Employee Networking Groups
Strengthen
Workplace ENGAGEMENT
Deepen employee connections, spark collaboration and drive long-term retention.
With a looming workforce and talent shortage, organizations must find new ways to attract, retain and engage employees. One of the most effective strategies is creating internal networking groups that foster a sense of belonging, provide professional development opportunities and strengthen workplace engagement.

Our Series at a Glance
Find out more about our Employee Networking Groups Workshop Series.
Dates
8:30-10 a.m. on four select Thursdays from Sept. 18-Dec. 18, 2025
Online
Real-time via Zoom
Cost
$50 nonprofit employees
$99 general
Partners
This program is being offered in partnership with:



Group Discount
Save when registering multiple people from your organization.
The investment for three or more people from the same organization is $250.
FOcused Training
Join us for a four-part workshop series designed for employers and hiring managers to build or enhance employee-led groups to focus on retention, collaboration and workforce satisfaction. This series is a collaboration between the Schreiber Institute for Women's Leadership and the Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Training.
The Business Case for Employee Networking Groups
September 25, 2025, 8:30-10 a.m.
What does the data tell us about employee engagement, retention and overall job satisfaction, helping organizations remain competitive in a tightening labor market?
Speaker: Farzana Nayani, ERG Consultant, Author and Executive Coach
Moderator: Jess Lambrecht, Executive Officer, Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Training, UW-Green Bay
Designing & Launching Employee Groups for Success
October 23, 2025, 8:30-10 a.m.
Learn how to design and introduce networking groups that align with both employee needs and organizational priorities. Gain insight into leadership support, group structure, and member engagement.
Speaker: Representatives of Employee Resource Groups
Moderators: Margaret Baltus, Senior Organizational Development Leader, Foth
Lessons from the Field
Panel Discussion
November 13, 2025, 8:30-10 a.m.
Learn from organizations that have successfully implemented employee networking groups and gain insights into best practices, challenges and strategies to sustain the initiative. Engage in Q&A and discussion with the panelists to address real-world concerns and opportunities.
Panel: Jenene Calloway, Schreiber Foods; Vicky Ellwood, Amcor; Daniel Webster, Walbec Group; Craig Wiedemeier, Werner Electric Supply
Moderator: Janet Elliot, Werner Electric Supply
Leveraging Young Professionals Voice & Experience
December 18, 2025, 8:30-10 a.m.
Join us for a dynamic student panel discussion that explores the transition from college to the workplace through the lens of young professionals. Hear firsthand from recent graduates and soon-to-be professionals as they share their experiences, challenges, and insights on navigating the early stages of their careers. This conversation aims to amplify their voices, highlight the realities of workforce entry, and uncover what support and resources matter most during this critical phase.
Speakers: Students & Graduates, UW-Green Bay
Moderators: Pa Lee Moua, Ph.D., Executive Director, Schreiber Institute for Women's Leadership, UW-Green Bay
Speakers

Farzana Nayani
ERG Consultant, Author & Executive CoachFarzana Nayani (she/her/hers) is a recognized People & Culture Consultant, ERG specialist, business and strategy coach and international keynote speaker. Farzana’s advisory work with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), small business advocacy, entrepreneurship, and racial equity and inclusion has taken her to engagements across North America, from the White House to Silicon Valley. Her book "Raising Multiracial Children: Tools for Nurturing Identity in a Racialized World" (2020) and her latest book "The Power of Employee Resource Groups: How People Create Authentic Change" (2022) are both distributed by Penguin Random House. She is the Founder of ERG DynamicsTM , a resource hub for Employee Resource Groups. For more information, visit www.farzananayani.com.
Panel

Jenene Calloway
Senior Vice President of Talent Management & Chief Diversity Officer, Schreiber Foods, Inc.Dr. Jenene Calloway is a dedicated global leadership practitioner and scholar, blending practical expertise with scholarly insights to drive impactful change in people and organizational development. In her current role at Schreiber, she oversees talent, development and inclusion initiatives. Throughout her 18 years at Schreiber, she has reduced employee turnover, established leadership development and career pathways, implemented change management solutions, and fostered an inclusive workplace. She earned a Ph.D. in Global Leadership.

Vicky Ellwood
Key Account Manager, AmcorSince joining Amcor in 2020, Vicky Ellwood has been an active member of Amcor’s largest ERG, Women Impacting Now (WIN). In addition to her duties as a Key Account Manager, Vicky currently serves as co-lead for WIN’s Steering Committee. Previously she spent 3 years co-leading the Engagement Pillar, with a focus on fostering relationships and building connections within Amcor.

Daniel Webster
Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Walbec GroupDaniel Webster joined Walbec Group in 2017 as a Human Resources Business Partner, supporting the northern district of Wisconsin and Michigan operations. Prior to Daniel’s recent transition into the Human Resource department he spent four years in the field working as a Traffic Control Technician on heavy highway jobs throughout the state of Wisconsin working alongside many of the same personnel in whom he now serves. He is an Oneida Nation tribally enrolled member and has led the initiative in implementing opportunities for other tribal members not only in Oneida but throughout the state of Wisconsin and amongst all eleven federally recognized tribes in the state.

Craig Weidemeier
President, Werner Electric SupplyCraig was named President of the Werner Electric Supply in 2020, a role that has permitted him to challenge the status quo and grow the company with a sense of family, a desire for success and an infectious, positive attitude. Craig earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his MBA from Marquette University. Craig is currently a member of the Board of Directors of supplyFORCE(SM), an electrical supplies industry-based company.

Have Questions?
Need more info? We’re here to help. Don't hesitate to reach out to us with questions or for more information about the series for employee resource groups.