(SACRAMENTO) Team members gather at the 2025 Principles of Community kickoff event.
UC Davis Health is home to eight vibrant Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), each dedicated to fostering inclusion, support, and community across our workforce. These ERGs offer safe spaces for dialogue, mentorship, and cultural celebration—helping employees feel seen, heard, and empowered.
From organizing campus-wide events to driving equity-focused initiatives, the UC Davis Health ERGs are a cornerstone of the Principles of Community and a testament to the power of collective purpose. Visit this site throughout the year for interesting “Did You Know?” tidbits.
From the AAFSA ERG: Honoring the resilience, creativity, and achievements of Black Americans throughout history
A confidential survey was recently distributed among members of the African American Faculty and Staff Association Employee Resource Group, asking questions about the meaning of Black History Month, family and community traditions, role models who embody equality and inclusion, and how colleagues can best demonstrate allyship. More than 25 people responded to the survey.
What Black History Month means to me
Several survey respondents expressed pride, joy, and a sense of cultural identity. They described Black History Month as a source of empowerment, a reminder of the strength, creativity, and impact of Black people, and as motivation to lead with confidence and intention.
Friendsgiving 2025
One respondent said, “Black history to me is both personal and powerful. It represents resilience, legacy, and the excellence of those who came before me, whose strength and perseverance created opportunities I carry forward today. It is a reminder of the responsibility to lead with intention, to take up space with confidence, and to honor the voices and contributions that have too often gone unrecognized. Black history is not just about the past; it lives in the work I do, the standards I uphold, and the example I set for others, reinforcing that progress is ongoing and that my presence, leadership, and impact matter.”
Recognizing the generations before us
When asked who they wanted to honor or recognize, many respondents shared stories about family members, mentors and extended relatives.
One respondent wrote, “My uncle was among the first black engineers at NASA; he was a trailblazer and is honored annually after his death.”
Another said, “My parents always made sure to pay it forward and instill in my siblings and me pride in looking out for people in our community. Even if we didn't have much, we would find a way to help someone else because they understood that kindness matters and it's always a blessing to be a blessing to others.”
Several respondents also praised their grandmothers, grandfathers, and role models who challenged segregation, fought for equal rights, and paved the way for future generations.
A respondent added, “My grandmother served as a NAACP member, marched, and served her community. And was a God-fearing woman!”
From the MFSA ERG: Supporting Muslim employees during Ramadan
Ramadan begins on the first sighting of the crescent Moon, which is expected to occur in the U.S. at sundown on Tuesday, Feb. 17. The holy month will conclude on Wednesday, March 18, consisting of a celebration called Eid al-Fitr.
Significance of Ramadan, supporting Muslim colleagues
The purpose of Ramadan is to serve as a period of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and increased devotion for Muslims. During this holy month, fasting from dawn to sunset is observed to cultivate empathy for those who face hunger and hardship, deepen one’s connection to faith, and encourage acts of compassion and charity. Ultimately, Ramadan is a time for mindfulness, self-improvement, and fostering a greater sense of community and understanding.
Members of the Muslim Faculty and Staff Association Employee Resource Group received an invitation to participate in an anonymous survey regarding ways non-Muslim colleagues can provide support during Ramadan. Common themes shared by the respondents included prayer accommodation, flexibility with break times, understanding that energy levels may fluctuate throughout the day, and a willingness to be open and inclusive of all faiths recognized throughout the year.
How observing Ramadan influences one’s workday
Observing Ramadan involves fasting from dawn to sunset, which may affect energy levels differently. Some respondents mentioned feeling more focused when fasting whereas others mentioned feeling slightly tired later in the day.
One survey respondent wrote, “While observing Ramadan and fasting, it is natural to experience hunger, thirst and occasional fatigue during the workday. However, fasting also serves as an important reminder of the individuals and communities who face food, water, or housing insecurity daily. This experience fosters greater empathy and awareness, and it strengthens my motivation to support and give back to those in need. Overall, Ramadan is a period of reflection that encourages compassion, mindfulness, and a deeper understanding of the challenges others may face.”
Intermittent fasting – an eating plan that switches between fasting and eating on a regular schedule – is widely promoted for its potential health benefits. When it comes to Ramadan, however, some Muslim colleagues express feeling misunderstood or under scrutiny around fasting. Receiving criticism regarding personal life decisions can be an uncomfortable experience. Non-Muslim colleagues are encouraged to approach conversations about fasting during Ramadan with an open mind and compassionate heart.
Transgender Day of Remembrance, observed annually on Nov. 20, honors transgender people lost to anti-transgender violence. The day began in 1999 when advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith organized a vigil for Rita Hester, a transgender woman killed in 1998. That vigil grew into an annual tradition. Violence against transgender people remains persistent and deadly, disproportionately affecting people of color. Harmful rhetoric fuels stereotypes and policies that restrict freedoms, while physical attacks have reached historic levels.
Anti-LGBTQ Violence Data GLAAD’s ALERT Desk Report tracked 932 anti-LBGTQ incidents between May 2024 and May 2025, averaging 2.5 per day. More than half targeted transgender and gender-nonconforming people, resulting in 84 injuries and 10 deaths—eight involving people of color. In 2022, over 2,800 hate crimestargeted LGBTQ+ people, nearly one in four of all hate crimes. Of these, 542 were motivated by gender identity, including 393 against transgender people. These figures likely undercount incidents due to gaps in reporting and data collection. (Source: HRC)
Closing Thought Transgender Day of Remembrance is not only a time to mourn but also a call to action. By honoring those we’ve lost, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive world for transgender and gender-nonconforming people. Awareness, advocacy, and solidarity are essential steps toward ending violence and ensuring every person can live authentically and without fear.
National Coming Out Day, observed annually on October 11, is more than a date—it’s a declaration of authenticity, courage, and community. For many LGBTQ+ individuals, coming out is a deeply personal journey that can also be a powerful act of resistance and healing. This day as a reminder that visibility saves lives and that every story shared helps build a culture where everyone can thrive. You belong here whether you're out, coming out, or still exploring your identity. The PRIDE ERG stands with you—today and every day.
Learn more about all our UC Davis Health Employee Resource Groups. These groups are open to anyone, regardless of background, who wishes to support, participate, or be educated in the many cultures and communities at UC Davis Health. Membership and participation in Employee Resource Group activities are not dependent on race, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any protected category under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
