EMPOWER affinity group founders (l-r) Jennifer Esper, Gail Cole and Kayley Peterson agreed that the number one thing that has pleased and surprised them with the group has been the power of connection. Many members said they were looking to connect with others outside their regular work circle, and this group has given them that opportunity.
Empowering. That’s how it feels to be part of a new community that supports and uplifts women and allies at Yale New Haven Health. EMPOWER Women & Allies, YNHHS’ first affinity group, paves the way for women and allies at YNHHS to be valued, celebrated and empowered.
EMPOWER, which stands for Engage, Mentor, Partner, Optimize, Women’s Excellence, and Resilience, launched in January. Affinity groups like EMPOWER are sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and are open to staff employed by the health system for six months who have no active disciplinary action on record.
Affinity groups encourage people with similar interests, identities, characteristics or lived experiences to come together to support one another and their allies. The groups are also designed to create a community of inclusion and belonging, generate new and creative ideas, reduce stress, improve self-esteem and confidence, and increase cultural awareness. EMPOWER is committed to supporting members in both their personal and professional well-being while cultivating a sense of belonging. In turn, EMPOWER will help employees increase their performance, and ultimately help with patient care.
“EMPOWER Women & Allies is a powerful reminder of the community and support that can grow when we create a space for it,” said founder Gail Cole, supervisor, Employee Wellbeing Programs. “Our vision is to pave the way for women and allies at YNHHS to be valued and celebrated.”
“The goal of EMPOWER Women & Allies is to be inclusive and offer membership to all levels of the organization and to be representative of all positions,” said EMPOWER founder Jennifer Esper, senior HR business partner, Greenwich Hospital. “We are working to uplift women and allies at YNHHS and support the growth and development of employees at all levels.”
“We are connecting employees all across YNHHS, including in-person and remote employees,” said Kayley Peterson, EMPOWER founder and systems analyst, Digital Technology Solutions. “EMPOWER is helping drive the transformation toward a more welcoming and equitable workplace for all.”
The group hosts virtual membership meetings once a month and networking events quarterly. It welcomes guest speakers, conducts development activities and includes system subject matter experts. Activities have included the March Women’s History Month panel discussion featuring system leadership; a development workshop led by YNHHS’ Institute for Excellence; and “Women’s Health through the Lifecycle” by the THRIVE health coaches.
Contact [email protected] to join the EMPOWER Women & Allies Affinity Group and for more information and the manager approval form.
