“They’re an opportunity for connection. We want people to know that Stony Brook is not just a great place to work, but that it is a place where they can be appreciated for being, and bringing, their whole selves.”
Assistant Chief Diversity Officer Usama Shaikh is talking about the latest addition to DI3’s offerings for employees across campus — affinity groups, aptly named Seawolf Resource Groups or SRGs. By definition, SRGs are “voluntary, employee-led communities that unite colleagues around shared interests, experiences or identities — open to all employees, regardless of background or affiliation.”
Calling them chances for “social interactions, friendship and support,” Chief Diversity Officer/Chief Health Equity Officer Judi Brown Clarke said the seven groups recently launched at a fair on November 10 will be followed by four more this spring. She said “some of the most compelling benefits of SBU’s SRGs” are that they:
- Cultivate a safe, supportive space for faculty and staff
- Improve employee engagement
- Provide applicable resources
- Increase visibility of diverse ideas and perspectives
- Serve as a bridge for local outreach, collaborations, partnerships and campus initiatives
- Help new employees become more embedded at Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine.
Be a Joiner!
Moving forward, Shaikh said, “We hope that employees across our campuses and hospitals will continue to join these SRGs or make new ones to strengthen our employees’ sense of belonging.”
Kristyn Greco attended the recent SRG fair in SAC Ballroom A, winning a SWAG raffle and seizing the chance to talk to SRG leaders about groups she’s interested in joining. “I was thrilled to find a couple of groups I could relate to, and am looking forward to being a member on the ground floor of this exciting initiative,” said Greco, a senior specialist, media strategy and relationship management for the Office of Marketing and Communications. “I think that in addition to socializing, these groups could be good outlets for finding solutions to community-specific challenges. I am really grateful Stony Brook has moved forward with this and expect great things to come!”
Greco added, “I am especially interested in the SRG group RISE UP, which focuses on the LGBTQ+ community. As a proud, out queer person, I am interested in connecting with other LBGTQ+ employees to build community and socialize.”
Another participant and raffle winner Ed Bossong said: “As coordinator for the Student Support Team, I was interested in attending the SRG fair because I saw it as an excellent opportunity for both networking and professional development. As a relatively new, yet ambitious, higher education professional, I view participation in this initiative as a chance to gain valuable experience on a collaborative committee and contribute positively to our campus culture.”
Regarding his specific interests, Bossong said, “I am focused on supporting either the ‘Colleagues in Community’ SRG or helping launch the proposed new group designed to welcome and support new professionals. To me, the core idea of SRGs is to connect with colleagues across campus and allow us to interact and learn from one another regardless of title or rank.”
Yet another participant and raffle winner, Simons STEM Scholars Program Officer Manager/Executive Assistant Marie-Line Lubin thanked DI3 for the opportunity to “participate in all the great events you will be doing,” adding that “I decided to attend the SRG fair because I believe in the power of community and collaboration. That event provided an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for making a positive impact.”
Fluent in four languages and believing she can “bring a unique perspective and help bridge communication gaps, fostering inclusivity and understanding within the group,” Lubin said she is interested in joining the Pan African Council group because it aligns with her passion for celebrating and promoting African heritage, culture and unity. “This group provides a space for meaningful dialogue, cultural exchange and community building among people of African descent and allies,” she said. “I believe being part of this council will allow me to contribute to initiatives that empower individuals, foster inclusivity, create opportunities for education and advocacy, and strengthen connection across diverse communities.”
Human Resource Services Coordinator Joessie Mathews was at the fair and said, “The launch of our Seawolves Resource Groups marks an important step forward in strengthening community and connection at Stony Brook. The SRG Fair created a vibrant space for employees to explore shared identities, interests and experiences, and to see firsthand how these groups can support personal growth, professional development and a deeper sense of belonging on campus. We’re excited for the momentum this event has created and look forward to continuing to build a more engaged and inclusive culture at Stony Brook.
Honor Pack Seawolf Resource Group Chair Elizabeth Brady echoed other SRG leaders in her dedication to her group’s mission and excitement to get things started: “Our mission is to embrace and support a campus culture of recognizing and welcoming veterans and military personnel and celebrate their unique talents and experiences. Our goal is to promote and support others through awareness, collaborative and interesting events, as well as through career outreach. Along with Jane York, coordinator of Military and Veteran Student Services (co-chair), and Jessica Peterson, EEO Workforce Data Analyst (treasurer), I am honored to be the chair of this SRG and look forward to the year ahead.”
Here are the Current Seven SRGs:
The Honor Pack (Veterans, Active Duty, Military Families) created a video designed to help military members in our Stony Brook community identify what they may need to do if they are deployed. The video features students, staff, residents, veterans and military members from across our campuses giving advice to veterans and military family members.
RISE UP (Respect, Identity, Support, Equity, Unity, Pride)
Pan African Council (PAC)
AAPI Community Alliance
Accessibility for All
Union Universitaria LatinoAmericana (UUL)
Colleagues in Community
Join a Seawolves Resource Group
— Ellen Cooke
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