Thanks to all who voted!
Tanya Belanger has been selected by the Women ChangeMakers ERG members to join me as an ERG Co-Chair.
Having Tanya onboard will help considerably to move some initiatives forward. Stay tuned for some unique opportunities!
Colette Johnson— Women ChangeMakers Co-Chair,
Enterprise Solutions Architect, MNIT Services @DHS
Suspension of the Equity Justice Black Caucus (EJBC) ERG
Many of you have reached out because you have seen information, been in conversations, or seen something in the media regarding the suspension of the Equity Justice Black Caucus Enterprise ERG.
Along with other ERGs, our Executive Sponsor (Commissioner Tarek Tomes) and our Champions (Zarina Baber and Jenna Covey), we are closely monitoring the situation and will send out more information as we can.
In summary, on October 25th, the EJBC convened a session intending to create a supportive space where the members of the community could share, listen, and learn to better understand the deeply distressing ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
After the event, a formal complaint was made to the Governor’s office, with accusations of antisemitism and Islamophobia. To be clear, we support the rights of guests of any event to speak up if they felt hostility, uncomfortable or unsafe.
The EJBC has not been able to view or respond to the complaint, as there is an ongoing investigation. They were directed by MMB to suspend all activities. and that their leadership, along with sponsors, step down immediately. MMB is looking at options to assign or nominate new leadership. The Women ChangeMaker supports the EJBC request to view the complaint and be allowed to respond.
If you are feeling anxious or uncomfortable about this situation the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is ready to help support you. Talk to a counselor anytime 1-800-657-3719 or 651-259-3840.
If you'd like to find other ways to support the EJBC, please reach out.
Find a Work Advocate
The City of Saint Paul included this in a recent city update. We found it interesting and wanted to pass it along.
What is a Work Advocate and How Do You Find One?
A work advocate is someone in your workplace willing to champion your cause, strive to improve how others perceive you, and campaign on your behalf. An advocate can become a wonderful support source in the workplace. The following article explores the concept of a work advocate and how to find one. Read the Career Builder Blog posting.
Invite from Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
MDH Connect helps people build skills, knowledge, competency, and offers interactive support around shared applications used at MDH. MDH welcomes you to join and become a part of the MDH Connect community!
Note: you do not have to be an MDH employee to use this valuable resource.
To access, first join the MDH_Connect team.
Monthly Lunch & Learns
The ERG hosts a monthly Lunch & Learn session. This event is time for the membership to hear from a speaker, Ted Talk, or to openly discuss trending topics. Sign up to receive the monthly invite or reach out to ERG Leadership to find out more information.
December Lunch & Learn
There will be no December Women IT Changemakers Lunch & Learn due to busy holiday season. Happy Holidays!
January 18th Topic: What baby boomers can learn from millennials at work -- and vice versa
For the first time ever, we have five generations in the workplace at the same time, says entrepreneur Chip Conley. What would happen if we got intentional about how we all work together? Join the Teams Event
Other ERG Events Worth Attending!
The Women ChangeMakers supports all the activities of our partner State of Minnesota ERGs. See upcoming events for all ERGs.
Minnesota Government IT Symposium- Women in IT Session
December 13th, 2023
Room 6, 9:45 Breakout Session
St. Paul River Center
From their website: "Guest Panelists: Stefanie Horvath, Colette Johnson, Lisa Meredith, Mel Reeder, Holly LaRochelle, Amy Cheney and Karri Harvey.
Women are still under represented in the tech field, especially in leadership positions. Come hear from a group of women leaders in government technology about their experiences and advice for those seeking to grow in the profession as well as those seeking to better support the next generation of talented women."
More information
Have an event that you'd like highlighted here? Contact ERG Leadership.
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