Celebrating NJIT's Women's Leadership and Employee Resource Group

NJIT has established employee resource groups (ERG) that meet regularly and encourage faculty and staff to connect outside of their direct working relationships. This month, NJIT is celebrating its Women’s Leadership and Employee Resource Group and publishing an employee spotlight on one of its members: Miosotis Hernandez, assistant director for first year engineering programs in Newark College of Engineering.

Can you introduce us to your ERG?

MH: I am co-chair of the Women’s Leadership ERG and our mission is to offer a safe, confidential and supportive community that aims to make NJIT equitable to women employees. In collaboration with Human Resources and the Office of Inclusive Excellence, the Women’s Leadership ERG serves to provide guidance and feedback to senior administrators and policymakers related to the experiences of women at NJIT to impact institutional changes. In addition, the Women’s Leadership ERG enhances the visibility and supports the success of women at NJIT by facilitating networking opportunities, leadership, professional development and community building.

What motivated you to join this ERG?

MH: I have benefited from many professional development and networking opportunities the Women’s Leadership ERG offers, including Partners for Success. Partners for Success is a buddy system that connects seasoned NJIT women employees with new NJIT women employees to share knowledge and job-related expertise. These experiences led me to accept the role of co-chair.

How has the ERG contributed to your sense of belonging and personal growth at NJIT?

MH: The Women’s Leadership ERG enhances personal growth in several ways. By providing a supportive community where members can network, share experiences and learn from each other's success and challenges. Additionally, the Women’s Leadership ERG offers mentoring programs, workshops and training sessions focused on leadership development, communication skills and career advancement strategies tailored to the group's specific needs and interests.

What upcoming events or activities are you looking forward to from the ERG?

MH: We recently hosted one of my favorite events, the annual scholarship fundraiser for women undergraduate and graduate students. This year, we hosted the scholarship event on NJIT’s Giving Day, which resulted in a successful fundraising effort that raised more than $3,000. Over the next several weeks and months, we will host various professional development and networking events, including another personal favorite, the NJIT Women Recognition Luncheon. This event is designed to recognize the contributions that multiple women staff and faculty have made for the NJIT community.

What advice do you have for colleagues who are considering joining the ERG?

MH: Each ERG is designed to help connect peers to share insight about their personal and professional experiences. Start by attending one of the events offered by the current ERGs and engage with its members to understand their experiences and learn how the ERG can support your personal and professional goals.

​​What is one of your proudest achievements during your time at NJIT?

MH: I have many! I am grateful for the students who express gratitude for my assistance in reaching their academic and career goals, as well as colleagues who came alongside me to help me earn my doctoral degree.

What is a little-known fact that your peers at NJIT might not know about you?

MH: I came to the United States at the age of 11.

Outside of your profession, what's one thing you are very passionate about?

MH: I am passionate about my faith in Jesus.