FEMA’s Federal Employee Resource Groups (FERG) are voluntary, employee-led communities providing mutual support and guidance. Members share a common interest and work to promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility within the agency and the communities we serve.
What We Do
FERG host commemorative, cultural, educational, and social events in addition to providing mentoring opportunities. They help promote innovation within all FEMA programs, and facilitate communication between employees and senior leaders to foster employee development opportunities.
Who Can Join
Everyone is welcome to join any FERG. Participation is not limited to a FERG’s described demographic.
Current FERGs at FEMA
FEMA’s Federal Employee Resource Groups (FERG) are voluntary, employee-led communities providing mutual support and guidance. Members share a common interest and work to promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility within the agency and the communities we serve.
African American
Explore topics surrounding the hiring, recruitment, retention, and progression of African American staff, along with addressing the integration of organizational initiatives within communities of color. This collaborative group aims to cultivate and support a diverse network of emergency management professionals and leaders within FEMA and the African American community.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander
Brings the FEMA community closer together by providing a forum for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) and allies to connect, learn, build relationships, promote professional development, and create a culturally aware, diverse, and inclusive workplace.
Caribbean Collective
Promotes equitable outcomes by empowering Caribbean employees through coaching and mentorship. This group also creates space for FEMA employees to learn about and celebrate Caribbean culture.
Disabilities ALLY
Supports FEMA leadership in strengthening inclusive diversity and equity goals across the agency and provides employees -- including people with disabilities, their family members, co-workers, and caregivers -- with a forum that fosters information sharing, collaboration, training, professional development, and networking opportunities. It also provides employees a platform for advocacy that promotes sharing lived experiences while developing outcome-driven solutions for leadership to consider.
Hispanic-Latino
Supports and empowers Hispanic and Latino employees while promoting cultural awareness throughout the agency. This FERG aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment where Hispanic and Latino employees can thrive personally and professionally.
Indian Country
Provides a unique forum to deepen workforce awareness and appreciation for tribal customs, history, and culture, while also educating employees on fundamental concepts of tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and federal treaty and trust responsibilities.
National Service Alumni
Promotes service and community through developing an inclusive, civically minded workforce, leveraging diverse perspectives and unique experiences of members to promote service and community at FEMA.
PRIDE
Assists the agency in developing and implementing programs and policies affecting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA) employees of the agency. This FERG is committed to supporting the agency in maintaining a workforce that reflects our nation’s rich diversity and capitalizes on the varied cultural, professional, and ethnic backgrounds of our workforce and those we serve.
Seasoned
Supports the agency’s efforts to incorporate equity into how we deliver our programs to make communities more resilient and to serve disaster survivors, particularly older adults. This FERG also supports professional development and equity for existing seasoned employees.
Veterans’ Advisory Council
Serves as a platform for discussing veterans’ matters and sharing applicable resources. This group leads, educates, and advocates for the veterans’ community.
Women’s Forum
Partners across FEMA to engage, educate, and empower FEMA employees to advance the interests of all women and those interested in women’s concerns and topics.