Color faculty and staff community at Worcester Polytechnic Institute; and Inspire coalition members to actively engage in the ongoing development and pursuit of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) goals outlined in Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Sustainable Inclusive Excellence Action (SIE) Plan.
Contact
Email: kcummings@wpi.edu
Accessibility Network
Mission Statement
- The Disability IEERG serves as a resource for employees to increase awareness, share ideas, news, and resources on disability topics.
- The Disability IEERG provides an opportunity to develop strong relationships and create a positive work environment for all employees whose lives have been impacted by disability.
- The Disability IEERG supports WPI’s commitment to diversity and inclusion to foster a welcoming, accessible, and supportive environment to the WPI Community through the exploration of topics of employment and workplace issues facing employees with disabilities.
Focus
Serve as a resource or voice to address accessibility issues or concerns in the workplace; Increase awareness of accessibility and importance of a more inclusive and accessible work environment; and Collaborative and interactive space to discuss common topics of interest on accessibility and assess current and future needs of employees.
Contact
Roxanne Gardner
Emaıl: rgardner@wpı.edu
Shades of Strength Society
Mission Statement
Shades of Strength Society (S-Cube) seeks to empower and elevate faculty and staff women of color at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Our mission is to cultivate a supportive community where women of color can thrive, celebrate their diversity, amplify their voices, and champion their collective advancement in all aspects of life. Through fostering connections, inclusivity, and opportunities, we aim to break barriers, inspire change, and forge a path towards equity and excellence for women of color at WPI.
Focus
Promote Professional Development:
S-Cube aims to provide resources and mentorship opportunities tailored to the unique experiences and challenges faced by women of color in the workplace. This includes hosting skill-building sessions, networking events that empower faculty and staff women of color at WPI members to excel in their careers and pursue leadership roles.
Drive Awareness and Advocacy:
S-Cube will raise awareness about issues affecting women of color both within WPI and society at large. By organizing educational sessions, cultural celebrations, and awareness campaigns, members can promote understanding, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for social justice. Moreover, the group aims to collaborate with other institutional DEIB-focused initiatives to amplify marginalized voices and drive meaningful change within the organization and beyond.
Foster Inclusivity and Support:
S-Cube seeks to create a welcoming and supportive community where women of color feel valued, understood, and respected. Through regular meetings, discussion forums, and events, members can connect with peers, share experiences, and offer mutual support.
Contact
Email: bgwann@wpi.edu
Great Minds at Work...
Best practices in higher education institutions indicate that when these groups are established, employees become more engaged in identifying ways to leverage diversity and increase inclusion and equity across the organization. The groups will have the flexibility and autonomy to operate independently to create a vision and follow through according to the group’s decisions.