Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging are key to creating organizational cultures where everyone can thrive.

The Walton Family Foundation’s five-year strategy prioritizes DEI as one of three shared goals that shape our approach to philanthropy.

Within the foundation, we’re committed to strengthening an internal culture that recognizes, values and respects differences. One of the ways we are creating an environment of inclusion, engagement and connection is through our affinity groups.

Affinity groups provide an opportunity for staff to connect, learn, share and contribute. They are most successful when they are designed to be purposeful and psychologically safe.

These groups offer staff the opportunity to connect with colleagues who have common backgrounds, interests and share aspects of professional or personal identities. They foster inclusivity and create a space for staff to learn from the richness of each other’s identities, experiences and perspectives.

I asked several staff members why these affinity groups are important to them and their work.

Why did you get involved with your affinity group?

Trish Franklin, Pride Affinity Group: When I was interviewing for my job, I read about the foundation sponsoring Northwest Arkansas Pride. I was so excited by the prospect of joining an organization that supports LGBTQ+ causes. I felt a sense of belonging and acceptance for who I am. I expressed interest in launching an affinity group for LGBTQ+ associates and allies. It grew from there.

Wiselene Dorceus, Black Professionals Affinity Group: I have always been passionate about creating safe spaces for marginalized communities. From my experience founding African American clubs and Black Student Unions, I understand the importance of affinity groups in providing a sense of belonging and support. Everyone has a role to play in fostering inclusivity.

Miranda Burgess, New Professionals Affinity Group: I wanted a way to meet people outside of my department and make connections with people in different parts of the organization.

Renu Mittal, Asian Professionals Affinity Group: At first I wasn’t sure how an Asian Professionals Affinity Group would resonate at the foundation. But I joined a Black Professionals Affinity Group monthly meeting and was so impressed with the conversations and connections the group had and were making. I reached out to colleagues to create the Asian Affinity Group in hopes of creating the same sense of partnership with associates who identify as Asian that I saw among members of the Black Professionals Affinity Group.

Sandra Linn, Ready to Launch: Parents with Kids Leaving Home Affinity Group: My youngest son is heading off to college this fall, and I wanted to have a group of people that were going through a similar process.

Why is your affinity group important to you?

Trish Franklin: I want to extend the sense of belonging and acceptance I inherently feel at the foundation to other associates, and create a space and place of safety, community and education − and also have some fun.

Miranda Burgess: Being young in the professional world is scary − at least for me! By collaborating with my affinity group, I have gained insight to where our organization is heading, where growth is happening and all the exciting things we have our hands in!

Wiselene Dorceus: It provides a platform where I can connect with fellow Black professionals who share similar experiences and challenges. It serves as a support system and a place to exchange ideas, perspectives and knowledge, empowering us to navigate the workplace more effectively and thrive in our careers.

Renu Mittal: It is a place to meet other professionals who have similar stories of growing up Asian in America – and who understand the balancing act many of us deal with trying to fit in as an American and at home as an Asian. You can relate to each other's stories and talk about events in the world or your community that affect you as an Asian, both personally and professionally.

Sandra Linn: The group provides me with both a good sounding board for questions I might have, and a resource for ideas on how to approach this time for both my sons and for me.

How has your affinity group helped you – in your work, or relationships with colleagues?

Trish Franklin: I am getting to know people from across the foundation who I might not otherwise have. It’s giving me confidence as a leader and giving me exposure to the field of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.

Miranda Burgess: I have learned a lot about collaboration and networking. I have people in different departments who know they can reach out to me for help. I feel welcomed when I see a familiar face in a meeting. I also feel supported by my peers and know that my opinion and presence is valued.

Wiselene Dorceus: The strategic vision for the foundation’s Home Region program includes making Northwest Arkansas the most vibrant and inclusive community in the nation, where everyone feels like they belong. I wanted to provide solutions and take action to make the foundation as vibrant and inclusive as our strategic vision suggests. I feel more connected than ever to my colleagues.

Renu Mittal: It has helped me create new friendships, meet more people and created a sense of belonging.

Sandra Linn: It has expanded the group of people I know and can look to for questions I have for work. It has also reinforced the knowledge of how great the people I work with are.

Why do think affinity groups are important for the foundation and its staff?

Trish Franklin: So many reasons! On an individual level, it’s a starting point for a safe place to be oneself. In LGBTQ+ identities, there can be barriers to self-identifying for many reasons. So, it’s invaluable to have a place where people understand and accept you unconditionally. At the foundation level, it’s a powerful message to associates that the organization thinks about, cares about and values diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Miranda Burgess: They showcase that while we are proud of the work that we do, we are also proud of who we are. The New Professionals group recognizes how privileged we are to work where we do and then go into the community with a hope and goal to make it an even better place.

Wiselene Dorceus: They serve as laboratories for policy change, community building, professional development and leadership. By bringing staff together to find equitable and inclusive solutions, these groups go beyond merely sharing grievances. They contribute to the advancement of DEI by addressing retention issues faced by Black professionals, ensuring their inclusion and fostering a community where they can openly share their experiences and culture.

Renu Mittal: Affinity groups create a safe place to talk about challenges and successes as an Asian, or however you may identify. They are places where you can relate to others' experiences. In a predominately white sector, it is helpful to connect with others who look like you professionally and navigate the sector together. It makes you feel you have allies and thought partners who understand you.

How do you feel affinity groups are helping advance DEI at the foundation?

Trish Franklin: Affinity groups offer a safe place for folks to engage on tough topics of race, identity, LGBTQ+ issues and rights and more. Then the work can expand from there. The ripple effect of an affinity group can be huge, especially when an affinity group hosts events for all staff to engage and come away with new understanding.

Miranda Burgess: Affinity groups are helping advance DEI at the foundation by normalizing uncomfortable conversations, which create a pathway for growth. In so many work environments, members of the Black, LGBTQIA+, AAPI and other communities are not encouraged to celebrate or discuss their hardships and victories. But through these affinity groups, we are helping break down this barrier.

Wiselene Dorceus: Affinity groups play a crucial role in advancing DEI. The Black Professionals Group, for example, focuses on addressing the retention of Black professionals, ensuring they not only join the organization but also feel supported and encouraged to stay. The group creates a safe and inclusive community where Black professionals and allies can openly share their experiences, culture and perspectives, fostering a greater sense of belonging and understanding.

Can you share an experience that illustrates why affinity groups add value for you and the organization?

Trish Franklin: During a recent icebreaker for our affinity group, we shared our favorite or first memory of going to a Pride festival or parade. A couple of our members had never been to Pride, and were really interested to hear the first powerful experiences of those who had been.

Renu Mittal: I had the chance to meet more people not just through the Asian Affinity Group but the Black Affinity Group and the Pride Affinity Group. It’s hard to articulate, but you all know that we all have lived experiences that may have been challenging or brought adversity to your life. You don’t need to speak about them. It’s just understood. It helps you feel like you belong. You feel less of an outsider.

Sandra Linn: In one of our initial discussions, we talked about how, as your children grow up, the relationship dynamics change. Thinking about how to embrace those changes helps to sort through both the challenges and opportunities. This group is great at providing the knowledge and wisdom of others facing the same situations.

Thank you to the foundation staff who participated in this article:

Trish Franklin is a Senior Grants Management Associate.
Wiselene Dorceus is a Strategy, Learning and Evaluation Officer with the Home Region Program.
Renu Mittal is a Program Officer with the Environment Program.
Miranda Burgess is an Accounts Payable Specialist.
Sandra Linn is a Grant Manager with the Home Region Program.