Employee Resource Group: Pride (LGBTQ+)
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 Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity.
Tara K. Drake, Chair of LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group
Your name and title at Cook Children’s along with any accolades or accomplishments you may want to share.
Tara K. Drake, MSN, RN, RN Manager, Cook Children’s Physician Network Clinical Operations
Why is an Employee Resource Group important for our employees?
Having an LGBTQ+ ERG at Cook Children’s has been a long-awaited dream of mine. Employees of this organization have needed work groups that represent who they really are. By forming the LGBTQ+ ERG, employees will be able to personally connect with those who are like them and support them. The feeling of inclusivity should not be felt by some but by all, and we are going to bring that to this organization.
Why did you decide to be a chair / co-chair for your ERG?
This is a groundbreaking, historic moment for Cook Children’s and its employees. To be the start of something like this is a privilege and to be able to co-chair with someone as passionate as Jacob Hall was a no-brainer for me. We are laying the groundwork for something so much bigger than us, and I could not be prouder to be a part of this.
What does inclusivity, diversity and equity mean to you?
To me, inclusivity, diversity, and equity means having the same opportunities as everyone else but still being true to yourself and who you are.
What would you say to allies who may not identify with the ERG but may resonate with this group or want to find ways to be supportive?
For those wanting to support the LGBTQ+ ERG, I would say, “Welcome! We are lucky to have you!”
Jacob Hall, PharmD, Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group
Your name and title at Cook Children’s along with any accolades or accomplishments you may want to share.
My name is Jacob Hall, and I'm a Clinical Pharmacist who is widely recognized as the "Hey friend!" pharmacist due to my jovial and warm way of answering calls and messages. On a personal level, I've set an objective for myself to be an ever-smiling, kind-hearted person, intent on making a positive impact on those around me. To that end, I proudly display a rainbow badge reel as a silent sign of safety. Beyond clinical practice, I also serve in several capacities across campus via various committees, task forces, and workgroups, so please say hello.
Why is an Employee Resource Group important for our employees?
Interestingly, I've long had a desire to see a mechanism like this in our workplace, yet I couldn't quite put a name to it until now, and they are the Employee Resource Groups. These are vital tools that provide staff with a sense of connection and visibility as they give us the platform to represent our communities honestly, openly and safely. I hope that our staff, and especially all my LGBTQ+ friends, will share in my excitement and sense of community that this significant step forward for our institution will bring.
Why did you decide to be a chair / co-chair for your ERG?
I am extremely honored to have been asked to serve in this role as during my interview, I learned that my name had been earmarked for when a significant initiative arose. Given the current global climate, the timing seems perfect, aligning with my personal desire to foster an environment of acceptance, positivity, and openness. What invigorates me the most about this undertaking is the authentic representation within the leadership of these groups – individuals who genuinely identify with and live the experiences of the groups they are leading.
What does inclusivity, diversity and equity mean to you?
When I consider the principles of Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity (ID&E), I perceive them as a step-by-step progression, full of exploration and curiosity. I like to start with diversity, and I believe that you have to understand people not only for who and what they are but also the 'why' behind their identities. Inclusion represents all of the people/groups that you found have those unique characteristics. Finally, equity is the ongoing process of finding ways to support individuals or groups based on specific needs with tailored solutions to provide everyone with the best chances possible.
What would you say to allies who may not identify directly with the ERG but may resonate with this group or want to find ways to be supportive?
We love our allies! With our community being relatively small, allies help us tremendously by garnering the support we need to effect meaningful change for our community. So, if you don't identify as LGBTQ+ but desire to join our family as a supporter and advocate, we welcome you with open arms and look forward to sharing the richness and beauty of our community with you.
Here's how to sign up on ULearn
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.