Employee Resource Group: Black/African American
Meet the Co-Chairs for Our Employee Resource Groups
Introducing… the leaders who will be oversee the activities of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Cook Children’s. They will develop the overall strategy and serve as spokespeople for the group. We asked our ERG leaders a series of questions so you can get to know them a little better and learn more about their views about the importance of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity.
Sheryl Fingers, Chair of the Black/African American Employee Resource Group
Your name and title at Cook Children’s along with any accolades or accomplishments you may want to share.
Sheryl Taylor Fingers, Director of System Planning. I have been with Cook Children’s for 16 years.
Why is an Employee Resource Group important for our employees?
The ERG will give our employees a sense of belonging. When we are able to build relationships in a safe space, our colleagues will feel supported, valued, seen and heard, and our organization can flourish.
Why did you decide to be a chair / co-chair for your ERG?
I think it is important to be part of meaningful solutions. When the idea was brought to me, I knew I couldn’t just sit on the sidelines. I want to help make Cook Children’s a sought-after place to work. It is my hope our group will drive conversations that will bring new ways to look at issues.
What does inclusivity, diversity and equity mean to you?
The understanding that everyone is valuable. The beauty is collectively harnessing our uniqueness and painting a masterpiece.
What would you say to allies who may not identify directly with an ERG but may resonate with this group or want to find ways to be supportive?
Allyship is important. No meaningful progress has ever been made without a collection of voices. I would also say allyship is action.
Brian Bergeron, Co-chair of Black/African American Employee Resource Group
Your name and title at Cook Children’s along with any accolades or accomplishments you may want to share.
Brian Bergeron, Director, Environmental Services, Food Services, Facility Appearances
The biggest accomplishment was serving 22 years in the U.S. Army where I was able to instruct and teach soldiers basic technology skills in the field of logistics. During my 20 years of experience in health care, one of the most inspiring accolades received was an award for “developing people,” which connects me to one of the values (generosity) in our new culture platform of giving of my time.
Why did you decide to be a chair / co-chair for your ERG?
The reason I decided to be a co-chair for the ERG is that it gives me an opportunity to assist in making the workplace more welcoming and respectful of all employees. I believe when you are able to broaden people’s horizons by allowing them to gain an understanding of a variety of histories and cultures they tend to be more receptive to ideas and viewpoints of others, which may result in improved decision-making.
What does inclusivity, diversity and equity mean to you?
Inclusivity, diversity and equity for me is to encourage people to recognize, evaluate and appreciate each other’s differences. That includes backgrounds, experiences, capabilities, religious and lifestyles.
What would you say to allies who may not identify directly with an ERG but may resonate with this group or want to find ways to be supportive?
We have to be creative to find ways to reach those that may not identity with the ERG. It starts with establishing the right platform within our organization.
Here's how to sign up on ULearn
Joining is easy:
You can use a QR code on a mobile device that will take you to ULearn. The same QR code is used for all the ERGs.
Or, you can go straight to ULearn. In the search bar, type in “Employee Resource Groups.” (Do not use the acronym ERG.)
1. Click on Employee Resource Group (ERG) Sign Up.
2. Click the blue box labeled Launch.
3. On the next page click Continue.
4. The next page will allow you to click to join any of the ERGs. You'll indicate if you are a part of the specific demographic or if you are joining as an ally or supporter.