New ERG Has DiverseAbility

Our differences make us stronger! The County’s newest employee resource group will celebrate those diverse abilities with a launch event on April 14, open to the public.

DiverseAbility ERG’s mission is to advance awareness and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Karen Brain, president of the ERG, said the group hopes to provide a safe and welcoming environment for employees with disabilities and their allies to share their stories, be heard, understood and supported.

“I’d love to get to a place where people with disabilities, both visible and invisible, and caregivers can self-identify and talk about our experiences and concerns without hesitation or fear--to have the ability to be authentic, to really be themselves,” said Brain, an administrative analyst with the Health and Human Services Agency.

The group will focus on education-based opportunities, connecting employees and residents of San Diego with resources and community partners, and social events.

The ERG will hold a launch event from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Friday, April 14 in the Chambers at the County Operations Center. In addition to live music (several ERG members are in the band), refreshments and networking, the program will feature guest speaker Alex Montoya, a triple amputee. Montoya, a motivational speaker, will speak about overcoming obstacles and succeeding in business, education and service.

DiverseAbility joins nine other established ERGs at the County. Each ERG works to enhance cultural awareness, support workforce outreach, recruitment and retention, promote County initiatives though partnerships with departments and community based organizations and to provide professional development and networking opportunities for members.

To learn more about DiverseAbility ERG, attend Friday’s launch event or contact Karen Brain at 858-636-3531 or karen.brain@sdcounty.ca.gov.