This message includes 2 new Affinity Groups that will be starting this year!
Since the 2021–2022 academic year, the Office of Campus Equity and Inclusion has supported a variety of faculty and staff affinity groups designed to build community, foster belonging, and support professional well-being across campus.
If you would like to connect with any of our active affinity groups or be added to their mailing list, please reach out directly to the designated point of contact below.
Additionally, we are actively seeking a new faculty or staff champion to help lead the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group. While Terrance is currently serving as the interim point of contact to collect names and share updates, we would love to transition leadership to anyone interested in helping guide and shape this community. If you are interested in stepping into this leadership role or co-championing the group, please let Anisa know!
| Affinity Group | Contact | Email Address |
| Parents of Young Children (NEW!) | Elizabeth Talbert | elizabeth.talbert@drake.edu |
| Disability (NEW!) | Sam Shelton | sam.shelton@drake.edu |
| LGBTQ+ | Terrance Pendleton (Interim) | terrance.pendleton@drake.edu |
| Black / African American | Terrance Pendleton | terrance.pendleton@drake.edu |
| Jewish | Lilianna Bernstein | lilianna.bernstein@drake.edu |
| Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) | Jeanette Tran
Ellen Yee | jeanette.tran@drake.edu
|
| Latino/a/x | Marina Verlengia | marina.verlengia@drake.edu |
| Muslim | Alimoor Reza | md.reza@drake.edu |
We are also always looking to expand spaces of connection on campus. If you are interested in starting a new affinity group that aligns with and advances Drake’s mission for equity and inclusion, please feel free to reach out to Anisa directly.
— Anisa Hansen, Associate Provost for Equity and Inclusion
— Terrance Pendleton, Faculty Fellow for Equity and Inclusion