The LFSA ERG group

The Latinx and Staff Faculty Association creates a community of belonging

(SACRAMENTO)

The Latinx and Staff Faculty Association (LSFA) has been cultivating a community of belonging for Latinx faculty, staff, and allies at UC Davis Health for more than 30 years. 

Daniel Marenco, manager of Systems Integrations at UC Davis Health, serves as vice-chair of the LSFA employee resource group (ERG). Yvonne Calderon, administrative assistant for the department of Primary Care Network, serves as chair. While the dynamics of the ERG gatherings have shifted over the course of the pandemic, LSFA has not wavered from its commitment to community service and employee engagement.

Marenco and Calderon offer their viewpoints about leading an ERG:

How has the ERG name evolved over the decades?

Calderon said, “Our group has gone through a few name changes since it began. The ERG was initially called the Hispanic Caucus. Over time, they changed their name to Latino Staff and Faculty Association, and then – about five years ago – changed the name from Latino to Latinx.

Latinx was recently adopted because it demonstrates a more inclusive, gender-neutral approach.”

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your ERG?

Calderon and Marenco acknowledged how drastically things have changed since the start of the pandemic.

Daniel Marenco currently
serves as vice chair of LFSA

Calderon said, “We aren’t able to socialize in-person like we used to, and we’ve had to learn how to use Zoom and host all of our events and meetings virtually.”

Marenco added, “We didn't have any warning. Suddenly in mid-March, everything shut down and many of us were forced to work from home.”

Both Marenco and Calderon believe that the overwhelming number of virtual meetings – both within their typical workday and during their volunteer time leading LSFA – has caused burnout and “Zoom fatigue” among their colleagues.

“It doesn’t stop us from planning meetings and events,” said Marenco. “We’ve learned to try different things and keep people engaged.”

Calderon said, “We’ve adjusted, but I’ll admit it saddens me that we haven’t been able to attend in-person events, like the annual Ronald McDonald House Halloween festival or the toy drive for the La Familia Counseling Center of Sacramento. We still participate, but it’s limited to donating items instead of attending in-person.”

What does the LSFA ERG mean to you, personally and professionally?

“It means a lot to be part of this ERG,” Calderon enthusiastically replied. “It’s a great opportunity to be a part of a group and share your knowledge and ideas with colleagues. Professionally, you will learn leadership skills, about diversity, and how an ERG board operates behind the scenes. We’re inclusive and transparent, which is so important in such a large organization.”

Another perk to being part of a resource group is being able to engage and interact with other ERGs through annual events, such as Thank Goodness for Staff Day and Principles of Community Week.

Yvonne Calderon is
LFSA's current chair.

Calderon noted, “Just being able to meet colleagues from other employee resource groups and networking has been a great personal experience. I love volunteering and giving back, and that’s why I enjoy serving on these committees.”

For Marenco, being part of an ERG is like being part of a tight-knit community.

“I grew up in San Francisco in a predominantly Latino neighborhood,” shared Marenco. “When I moved to Sacramento, I no longer had that support system. I felt like I was floating around from neighborhood to neighborhood. It wasn’t until I joined LSFA where I felt as though I was part of a community again.”

What are LSFA’s top priorities moving forward?

Looking ahead at 2022, Cinco De Mayo and National Hispanic Month are the two big events Marenco and Calderon are focused on. National Hispanic Month takes place mid-September through mid-October every year. 

If you missed an opportunity to join this year’s festivities, visit the LSFA website.

Are there any upcoming LSFA events or activities we should know about?

Calderon said, “We are getting ready for our annual holiday social in December, where we just have some time to meet and greet and play some virtual games. Because we can’t provide food at this event, we instead plan to give away some swag and gift cards for places like Starbucks and Chipotle.”

The La Familia Counselling Center will be joining the party on at noon on Dec.15, and will share a historical video about the center and the services they provide.   

This holiday season, the resource group will be holding a Toy Drive in partnership with La Familia Counseling Center. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 6. To coordinate a drop-off, please contact Frances Huizar at fmhuizar@ucdavis.edu, Octavio Romero at octavio.romero@ucdavis.edu, or Paty Gonzalez at pmgonzalez@ucdavis.edu

To register for the LSFA holiday social on Dec. 15, click on the RSVP link

The LSFA also recently hosted their 5th annual restock The Pantry drive.

“Patricia Gonzalez oversees The Pantry, which is open to all staff and students in need,” Calderon said. “This pantry really helps students and staff, especially during the holidays when it appears there is a higher need for food and various household items.”  

Can anyone join the ERG?

“Yes, please join,” exclaimed Marenco. “You do not have to be Latina/Latino. The only criterion is that you’re an employee.”

To learn more about the Latinx Staff and Faculty Association, contact Yvonne Calderon at  ycalderon@ucdavis.edu, or Daniel Marenco at demarenco@ucdavis.edu. After you join you will receive information about upcoming events and meetings.

COVID-19 information and additional resources