LGBTQ+ CNG
Welcome!
The mission of the Cornell University LGBTQ Colleague Network Group is to raise awareness about workplace issues faced by LGBTQIA faculty and staff; provide networking opportunities for LGBTQIA faculty and staff and a forum to discuss topics of mutual interest and innovative solutions with senior leaders; and to support the recruitment and retention of LGBTQIA faculty and staff.
What we do:
Our group meets monthly for lunch and socializing. Our meetings usually feature a presentation or facilitated discussion. We also network with external LGBTQIA groups and organize events, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities to support our community.
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Coming Up!
FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2023
Closing out the academic year, making plans for Pride, and brainstorming for next year!
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Meetings & Events
Monthly Meetups
We get together for lunchtime (12:00 - 1:00 pm EST) meetings on the second Friday of each month. Meetings are a time to socialize, network, and sometimes feature guest speakers or presentations. Join our mailing list using the red signup button above to learn what's coming up next!
2023 Monthly Meeting Schedule
- January 20
- February 10
- March 10
- April 14
- May 12
- June 9
- July 14
- August 11
- September 8
- October 13
- November 10
- December 8
Pride
Our CNG engages with community organizations celebrating Pride and hosts Pride events for our members.
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Meet Our Board
Michael Betteken (he/him)
I am excited to be a part of this CNG board and serve as the historian. At Cornell, I am the Senior Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) administrator within the Office of Research Integrity and Assurance (ORIA) part of the Research Division. Before coming to Cornell, I worked to support a new chapter of PFLAG in North Carolina to support the parents of the local LGBTQ+ youth and to create a safe space for this group. I am very passionate about LGBTQ+ representation in all professionals and am looking forward to supporting LGBTQ+ staff here at Cornell. In my free time you can find me creating artisan soap and taking care of my cats and dog.
Carl Cornell (he/they)
(photo and bio coming soon!)
Crissi Dalfonzo (she/her)
Hey y’all! I currently serve as one of the co-chairs of the CNG board. I’ve been at Cornell for three and a half years, working in the LGBT Resource Center the whole time. I’m passionate about social justice education, Inclusive language, and creating community. One of my top priorities on the board is creating opportunities for LGBTQ+ staff and faculty to connect with one another and form community. Outside of work, I’m a dog mom, lover of all things sparkle and rainbow unicorn, and a lifelong knitter of over 20 years. Feel free to contact me at cd589@cornell.edu with questions or ideas!
Foula Dimopoulos (ze/hir/hirs | he/him/his)
Hello! I have been a part of Cornell since Fall 2019, and became involved with the CNG at that time. I currently serve as the Co-Chair, and welcome you to our campus and our CNG. My personal and professional backgrounds reflect my involvement in non-profit work, i.e., intersectional LGBTQ rights, restorative practices, organizational development/strategic planning, and youth, as well as higher education (LGBTQ+ resource center, equity and Inclusion and student advising). In my downtime, I enjoy video games, playing fetch with my cat, spending time with my partner, walking in Sapsucker Woods, and so much more. You are welcome to reach out to me at kfd36@cornell.edu.
Zoe Roberts (she/her)
I’ve been a part of Cornell’s LGBTQ+ community since 2016 – first as an undergrad student with Haven (the student LGBTQ+ org), and now as an employee serving as a board member-at-large for our Colleague Network Group! I graduated with a B.A. in Information Science in 2020, and joined eCornell’s Product Team as an Associate Product Manager in March 2021. I enjoy living in Ithaca with my partner and cat, though I do miss the mountains in my home state Colorado. I love all things creative!
I look forward to creating opportunities for folks to connect with one another and build community! As a younger and newer employee, I also hope to welcome and be a resource for others in a similar place. My inbox is always open: Zer3@cornell.edu
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FAQs
Who can join?
This group is intended to support Cornell employees who identify throughout the LGBTQIA spectrum or who are questioning.
Are there membership dues?
Membership is free and supported by Cornell University.
Do I have to go to meetings, or any other membership requirements?
We hope you'll join us at our in-person meetings and events, but there are no attendance or membership requirements.
Can I only join one CNG at a time?
You're welcome to join multiple CNGs.
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Resources
Guides
Cornell LGBTQ+ Resource Guide for Faculty & Staff (pdf)
Diverse Living in Ithaca Guide (pdf)
LGBTQ+ Resources for Cornell Employees
Visit this page for information about:
Benefits - Marriage, Domestic Partnership, Parenting, Adoption Name Change, Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation Fields in Workday, Legal Name & Gender Marker Change Process Cornell Policies Crisis Support Guides - Transgender Guide to Transitioning & Gender Affirmation in the Workplace; Gender-Inclusive Pronouns; Restroom/Facilities Use Guidelines Networking Local & Regional Resources
Ithaca and Tompkins County hold unique and meaningful roles in local LGBTQ history and culture, as well as in the national LGBTQ rights movement and for communities across the globe.
LGBTQ+ People & COVID
Ithaca College has compiled a comprehensive page of resources and guidance for the LGBTQ+ community during the crisis.
Ithaca LGBTQ History Walking Tour
Did you know that Ithaca:
is the site of one of the 1st public declarations of the American bisexual movement... played a crucial role in marriage equality... was one of the 1st cities in the US to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation... is where one of the 1st student-organized sit-ins for LGBTQ rights took place. ...and more!
Ithaca and Tompkins County hold unique and meaningful roles in local LGBTQ history and culture, as well as in the national LGBTQ rights movement and for communities across the globe.