Gallery: New ERG for Employees with Disabilities and Allies

The DiverseAbility ERG joined nine other established employee resource groups at the County on Friday with a launch event.

DiverseAbility ERG President Karen Brain thanked dozens of County employees and welcomed new members to the celebration. Brain, an administrative analyst with the Health and Human Services Agency, explained that the formation of the ERG was a long time in the making and truly needed. She spoke about her own disability and the importance of allies to this diverse community.

“This isn’t a ‘them’ issue. It’s an ‘us’ issue,” said Brain. “Because at some point in everyone’s life they are going to deal with disabilities, whether you are a caregiver, whether you are the person who has a disability, whether it’s temporary, whether it is permanent, whether it’s tomorrow, 10 years from now, whenever. At some point, every single person in the room and every single person out there will have to deal with it. It is an ‘us’ issue.”

Michele Crichlow, executive sponsor of the newest ERG, said she hopes the group provides a safe and welcoming environment for people with disabilities and their allies to share their stories, be heard, understood and supported.

In addition to live music by DiverseAbility Treasurer Derek Embalsado and other musicians, appetizers and networking, the newest ERG had an inspiring guest speaker. Alex Montoya, a triple amputee, talked about growing up in San Diego, working for the Padres, participating in two marathons and overcoming numerous obstacles. He is now a motivational speaker and author.

DiverseAbility will focus on education-based opportunities, connecting employees and residents of San Diego with resources and community partners and social events.

Each ERG works to enhance cultural awareness, support workforce outreach, recruitment and retention, promote County initiatives though partnerships with departments and community based organizations and provide professional development and networking opportunities for members.

To learn more about DiverseAbility ERG, contact Karen Brain at 858-636-3531 or karen.brain@sdcounty.ca.gov.