At Children’s Minnesota, our employee resource groups (ERGs) are supportive allies for each another, regardless of which ERG they are involved in. This Black History Month, we asked some of our ERG members what they’re doing to recognize, celebrate and raise awareness.
Let’s hear from some of our ERG members on their plans to celebrate this month, and ideas how you can get involved!
Lourdmy Jean, RN, The Children’s Heart Clinic
ERG: Nurses of Color (NOC)
“This Black History Month, I plan on sending a daily fact sheet of health-related topics on Black people related to my department (The Heart Clinic) and more.”
Dr. Susan Sencer, VP, chief of specialty pediatrics
ERG: Voces
“Each day I am ‘pushed’ by a newsletter I receive from Anti-Racism Daily. It’s an incredible source of information and thought-provoking inspiration for me, as an older white woman, to look at the world differently. They approach a new issue daily, and it’s broken down into Take Action and Get Educated portions, and there are also opportunities to donate to nonprofits and charities supporting anti-racism work. For instance, a recent topic was environmental justice and climate change’s inequitable impact of pollution and industrial policies on Black and Brown communities in the U.S. and globally. I am constantly being pushed out of my comfort zone by learning new uncomfortable truths, and I appreciate the in-depth opportunities to further explore. I encourage anyone interested in also being ‘pushed’ out of their comfort zones and being open to learning more in order to further your anti-racist work.”
Click here to subscribe to the Anti-Racism Daily newsletter.
Allen Malicsi, senior equity and inclusion consultant
ERG: Asian, Voces, Military and Veterans, People Respecting Individual Differences Equally (PRIDE), Black Employee Empowerment Network (BEEN), Disability Advocacy
“I encourage others to get involved with local community events. This year, I will be attending the Rebuilding Black Businesses forum on Feb. 9 and the Black History Month Celebration at The Black Market on Feb. 11. I will also be supporting our BEEN ERG’s Black History Month events throughout the month.”
Wendy Zuniga, pharmacy coordinator
ERG: Voces
“I’m getting involved in some community events happening locally. First, I’m going to attend yoga at 612 Jungle. 612 Jungle is the only Black-owned yoga studio in Minneapolis. Studio owner, Gabrielle Roberts, does a fantastic job being inclusive, creating accessible spaces and supporting our community. Plus, the studio is only seven minutes away from the Children’s Minnesota Minneapolis campus!
Secondly, I’m participating in the YWCA’s Race Against Racism on Feb. 26. This donation-based race is a great opportunity to come together in the spirit of health and solidarity and support YWCA’s Racial Justice programs.”
