Affinity Groups & Employee Resource Groups

Asian, Asian American & Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group (API ERG)

We provide an inclusive space to advocate for the diverse needs of PSU API faculty, staff, students and alumni, including, but not limited to: supporting and empowering API students; recruitment and retention of API faculty, staff, and student employees; facilitating professional development; and promoting API educational, cultural and social awareness.

Leadership Team  

• Christine da Rosa
• Lavina Martinez
• Linda Liu
• Michelle Lee
• Tom Yang
• Vivien So

Black Faculty/Staff Affinity Group (BFSAG)

We’re an employee group dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe, and affirming space for self-identified faculty, staff, and students of direct African descent—including those who also identify as biracial or multiracial. BFSAG’s mission supports PSU’s equity initiatives and strategic goals by fostering the recruitment, retention, and empowerment of Black faculty, staff, and students, and by building connections with Black alumni. We also work to strengthen relationships with Portland and our region’s Black communities, recognizing that both historical and contemporary forms of institutionalized racism shape our experiences locally and regionally.

Primary Contact

• Angela Canton

Latiné Employee Colectivo

We cultivate opportunities for the support, growth, and retention of our campus' Latinx/é/@ faculty and staff community. The group fosters continued engagement through onboarding, networking, mentoring, community-building, and professional development. Together, we strive to make the PSU campus more inclusive and responsive to the needs of our Latiné community.

Leadership Team 

• Leo Perez
• Clara Mendez Quinn

Multiracial Staff & Faculty Employee Resource Group

We provide opportunities for multiracial staff and faculty (those who identify as more than one race) to build community with each other at Portland State University. This affinity group also strives to create a safe space for multiracial staff and faculty to process experiences they have in the workplace.

Primary Contact

• Mauri Matsuda

Nations

At PSU, we emphasize community-based support of Indigenous student recruitment and retention. We are committed to supporting and advancing the educational journey of our Indigenous students. In the words of our Tewa elder, Dr. Greg Cajete, "What is called education today was, for American Indians, a journey of learning to be fully human.  Learning about the nature of the spirit in relationship to community and the environment was considered central to learning the full meaning of life" (1994).

Primary Contact

• Joseph Bull

Queer and Trans Employee Resource Group

Our goal is to build community and a greater connection for our queer and trans communities at Portland State University. This is a new group with an intention to socialize and develop personal and professional relationships. 

Leadership Team

• Shayn Snyder
• Kerri Hamilton
• Madeline Frisk

Disability Affinity Group

We strive to cultivate disability community at PSU through engagement, mentorship, advocacy, and peer support. The group is open to faculty and staff who identify as a person experiencing disability. We aim to provide an inclusive space where members can network and learn from each other as we work toward a more equitable climate that recognizes the unique experience of disabled individuals.

Neurodivergent Staff Support Group

We welcome those who identify with ADHD or autism, whether diagnosed or questioning. Our intention is to have low-pressure meetings that may sometimes have structured presentations or discussion topics, and anyone is free to come with a question or subject to offer to the group.

Primary Contact

• Todd Hutchinson