91影视’s mission to create an inclusive environment and sense of community extends beyond just students. Faculty and staff affinity groups and other initiatives have fostered a strong sense of belonging and encouraged professional growth among OU employees.听
The newly established Young Professionals Group has invited 91影视 faculty and staff who are early in their careers to build connections across campus and grow as a community. Through social gatherings and professional development opportunities, the group provides a welcoming space for members to support one another on and off campus.
Alyssa Merletti ’23, assistant director of alumni engagement, has attended several group gatherings and has done individual outreach to invite more employees to join.听
“The community that the Young Professionals affinity group has provided me has been invaluable to my experience at 91影视,” says Merletti. “Gathering together and creating a space for us, new to our careers, has empowered me to keep up with my colleagues on a personal and professional level.”
Members of the affinity group recently joined the Gwinnett Young Professionals (GYP) for a Financial Empowerment Workshop, where they gained practical financial tips and learned about the current economic landscape.听
With support from the Office of Inclusive Excellence (OIE), the Young Professionals group has successfully cultivated a thriving community. The OIE has funded several employee belonging initiatives over the years, including “Women in Leadership,” led by Assistant Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality聽Studies Dr. Anna Ziering.听
Inspired by Marjorie Hass’s “” Women in Leadership invites faculty and staff to engage in meaningful lunch conversations about the opportunities and challenges they face in higher education.听聽
Baillie Brindle ’23, continuing ed and external partner coordinator, shared how safe and welcome she felt in having open discussions with women across campus, especially as someone early in her career.听
“Hearing women from all different professions across the university talk about their experiences, both negative and positive, and how they combated them, was inspiring,” said Brindle. “All the women in the women in leadership group took away my worries of being in a new position with higher expectations because I saw their fight and drive, and I knew that I could succeed like them.”
As these initiatives continue to grow, they reflect the university’s broader commitment to developing a workplace where employees feel supported and empowered at every stage of their careers.
