Prioritizing DEI with Our Employees
In my role at the Foundation, I have the pleasure of creating education opportunities for underserved communities with the understanding that everyone deserves equal healthcare opportunities. As one of the Executive Sponsors of the Black/African American Employee Resource Group (ERG), I am able to expand my reach and share the knowledge I gain from these IBD patients with internal staff. - Caneka McNeil Moore, Ed.D., Senior Director of Education & Diversity Engagement |
Foundation employees attending a Take Steps Bowling Fundraiser
Whether it’s fostering a sense of belonging in individuals or educating the entire Foundation staff, our internal DEI initiatives aim to empower and instill empathy within our teams.
As we elevate the importance of everyone showing up as an ally, we see more and more employees participating in our DEI efforts. Our employees are also seeing that our efforts are not only making us better colleagues, but also better equipping us to serve the IBD community.
Employee Resource Group (ERG)
Leading the Belong ERG that represents the disability community is an honor. Through the Foundation establishing and nurturing several ERGs, we are building a community together where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives to our shared mission. - Mary Esna-Ashari, Senior Director, Volunteer & Patient Engagement and Chair, Belong Employee Resource Group (ERG) |
Employee Resource Group leaders gathered for their annual ERG Planning Retreat.
We are currently rolling out multiple ERGs that unite employees from shared backgrounds and their allies. Additionally, we have a DEI Council that acts as a connector between all ERGs, and as a resource to support their success. Thank you to our DEI Council and to our National Trustees, Audra Miller and Annette Martinez, who have generously given their time and guidance to help form our ERGs.
Meet Our DEI Council!
Pictured Left to Right: Jose Torres, Sarah Lewis, Amy Bietbet Washington, Erica Tolentino
Our Black/African American ERG is crucial for the Foundation to foster an inclusive environment and deeper community connections. All ERGs play a vital role in building a more equitable workplace, strengthening allyship and empowering groups for their own self-determination. - Orlando Green, Chair of the IBD Looks Like Me: Black/African American ERG |
Foundation employees coordinated a celebration for Diwali in the National office.
Conversation Corners
Organized by our ERGs, Conversation Corners are monthly, internal events that highlight underrepresented perspectives and experiences. These highly regarded and highly attended events provide a safe space for all employees to hear from speakers, learn about commemorations, share experiences, and ask questions. A recent Conversation Corner around allyship featured several employees who shared what allyship has meant and looked like in their lives. From this, numerous attendees were empowered to speak as well, in what turned out to be one of the most highly engaged and talked about sessions so far.
If you are interested in contributing or partnering with us on our DEI efforts, please contact our Senior Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Sarah Lewis or Associate VP, Education & Diversity Engagement Caneka McNeil Moore.
Sarah Lewis, Senior Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | 
Caneka McNeil Moore, Ed.D., Associate VP of Education & Diversity Engagement |
The Community Engagement initiative is generously supported, in part, by the following partners:
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