The Women of Princeton ERG strives to hold a variety of events that will appeal to our diverse membership. Our activities include:
- Knot-Stress-Away textile craft gatherings, weekly
- Book Club every other month, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (usually virtual)
- Volunteer activities, with examples including building picnic tables with Habitat for Humanity and preparing food pantry items with Arm In Arm
If you have suggestions for a future event, want to suggest a location for one of the above recurring events, or request an event be added to the calendar, please email us at womenerg@princeton.edu or submit the Event Suggestion form.
Welcome to our new Book Club Co-Chair,
Femke de Ruyter!
A note from Femke –
“When I think of the wisest people I know, they share one defining trait: curiosity. They turn away from the minutiae of their lives-and focus on the world around them. They are motivated by the desire to explore the unfamiliar. They are drawn toward what they don’t understand.” – Dani Shapiro
Curious could be my middle name if I had one. Curiosity got me admitted to college
Having been with Princeton for almost fourteen years, I’m excited to join the WERG book club as co-chair to collaborate and learn about, and from, new friends across campus. I appreciate – and envy – great writing and rely on books for inspiration, clarity and hope. This role will allow me to weave together my love for storytelling and my Princeton life. My favorite genre is memoir (including those written by Dani Shapiro); however, the committee recently chose one of my suggested novels for an upcoming meeting, a work of fiction I’ve been meaning to read for many years. The book club will hold me accountable for checking must-read books off my list and encourage me to explore the diverse interests and genres of fellow committee members.”
Upcoming Events
All WERG programs and membership are open to all staff, encouraging greater understanding and partnership amongst colleagues in the workforce.
Knot-Stress-Away
Wednesdays | April 1, 15 & 29; May 13 & 27 (noon – 1:00 p.m.)
Thursdays | April 9, 23; May 7 & 21 (12:30 – 1:30 p.m.)
701 Carnegie – 231A Great Wall of China
RSVP to Susan Leggett
The WERG Social & Wellness Committee is offering a Knot-Stress-Away get-together on alternating Wednesdays and Thursdays. Bring your current textile craft projects, get tips and tricks, or come prepared to learn a new skill and to meet other members of WERG.
For more information or an Outlook invite, contact Susan Leggett.
Sponsored by WERG Social & Wellness
Princeton University Farmers’ Market
Wednesdays | April 1 to May 6
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Firestone Library / Chapel Plaza
Featuring Bebe’s All Natural, Carlito’s Tacos, Catalina Empanadas, The Dimpled Date, The Granola Bar, Jersey Artisan, Judith’s Desserts, Little Star Foods, Nutty Novelties, Ooika Matcha, Pearl Coffee, Picklelicious, RiceWich & Tea House, Roper’s Way Farm, Sprouts Flowers, Terhune Orchard, Tico’s Eatery and Juice Bar, and more!
For more information, contact pumarket@princeton.edu or 609-258-5144
Sponsored by the Office of Sustainability, Undergraduate Student Government, and Office of Community & Regional Affairs, in collaboration with Campus Dining and Graduate Student Government
Virtual Ask Me Anything: Menopause
Tuesday, April 7
noon – 1:00 p.m.
Zoom
Dr. Fatimeh Sasan from KindBody will provide helpful information about menopause and answer questions submitted in advance from registered viewers.
For more information, contact Minda Alena
Sponsored by WERG Community Outreach
Lunch and Learn: Women in Princeton’s History
Thursday, April 9
noon – 1:00 p.m.
Lewis Library, Room 120
Women’s stories are often more difficult to find in the historical record, or their identities are hidden behind their husbands’ names.
This program highlights the contributions of influential women in Princeton’s history, including immigrants, enslaved women, working women, and community leaders. Through their service to others, these trailblazers played key roles in the town’s development.
Bring your own lunch. Dessert will be provided. This event is open to all staff, regardless of identity.
For more information contact Gina Mastro
Sponsored by WERG
Women’s Meditation
Mondays | April 13, May 11, June 8
noon – 1:00 p.m.
Dodge Hall, Room 104
A meditation for students, staff, and faculty, facilitated by Theresa S. Thames (Office of Religious Life) and Jessica Cichalski (University Health Services). A healthy lunch will be provided. Open to all people and all gender expressions.
For more information, contact Theresa Thames
Sponsored by the Office of Religious Life
Navigating Cancer at Princeton Panel
Tuesday, April 14
noon – 1:30 p.m.
Zoom
Register here
Join a discussion dedicated to increasing awareness of the benefits, resources, and support available to employees and families affected by cancer. The panel will feature a colleague living with a cancer diagnosis, a caregiver for a person with cancer, and a representative from Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK). Together, they will share personal experiences, offer guidance, and provide information on navigating University benefits and resources. A Q&A session will follow the discussion.
This event is open to all staff, regardless of identity.
If you require an accommodation or have questions about the event, please contact Lisa M. Linn De Barona
Sponsored by Parents and Caregivers ERG and Disability Alliance at Princeton ERG
Religious Diversity in the Workplace: Leveraging Cross-Cultural Allyship
Thursday, April 16
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Zoom
Register here
This session will unpack the ways in which religion and belief as a facet of diversity, equity, and inclusion can advance the concept of allyship in the workplace. Facilitators will highlight better practices, such as cross-cultural communication, for advancing allyship among employees of all faiths and none. This interactive session will highlight the intersectional nature of religion and belief and its utility in creating inclusive and respectful workplaces for employees of all identities.
This virtual session is facilitated by Tanenbaum and is open to all staff.
WERG Book Club: “Weyward” by Emilia Hart
Friday, April 24
noon – 1:00 p.m.
Zoom
Register here
Join us as we discuss Weyward by Emilia Hart. This event is open to all staff, regardless of identity.
For more information, contact Jayme Wagner or Femke de Ruyter
Sponsored by WERG Book Club
ERG Exchange: Leadership Insights with Dr. Calvin Chin
Tuesday, May 5
11:00 a.m. – noon
Frist Health Center, McLain Pavillion
Register here
Join the Disability Alliance at Princeton (DAP) ERG and the ERG Exchange Committee for an inspiring leadership conversation with Dr. Calvin Chin, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services, who also serves as the executive sponsor for DAP. This session will explore Dr. Chin’s career journey and invite reflection on how identity and lived experience shape the ways we grow, lead, and navigate our careers.
For questions, contact princetonerg@princeton.edu
Sponsored by the ERG Exchange Committee
Knot-Stress-Away (On Campus!)
Thursday, May 7
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Lewis Science Library – Makerspace A-Level
RSVP to Steph Ayers
The WERG Social & Wellness Committee is offering a Knot-Stress-Away get-together on alternating Wednesdays and Thursdays. Bring your current textile craft projects, get tips and tricks, or come prepared to learn a new skill and to meet other members of WERG.
For questions or to RSVP, contact Steph Ayers
Sponsored by WERG Social & Wellness
Craft, Chat, and Relax in Honor of Mental Health Awareness Month
Friday, May 8
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Frist Health Center, McLain Pavillion
Register here
May is Mental Health Awareness month. Crafting has become the new medicine for mental health. The art of focusing on a craft for 30 or more minutes a day can make a noticeable difference in your life. It may bring focus, reduce stress, promote mindfulness, emotional expression, social connection or a sense of control. The craft you choose should be one you enjoy or want to learn. Mental health benefits come from the process, not the product that is created or its level of perfection.
Snacks will be provided. You are welcome to bring your current work in progress or drop by to gain inspiration from projects that others are working on. We will have a “Give & Take” table of gently used crafting supplies. Pick up an item that intrigues you (e.g. yarn, thread, art supplies, patterns, tools, etc.) or leave something that someone else may enjoy. All crafters, novice or experienced, are welcome. Open to all University staff regardless of identity.
For more information contact Gina Mastro
Sponsored by WERG Social and Wellness Committee, Disability Alliance, Latino Princetonians, Parents and Caregivers ERG
Ally Project: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students, Staff, and Faculty
Tuesday, June 9
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Zoom
Register here
Designed specifically for staff, the Ally Project explores ways to better support LGBTQIA+ students and colleagues. This interactive session will cover topics including inclusive language and terminology, understanding the experiences and needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, and how to become a more effective ally. This session will be led by April Callis, Assistant Dean for Diversity & Inclusion, Gender + Sexuality Resource Center and Alex G. Rosado-Torres, Associate Director, Gender + Sexuality Resource Center.
This session is open to all staff.
Ally Project: Understanding Trans Experience
Thursday, June 11
10:00 a.m. – noon
Zoom
Register here
This session is a follow-up to “Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students, Staff, and Faculty”. This program will discuss the most common questions that come up when addressing gender identity and gender diversity on campus, including the use of language, what it means to identify as transgender or gender non-conforming, the experiences of transgender students and employees, and resources you can utilize as an ally to create and maintain a safe and welcoming campus. This session will be led by April Callis, Assistant Dean for Diversity & Inclusion, Gender + Sexuality Resource Center and Alex G. Rosado-Torres, Associate Director, Gender + Sexuality Resource Center.
This session is open to all staff.
Beyond the Blame Game – Tanenbaum & PFLAG
Wednesday, June 17
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Zoom
Register here
This presentation explores the nuanced and often complex intersection of religious identity and LGBTQ+ identity in the workplace. The learning objectives are designed to raise awareness, build competencies to debunk assumptions, and foster inclusive dialogue to navigate sensitive conversations and promote respectful, inclusive environments.
The session’s four learning objectives are:
- Contextualize the intersection of religion and LGBTQ+ identities at work.
- Define and dispel common assumptions about religion and LGBTQ+ identities that arise in the workplace.
- Identify concrete steps for inclusive conversations.
- Apply learnings to real-world scenarios.
This session is facilitated by Tanenbaum and PFLAG National and is open to all staff.
WERG Book Club: “The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans
Friday, June 267
noon – 1:00 p.m.
Zoom
Register here
Join us as we read The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. This event is open to all staff, regardless of identity.
For more information, contact Jayme Wagner or Femke de Ruyter
Sponsored by WERG Book Club
COMMUNITY NEWS
Annual Business Attire Clothing Drive… and more!
April 1 – 7
Drop of locations: 212 Alexander Street (8:30-9:30 a.m. and 12:30-1:30 p.m.), 701 Carnegie Center (main lobby), 208 Sayre Hall, Forrestal Campus (main lobby)
Princeton University will be conducting its annual clothing drive to benefit Mercer County organizations that collect gently used business attire for women and men. This year, the drive will support Dress for Success of Mercer County, HomeFront’s Suitably Dressed, Mercer County Community College’s Career Closet, Princeton University’s Program in Teacher Preparation, NJ Rise, Salvation Army, Princeton Cornerstone Community Kitchen Free Store, and the Municipality of Princeton’s Summer Youth Employment Program.
All types of business and business-casual clothing in good condition are needed, including suits, dress slacks, khakis, dress shirts, collared casual shirts, blazers, skirts, sweaters, dresses, jackets, coats, ties, shoes, belts, jewelry, handbags and other accessories. Please bring clothing on hangers.
We will also be collecting:
- Used eyeglasses to donate to Lions Club International
- Unwanted stuffed toys and gently used supplies including beds, bones, balls, bowls, leashes, etc. All toys will be donated to Glad Dogs Nation
- Prom dresses and tuxedos to donate to Princeton High School students
For more information, or to volunteer to assist with the clothing drive, contact Melissa Mercuro in the Office of Community and Regional Affairs at pucra@princeton.edu
Sponsored by the Office of Community and Regional Affairs, the Office of Sustainability, the Department of Building Services, and the Office of the Provost
For additional Employee Resource Group events
please visit: Events | Human Resources