2nd Annual YAAA Event

Yale’s African American Affinity (YAAA) group planning committee—John Mayes, Procurement, Deborah Stanley McAulay, Organizational Development and Learning Center, Katherine Chambers, Electronic Commerce, Gwendolyn Sykes, Finance and Administration, and Wendy Hall, Procurement—helped orchestrate a celebration and networking event on February 21 at the New Haven Lawn Club for some 200 staff members. With jazz music playing in the background, attendees became more acquainted with each other by participating in a “human scavenger hunt”. The activity challenged attendees to locate other colleagues in the room who matched descriptors such as “I was born in a foreign country” or “I play a musical instrument.” Sykes, Yale’s first Chief Financial Officer, gave an informal presentation and Chief Diversity Officer Nydia Gonzalez encouraged involvement in the activities of Yale’s Asian American and Hispanic affinity groups.

Event Planning Committee Members

D. Bryant; K. Chambers; W. Hall; J. Mayes; J. Muhammad; D. Stanley–McAulay

Testimonials from guests

Hi Dessara, Kathy, Wendy, John, James and Debbie… I wanted to send a “Thank You” and “Congratulations”…

This is the first event of its kind I have ever attended. It was wonderful. It was for me a gathering so current and alive. On one hand very connected to our day–to–day University work and on another hand well beyond our roles here at Yale. I admit to you candidly that didn’t know what to expect. Now I can’t say enough about it. A large part of the event was the positive karma present everywhere and in everyone. Debbie, you generate more positive karma than anyone I’ve ever known (and I would be saying that today even if I didn’t work for you).

Nydia, this is the first time I have heard you speak about diversity and what you said resonated with me completely. Dorothy, your words and support also added so much. It would not have been the same without you.

You were outstanding Gwen. You made the evening. It is so good to have you here… and now we know so much about you too!

I don’t think I’ve ever felt prouder to be associated with Yale. It is all the special people and events like this that brings the life changing energy to the books and bricks of this place.

Please count me in for future events and call on me if ever I can help in any way.

My Sincere Thanks,
Ken

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Hi John,

I just wanted to thank you so much for inviting me to the YAAA event at the Lawn Club last night. The planning committee did an outstanding job! Everything was superbly executed—speakers, music, food and most of all the warm and inviting outreach of the planners and participants.

The evening left a changed and lasting impression upon me not to mention a great sense of inspiration and hope that we are much stronger together in unity.

Please be sure to extend my hearty thanks to all.

Best Regards,
Brenda

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John:

The YAAA event was indeed a success, and I was delighted to see the ‘diversity’ in the room. We are well on the way to creating communities of inclusion. The University–wide Diversity Council will be a vehicle for bringing cohesion and alignment across affinity group efforts.

Thank you for the opportunity to inform the YAAA participants of our diversity efforts to date and the plans going forward.

All the best,
Nydia

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