2026 marks a new chapter for Wake Forest employee connections as Human Resources launches The year 2026 marks a new chapter for Wake Forest employees as Human Resources recently launched Employee Interest Groups (EIGs). These groups are designed to support faculty and staff in actively and intentionally cultivating a sense of community around shared interests.
To kick off the work of the 10 inaugural EIGs, a Connection Fall Open House was hosted on Sept. 24. All WFU employees were invited to join colleagues for breakfast to meet others and learn about the various EIGs. The event was hosted in the Green Room of Reynolda Hall, with more than 90 faculty and staff members attending.
“What I love most about the employee interest group gathering is that it reminds me that my colleagues are whole humans with a need for communal restoration and camaraderie in the midst of our work together,” says Rev. Dr. K. Monet Rice-Jalloh, senior associate university chaplain. “Wake is truly Pro Humanitate.”
Current Employee Interest Groups include:
- Asian American Pacific Islander Employee Interest Group
- Black Women Employee Interest Group
- Community for the Americas: Support and Advancement Employee Interest Group (CASA)
- Disability Employee Interest Group
- Early Career Professionals Employee Interest Group
- International Employee Interest Group
- Men of Valor — Black Men Employee Interest Group
- Parent and Caregiver Employee Interest Group
- Wake Forest Queer Employee Interest Group (WFQ)
- Women’s Employee Interest Group
“Seeing all of the different Employee Interest Groups together in one space for the fall open house was an inspiring reminder of how much these groups add to our campus community,” says Kelly Rowe-Jones, co-chair for the Parent and Caregiver EIG. “When I came to Wake three years ago, joining an EIG (formerly an ARG) was one of the fastest ways I was able to build genuine connections with faculty and staff outside my own department. Those relationships, both personal and professional, are still ones I lean on today.”
In addition to the 10 initial EIGs, employees interested in forming a new EIG are encouraged to consult with Human Resources. EIG applications open annually from January 1 to March 1, and accepted EIGs are notified in April.
“It’s exciting to see the new Employee Interest Groups coming alive this fall in the spirit of community-building, professional development, and Pro Humanitate,” says Dr. Malika Roman Isler, associate vice president for Employee Experience. “I’m proud to see the leadership and engagement from our EIGs and look forward to their impactful work.”
Learn more about EIGs and toggle the information tab for each group to learn how you can get involved. Individuals with questions can reach out to Dr. Malika Roman Isler at .
