Women's Leadership and Employee Resource Group

Formerly named the Committee on Women's Leadership (CWL), the WL+ERG was established in 2023.

Our Mission

The Women’s Leadership and Employee Resource Group (WL+ERG) is a safe, confidential, and supportive community that aims to make NJIT equitable to women employees.  In collaboration with Human Resources and the Office of Inclusive Excellence, the WL+ERG serves to provide guidance and feedback to senior administrators and policymakers related to the experiences of women at NJIT in an effort to impact changes institutionally.  In addition, the WL+ERG enhances the visibility and supports the success of women at NJIT by facilitating networking opportunities, leadership, professional development and community building.

History

The committee was established by Saul Fenster, former NJIT president, in 1992, when he declared the "Decade of the Woman at NJIT."

The committee was charged with the following set of responsibilities: 

  1. To provide a forum for women at NJIT to discuss matters of common concern including issues related to the academic and social environment of the university
  2. To explore the continuing integration of gender into the curriculum
  3. To explore strategies for recruiting women students, faculty and staff
  4. To assess the impact of university policies on women
  5. To consult with and advise the president on relevant issues and recommend strategies for areas of concern

CWL (formerly CWI) Co-Chairs

  • 2022 - Present:  Risa Gorelick, Miosotis Hernadez, Kristie Damell
  • 2020 - 2022:  Grazia Gangitano & Christine Cervelli
  • 2019 - 2020:  Gabriela Gutierrez & Frankie Spear
  • 2018 - 2019:  Christina Pascucci, Gabriela Gutierrez & Frankie Spear
  • 2017 - 2018:  Lucie Tchouassi & Christina Pascucci
  • 2015 - 2017:  Casey Hennessey & Lucie Tchouassi
  • 2012 - 2015:  Karen Quackenbush & Dominique Clarke
  • 2005 - 2012:  Rose Federici & Dean Conrad

Our Past Successes Include

  • Provost and Faculty Council approval of a proposal to stop the tenure clock for faculty members caring for a biological or adopted child
  • Escort service was established with Public Safety to ensure safety for employees leaving the university after dark
  • The University opened a child care center as a direct result of a study by faculty and staff
  • The annual Lillian Gilbreth Colloquium was established
  • The Anne Wiley and Connie Murray scholarships were endowed
  • Issued a report on Advancing the Status of Women at NJIT:  Recommendations for the Strategic Planning Process
  • Won the 2007 Constance A Murray Diversity Award. Presented to an individual or group that goes beyond the commitment to equality required of each of us at NJIT, has compiled a significant and sustained record of achievement in fostering diversity within the university community.
  • Developed the Active – Modified Services Duty for Faculty.  Eligible faculty may be relieved of teaching responsibilities for one semester for the care of a newly-born or adopted child
  • Established and maintained the Lactation Lounge
  • Worked collaboratively with The Connie Murray Center for Women in Technology and The NJIT Chapter of AceNet
  • Offered workshops and brown bag lunches on a continual basis which provided speakers on topics that are of importance to our constituents.  This includes our annual networking welcome breakfast for new women employees and our annual fundraising for women’s scholarships