Employee Resource Groups

OHSU seeks to attract, retain, and develop the best talent available, and create an environment that values diversity and inclusion. Our continued success depends on the diverse skills, experiences, and backgrounds that our employees bring to OHSU. To help foster employee growth and development while meeting the needs of a more diverse employee workforce, OHSU supports the formation and ongoing success of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).

What are ERGs?

ERGs are OHSU-sponsored and employee-managed groups, and are comprised of people from underrepresented backgrounds or who share a common background or similar interest, and include their allies. ERGs offer opportunities for employees to learn about and better appreciate others whose backgrounds may be different from their own, and whose goals and policies align with OHSU's diversity goals. ERGs provide opportunities for career development, social support, networking, mentoring and community participation, and help promote cultural awareness and employee engagement.

What groups are available, and how do I connect?

Persons with Disabilities:

We are seeking employees and students who have a desire to form a resource group to address the social, personal and professional interests of individuals with disabilities.

OHSU Pride:

The mission of OHSU Pride is to foster an inclusive environment that promotes LGBTQ wellness, education, research and advocacy within and across OHSU and the community. To learn more, visit the Pride website or e-mail OHSU Pride.

Native American ERG:

The mission of the Native American ERG exists to be a resource throughout OHSU and to community members interested in Native American culture, issues, and health. The Native American ERG uses its resources to provide educational outreach, spread awareness, and promote thoughtful discussion between its members and allies. The group supports American Indians and Alaska Natives to improve and maintain physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual well-being with respect for all cultural traditions and to advocate for all Indian people by leveraging existing resources at OHSU, especially the most vulnerable members of our community.

To learn more, contact Ga-lo Vann, Public Health and Preventive Medicine or Yolonda Salguiero, Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity

Latino Unidos Organization

The mission of the Latino Unido Organization is to provide an opportunity for current OHSU employees, students and volunteers to connect and collaborate across the institution to feel welcomed and valued, in addition to bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to promote diversity and inclusion activities, making visiable the richness of diversity in the OHSU community.

To learn more, contact Gabe Flores, Service Excellence  or Daisy Alva, Office of Academic and Student Affairs 

International

The International Employee Resource Group (IERG) shares resources about adjusting to OHSU and the Pacific Northwest by connecting international employees , students and volunteers with OHSU services, community organizations, cultural events and diverse businesses. The IERG helps OHSU's international members to expand their social network and support each other in new cultural environments.

To learn more, contact Riikka Salonen, Healthcare Human Resources  or Wolfram Laub, Radiation Medicine 

African American

Bobbie Jenkins, Office of the President 

Ebony Lawrence, Center for Diversity & Inclusion 

Interested in starting an ERG?

Please e-mail Sue Orchard.