UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, where culture, inclusivity and environmental consciousness are paramount, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are transforming how organizations engage with staff and communities. These employee-led groups foster a sense of belonging by uniting individuals around shared values, interests or experiences. Through professional development, mentorship and community engagement, ERGs create unique opportunities for growth and collaboration, supporting University-wide goals to build an inclusive, sustainable and impactful organization.
The SustainaLions Employee Resource Group was launched in April at Penn State, thanks to the efforts of co-leads Jack Rumery, Penn State Sustainability’s assistant director for sustainability in the workplace, and Diana Malcom, senior administrative support in the Child Maltreatment Solutions Network.
"Throughout my time with Penn State Sustainability, I’ve looked for ways to unite likeminded employees across the University,” Rumery said. “The ERG model felt like an ideal approach to bridge otherwise disconnected areas of Penn State around a shared interest. I’m excited about the community-building potential that a group like this offers.”
Engaging staff and faculty at the University remains a key priority for Penn State’s leadership at large, as well as for Penn State Sustainability.
"This ERG is a network for sharing ideas, providing support and inspiration, and combating loneliness,” said Lara Fowler, director of Penn State Sustainability and the University’s chief sustainability officer. “Sustainability is complex, and it’s important to know you’re not alone in facing these challenges. People are the eyes and ears of what's happening, and more importantly, they are the idea generators. It’s all hands on deck to figure these things out."
On Oct. 21, the group convened for a social and learning opportunity featuring Ayodeji Oluwalana, Penn State’s waste reduction and recycling program manager.
“Everyone on campus generates waste with no exception, which is why the ERG is a great platform to engage Penn State employees to be mindful of the waste they generate and properly recycle,” he said. “We need everyone's help in reducing our recycling contamination levels by going the extra mile to pay attention to what goes where at the various waste stations."
From everyday actions like recycling to addressing global challenges, sustainability has become a unifying focus for individuals, organizations and communities worldwide — including at Penn State.
“I experience sustainability as uplifting, with so many exciting possibilities to help us live and work well with the world and one another,” Malcom said. “I have a lot to learn from colleagues at Penn State about how to do sustainability well and want to support the SustainaLions community by encouraging others to engage.”
The SustainaLions ERG has sought to include a diverse core group of dedicated Penn State employees to help with its development. That core group now includes eight members from seven distinct units across University Park, including Human Resources, Corporate Engagement and the Eberly College of Science, among others.
While peer engagement groups like Green Teams focus on connection among peers and Sustainability Councils support advancing sustainability goals through unit-specific groups, the SustainaLions ERG provides a University-wide platform for broader collaboration. It allows members to come together, share insights, and deepen their understanding of the challenges and opportunities the University faces in achieving sustainability.
“I was excited when I learned about the SustainaLions ERG because environmental sustainability is a passion of mine,” said Lauren Rodgers, a corporate engagement program coordinator who is part of the SustainaLions core group. “In the past, I was able to join a Green Team and took over leading it when I joined the College of Engineering. Upon leaving the CoE, I was without a Green Team and jumped at the chance to stay involved by joining the SustainaLions.”
Many members of the ERG see a direct connection with the work they do, further driving their desire to get involved.
“The SustainaLions ERG offers a way to practice what I preach in the classroom,” said Lucy McClain, associate teaching professor in recreation, park and tourism management, and another core group member. “If I’m trying to educate future sustainability leaders in the classroom about daily actions they can take, I’d better be role-modeling that outside of the classroom.”
The SustainaLions ERG will be hosting a variety of events throughout the year while actively seeking to expand its membership. Driven by a passion for protecting the planet, enhancing well-being and fostering accountability, sustainability has emerged as a unifying cause that resonates across boundaries. Whether you're interested in campus sustainability initiatives or simply looking for ways to adopt greener practices in your life, the SustainaLions invite employees from all corners of the University to join the growing community.
With more than 80 members already representing multiple campuses, the group is eager to grow. For more information and to stay updated on upcoming events, reach out to sustainalions-erg@psu.edu.