Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led communities that bring colleagues together around shared identities, experiences, and interests.
At Sierra College, ERGs are part of our broader commitment to fostering a workplace culture grounded in inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect. They provide opportunities for connection, collaboration, and professional growth across departments and employee groups.
Why ERGs Matter
Sierra College recognizes that a strong, inclusive workplace supports both employee success and student achievement.
Employee Resource Groups contribute to:
Building community across roles and campuses
Supporting recruitment and retention efforts
Enhancing professional networking and mentorship
Celebrating cultural heritage and shared experiences
Strengthening campus climate and engagement
By creating space for connection and dialogue, ERGs help cultivate an environment where employees feel valued and supported.
Participation
Participation in Employee Resource Groups is entirely voluntary.
Any Sierra College employee may join any ERG. Groups are open and welcoming to all who are interested in supporting the mission and goals of the organization.
Some ERGs choose to collect voluntary member dues to support events or programming. Others do not. Each group determines its own structure and activities.
Starting a New ERG
Sierra College supports the formation of new Employee Resource Groups.
Employees interested in starting a new ERG are encouraged to contact the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office for guidance on the recognition process and next steps.
The following Employee Resource Groups are currently active and recognized at Sierra College:
Mission: The Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Collective’s mission is to maintain and expand equity efforts within AANHPI staff and faculty, honoring intersectional identities for the betterment of the community. We share space with one another for celebration, representation, and relationship building through the professional and social interests of the members.
Mission: Colegas de Sierra College will empower Latine/Chicanx/Indigena identifying employees by building a strong comunidad, fostering mutual support for each other/our gente, cultivating professional/career development, and creating a sense of belonging.
Vision: Our vision is to advance Sierra College Latine/Chicanx/Indigena professionals and create leadership opportunities that elevate and celebrate our diverse talents and contributions and connect with colegas across the system, state, and nation to better serve our comunidad and amplify our collective impact.
Co-chairs: Maria Villaseñor, Juan Miguel Blanco, Valeria Chavez-Kay and Crystal Garcia Secretary: Manuel Fierro
Membership Qualifications: Latine/Chicanx/Indigena identifying Sierra College employees and those who support the goals, objectives, and initiatives of Colegas. Membership in Colegas is open to employees of Sierra College, including full-time and part-time faculty, classified professionals, and managers and administrators.
Dues: Active membership dues are $25 per fiscal year. No one will be turned away for a lack of funds to pay dues.
Mission: A group dedicated to fostering connection, support, and cultural engagement among employees of African descent and allies.
Mission:
The purpose of Sierra College’s Queer Collective ERG is to:
Foster an inclusive and supportive work environment for LGBTQ+ employees at Sierra College.
Advocate for policies and practices that promote equity, diversity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ staff, faculty and administrators.
Provide a network for LGBTQ+ employees and allies to connect, share resources and support one another, including intersectional identities.
Educate the broader college community on LGBTQ+ issues and promote awareness and understanding.
Serve as a resource for the college in matters related to LGBTQ+ inclusivity, climate, and diversity.
Membership Qualifications:
LGBTQ+ identifying Sierra College employees and those who support the goals, objectives, and initiatives of the Queer Collective. Membership in with the Collective is open to employees of Sierra College, including full-time and part-time faculty, classified professionals, and managers and administrators.
