{"id":27,"date":"2023-09-01T15:01:57","date_gmt":"2023-09-01T19:01:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.butler.edu\/diversity-equity-inclusion\/affinity-groups\/"},"modified":"2026-05-05T12:58:39","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T16:58:39","slug":"affinity-groups","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.butler.edu\/diversity-equity-inclusion\/belonging-and-engagement\/affinity-groups\/","title":{"rendered":"Affinity Groups"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"wysiwyg wysiwyg-primary-block alignfull\" >\n\t<div class=\"container grid-default wysiwyg__container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<nav class=\"sidebar-menu \" aria-label=\"Site Menu\" id=\"page-nav\">\n\t\t<div class=\"sidebar-menu__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<header class=\"sidebar-menu__header\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sidebar-menu__headerLabel\">Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Menu<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"sidebar-menu__mobileToggle\" title=\"Toggle Menu\" :aria-expanded=\"mobileOpen\"><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"sidebar-menu__list\" v-show=\"mobileOpen\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"sidebar-menu__listItem initial-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.butler.edu\/diversity-equity-inclusion\/about-us\/\" class=\"sidebar-menu__listLink\" >About Us<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"sidebar-menu__listItem initial-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.butler.edu\/diversity-equity-inclusion\/belonging-and-engagement\/\" class=\"sidebar-menu__listLink\" >Belonging and Engagement<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"sidebar-menu__listItem initial-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.butler.edu\/diversity-equity-inclusion\/diversity-center\/\" class=\"sidebar-menu__listLink\" >Efroymson Diversity Center<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"sidebar-menu__listItem initial-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.butler.edu\/diversity-equity-inclusion\/center-for-faith-vocation\/\" class=\"sidebar-menu__listLink\" >The Compass Center<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"sidebar-menu__listItem initial-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.butler.edu\/diversity-equity-inclusion\/black-affairs-hub\/\" class=\"sidebar-menu__listLink\" >Hub on Black Affairs and Community Engagement<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"sidebar-menu__listItem initial-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.butler.edu\/diversity-equity-inclusion\/institutional-equity\/\" class=\"sidebar-menu__listLink\" >Office of Institutional Equity<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"sidebar-menu__listItem initial-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.butler.edu\/diversity-equity-inclusion\/student-disability-services\/\" class=\"sidebar-menu__listLink\" >Student Disability Services<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"sidebar-menu__listItem initial-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.butler.edu\/diversity-equity-inclusion\/dei-learning-and-professional-development-resources\/\" class=\"sidebar-menu__listLink\" >DEI Learning and Professional Development<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"sidebar-menu__listItem initial-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.butler.edu\/diversity-equity-inclusion\/dei-resources\/\" class=\"sidebar-menu__listLink\" >DEI Resources<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/nav>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__wrapper wysiwyg__wrapper--hasSidebar\">\n\t\t\t<!-- content from editor -->\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__content wysiwyg__contentContainer\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-affinity-group-program\">Affinity Group Program<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Butler University faculty\/staff affinity groups\u2019 mission, in partnership with the Division of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Student Affairs, is to build community and cultivate a better understanding of the variety of identities, backgrounds, and experiences found at Butler University ultimately creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all. A list of current affinity groups plus their contact information is listed below. General questions regarding the affinity group program can be sent to&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:dkibble@butler.edu\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Danny Kibble<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Juntos @ Butler<\/strong><br>Juntos at Butler is a faculty and staff affinity group that aims to celebrate and promote our shared appreciation for Latinx and Hispanic cultures through food, art, music, film, education, and community. The group seeks to support one another while encouraging greater understanding and appreciation of the Latinx and Hispanic community at Butler and in Indianapolis.<br><strong>Contact<\/strong>:\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:dei@butler.edu\">dei@butler.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Asian Pacific Islander Community (APIC)<br><\/strong>The Asian Pacific Islander Community (APIC) is made up of faculty and staff who have come together with shared values of respect, inclusion, collaboration, advocacy and education. We foster community and belonging among us and create opportunities for solidarity, networking, resource sharing and mentoring for our members. We aim to develop and promote educational tools and events that advance knowledge of the diverse lived experiences of Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities within and beyond campus. Join us today by emailing one of us below!<br><strong>Contact<\/strong>:&nbsp;<a data-ogsc=\"\" title=\"mailto:sooi@butler.edu\" href=\"mailto:sooi@butler.edu\">Su-Mei Ooi<\/a> and <a data-ogsc=\"\" title=\"mailto:ndas@butler.edu\" href=\"mailto:ndas@butler.edu\">Nandita Das<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jewish Culture<\/strong><br>The Jewish Culture Affinity Group aims to foster dialogue and connections amongst faculty and staff interested in or curious about Jewish life at Butler. As we build this community, we hope to be able to offer educational outreach programs to raise understanding across campus.<br><strong>Contact<\/strong>: <a href=\"mailto:alevy@butler.edu\">Andy Levy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Faculty Women of Color Collective<\/strong><br>The faculty women of color collective offers mutual support and community for&nbsp;Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Arab, Asian, Pacific Islander, and other women of color&nbsp;faculty.&nbsp;&nbsp;Any faculty member who shares&nbsp;a commitment to solidarity, egalitarianism, and mutual accountability is&nbsp;welcome.<br><strong>Contact<\/strong>: <a href=\"mailto:tvanhester@butler.edu\"><\/a><a href=\"mailto:tvanhester@butler.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Teigha VanHester<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:cfletche@butler.edu\"><\/a><a href=\"mailto:cfletche@butler.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Charlene Fletcher<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Women in Leadership<\/strong><br>It is estimated that over&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.zippia.com\/advice\/women-in-leadership-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">58% of the workforce is female; however, only 35% of senior leadership positions are held by women<\/a>. This gap indicates there is work to be done to ensure women are provided with equal opportunities to hold senior leadership positions. It\u2019s also equally important to care for and develop women who are in leadership positions to ensure they thrive in leadership positions and to mentor\/coach\/develop other future women leaders. This group is open to any individual currently employed at Butler in a leadership position who is passionate about the leadership challenges, competencies, and approaches applicable to women seeking leadership positions and helping women in leadership positions thrive in their roles. We will discuss the unique challenges women face as leaders as well as explore the bumpy roads associated with being a leader in today\u2019s environment.<br><strong>Contact<\/strong>: <a href=\"mailto:shinshaw@butler.edu\">Stephanie Hinshaw<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group<\/strong><br>The purpose and goal of this group is to create a network &nbsp;and community for employees who support LGBTQIA+ individuals at Butler. We will coordinate social events that facilitate supportive relationships, which will make possible (in no particular order): mentorship, solidarity, showcasing member contributions to Butler and beyond, and the sharing of professional and pedagogical development opportunities.<br><strong>Contact<\/strong>: <a href=\"mailto:emedwar1@butler.edu\">Elise Edwards<\/a> and <a href=\"mailto:lmckittricksweit@butler.edu\">Lavender McKittrick-Sweitzer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Brothas Group<\/strong><br>The Brothas Group is dedicated to uplifting, supporting, and building community in support of Black men at Butler University. This group is open to faculty, staff, and administrators whose goal is the professional development and socio-emotional support of Black men in the Butler community. This group takes an active antiracist stance and meets multiple times per semester to engage intersectional issues and opportunities that pertain to Black men and other Black communities.&nbsp;<br><strong>Contact<\/strong>: <a href=\"mailto:dei@butler.edu\">dei@butler.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Sistas Group<\/strong><br>The purpose of the SISTAS affinity group is to serve as a community in support of Black diaspora, African, and African-American women who are staff, faculty, and students at Butler University. The Sistas group sponsors social gatherings and provides its members with mentorship, professional development, and cultural support.&nbsp;SISTAS is open to faculty, staff, and administrators who support the holistic well-being of Black diaspora, African, and African-American women at Butler University.<br><strong>Contact<\/strong>: <a href=\"mailto:ldjones3@butler.edu\">Lauryn Jones<\/a> and <a href=\"mailto:tbarbour@butler.edu\">Tabitha Barbour<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Muslim Life Affinity Group<\/strong><br>The Muslim Life Affinity Group is an inclusive community open to all who are interested in Islamic Studies and Muslim life. The group aims to bring together faculty and staff to collaborate, share ideas, and coordinate events in partnership with the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, the Muslim Studies Endowment, the Muslim Student Association, the Compass Center, and other campus partners. Together, we seek to support and enrich the Muslim community at Butler. Whether you have a professional, personal, or scholarly interest\u2014or are simply interested in learning more\u2014you are warmly encouraged to participate.<br><strong>Contact<\/strong>: <a href=\"mailto:sazaidi@butler.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Syed Zaidi<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Young Professionals<\/strong><br>The Young Professionals Affinity Group provides a space for young professionals and early career professionals in higher education to share resources and connect across Butler University&#8217;s campus. The group&#8217;s goals are to provide networking opportunities for participants, promote the sharing of resources, and retain talent at Butler. There is no age requirement for this group; all Butler faculty and staff are welcome.<br><strong>Contact<\/strong>:&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:cadickey1@butler.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Calie Dickey<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":1768,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-27","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"revision_note":"","acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Affinity Groups | Butler University<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Butler University faculty\/staff affinity groups\u2019 mission, in partnership with the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, is to cultivate a connection and sense of belonging for historically underrepresented faculty and staff members.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.butler.edu\/diversity-equity-inclusion\/belonging-and-engagement\/affinity-groups\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Affinity Groups\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Butler University faculty\/staff affinity groups\u2019 mission, in partnership with the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, is to cultivate a connection and sense of belonging for historically underrepresented faculty and staff members.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.butler.edu\/diversity-equity-inclusion\/belonging-and-engagement\/affinity-groups\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Diversity, Equity &amp; 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