Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play an important role in fostering connection, support and belonging for faculty and staff across Marquette. As ERGs begin a new year of programming, several groups are welcoming new leaders who are eager to create opportunities for colleagues to build relationships, celebrate shared experiences and strengthen community across campus.
While each ERG is centered on a particular identity, experience or affinity, all Marquette faculty and staff are welcome to participate, learn and engage with any group.
Meet some of the staff members helping guide Marquette’s ERGs in the year ahead, and learn more about the communities they serve and what they hope to accomplish:
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) ERG
Jessica Verdejo, director of the Arrupe Center for Community Service and Social Responsibility
What excites you most about this new role?
I am excited to help build a space where APIDA faculty and staff can be fully themselves at work, not just during Heritage Month but year round. Marquette has such a strong commitment to community, and I want the APIDA ERG to be a place where that commitment shows up for our own colleagues. Serving alongside a co-chair over a two year term also means we can think beyond one calendar of events and actually build something that lasts for whoever comes next.
What do you hope to bring to the ERG this year?
Structure and warmth, in equal measure. I want to bring clear programming rhythms, strong partnerships across campus and a real plan for how we measure whether people feel more connected because of us. I also hope to bring a bridge between the ERG and student facing work through the Arrupe Center, since so much of what our students are navigating around identity and belonging mirrors what our employees are navigating too.
What’s one thing you’d love for colleagues to know about you?
I am proud to be Filipina, and that shapes how I lead more than anything on my resume. Bayanihan, the idea that we lift what is heavy by carrying it together, is the value I try to bring into every room. Also, I am originally from Los Angeles and now live in Mequon with two very opinionated French Bulldogs named Potato and Amos.
What’s your favorite way to build community?
Food and honest conversation, ideally at the same time. Some of the best community building I have ever been part of happened around a potluck table where everyone brought something from home and nobody was performing. I love creating low pressure spaces where people can show up as they are, tell a story and leave feeling like someone actually knows them.
Sean Yan, research, teaching and learning librarian in Raynor Library
What excites you most about this new role?
Building a network of support by having multiple ways to make connections around campus.
What do you hope to bring to the ERG this year?
Facilitate connections through conversations and shared experiences.
What’s one thing you’d love for colleagues to know about you?
I like good conversations.
What’s your favorite way to build community?
Making connections and having one-on-one conversations.
Hispanic/Latinx Faculty and Staff Association
Sofie Sanchez, director of Graduate School of Management programs in the College of Business Administration
What excites you most about this new role?
I’m most excited about the opportunity to build community and create meaningful connections across Marquette. I love bringing people together, and I’m excited to help create a space where Hispanic and Latinx faculty and staff can connect, celebrate our cultures and feel supported.
What do you hope to bring to the ERG this year?
I hope to bring energy, collaboration and a strong focus on connection. I’d love for us to create opportunities that are both meaningful and fun. Celebrating our community and cultures while also building relationships, supporting one another and strengthening our presence across the university.
What’s one thing you’d love for colleagues to know about you?
I truly believe food is one of the best ways to bring people and communities together. Sharing a meal creates space for connection, storytelling, culture and belonging, and I’m always excited to discover a new restaurant or gather people around a table.
What’s your favorite way to build community?
My favorite way to build community is by creating spaces where people can connect naturally, especially around food. Whether it’s a shared meal, a cultural event or a casual gathering, I think people open up when they feel comfortable, welcomed and like they belong.
LGBTQ Employee Resource Group
Grace Moone, administrative assistant II for the Physician Assistant Studies program in the College of Health Sciences
What excites you most about this new role?
I’m thrilled to be able to be a part of building and strengthening the inclusive campus community that I was fortunate enough to experience back in my days as a graduate student here at Marquette, and to have an opportunity to help steward and grow a culture that celebrated the feeling of belonging in community.
What do you hope to bring to the ERG this year?
I’m looking forward to bringing my passion, my ideas and insights, and a willingness to listen for the hopes we have as a community!
What’s one thing you’d love for colleagues to know about you?
I am a J.R.R. Tollkien nerd and independent Tolkien Scholar! I co-host a podcast about queer readings of Tolkien’s works called “Queer Lodgings: A Tolkien Podcast” and I sit on the Council of Stewards of the Mythopoeic Society. I also volunteer locally as a member of the Steering Committee of Bi+ Pride Milwaukee.
What’s your favorite way to build community?
I love conversations, the camaraderie of sharing food and beverages with people, and learning about the things that make us all unique-yet-connected.
Women of Marquette
Sydney Gilbert, advancement associate, engagement, in University Advancement
What excites you most about this new role?
I am so excited to make connections across campus to elevate the work that we all do.
What do you hope to bring to the ERG this year?
I am ready to bring a fresh perspective and focus as we reinvigorate the Women of Marquette ERG. I’m excited to make the group lively again!
What’s one thing you’d love for colleagues to know about you?
I work with our young alumni population and am always looking to make new connections in order to provide them with unique experiences that connect them with Marquette.
What’s your favorite way to build community?
I love casual, fun conversation — anything that allows us to step out of our work roles for a moment and get to know one another on a personal level.
Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, advancement associate, donor relations in University Advancement
What excites you most about this new role?
The chance to connect and meet new women across Marquette’s campus.
What do you hope to bring to the ERG this year?
A welcoming environment.
What’s one thing you’d love for colleagues to know about you?
In my free time I practice yoga and enjoy reading financial wellness books.
What’s your favorite way to build community?
Through reflection and conversation. I’ve always found it easier to connect with others through one-on-one conversations or learn about ways one can improve.
Sharyn Warren, assessment and program review analyst in the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis
What excites you most about this new role?
As someone who is still relatively new to Marquette, I am excited to join Women of Marquette and continue building meaningful relationships beyond my everyday work environment. Throughout my leadership experience, I have found that some of the strongest connections and collaborations develop when people have opportunities to engage outside of their traditional roles. I look forward to bringing that experience to Women of Marquette while doing something I genuinely enjoy: building community, connecting people and creating opportunities for women to support, learn from and inspire one another.
What do you hope to bring to the ERG this year?
Along with the Women of Marquette leaders, I hope to bring renewed awareness and energy to the group as we let the Marquette community know that WOM is back and ready to reconnect. This year, we want to grow our membership while offering engaging programming, guest speakers, and meaningful opportunities for women across Marquette to connect, build relationships, and strengthen our sense of community.
What’s one thing you’d love for colleagues to know about you?
I could never narrow it down to just one thing I want my colleagues to know about me, which is actually a fun fact about me! I can rarely narrow anything down to just one favorite. Ask me about my favorite restaurant, vacation spot, song or just about anything else, and you are probably going to get a list!
What’s your favorite way to build community?
My favorite way to build community is by creating opportunities for people to come together who may not otherwise cross paths. Whether through a shared experience, an engaging program or simply good conversation, I enjoy creating spaces where genuine relationships can develop and people feel connected.
Sam Zingsheim, IT risk and compliance analyst in Information Technology Services
What excites you most about this new role?
Bringing back the ERG and finding new ways to be involved and connect women at Marquette across the campus.
What do you hope to bring to the ERG this year?
Our fall kickoff event, on Thursday, Sept. 17.
What’s one thing you’d love for colleagues to know about you?
I’m a double graduate from Marquette, with my B.S. and my M.S.
What’s your favorite way to build community?
Using data to better understand my audience and their needs.
