A Conversation with MICHAEL BRANDT

The African-American Employee Resource Group (AAERG) aims to advance a diverse and inclusive environment for current and future African-American employees. These efforts help members achieve their potential in career development and employment opportunities at the Lab, in science, engineering, technology, and operations.

Michael Brandt, Deputy Lab Director and Chief Operating Officer, is the executive sponsor of the African American Employee Resource Group (AAERG). Michael shared his thoughts on how the ERG supports the Lab’s mission, and what are the priorities of the organization.

How does the AAERG support the Lab’s mission?

The 100 members of the AAERG bring their knowledge and leadership to the Lab from all science areas, computing, operations, and business systems. They support the multidisciplinary approach of team science at Berkeley Lab. We also provide outreach to Bay Area and online communities to bring new talent to the Lab, while assisting our members to create professional development plans to enhance their careers.

What are the AAERG’s top three or four priorities today?

The AAERG has 4 organizing priorities or pillars: Recruit, Retain, Empower Inspire. The first priority is to expand outreach in the local community. We share more about the Lab with African Americans in our community. The goal is to recruit talented employees and to provide information about STEM careers to local communities and their families.

Our second and third priorities are to share resources internally about the Lab’s workforce development and promotion process. We want to retain African American employees, and empower every employee to identify and navigate available professional opportunities. We also want to share our views, questions and concerns with Lab leadership.

Our fourth priority is to create social events for African American employees at the Lab. Getting together virtually, and someday in person, helps to inspire our AAERG members by providing a professional network, a sense of community, and solidarity among this smaller demographic at Berkeley Lab.

Who do you partner with at the Lab to be successful?

The AAERG partners in all areas across the Lab, but in particular, we partner with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office, the Directorate, and other employee resource groups such as Lambda Alliance, All Access, WSEC, and Latinx American and Native American. We encourage all employees to join one, or even several of these groups to widen your network at the Lab.