CERF 2025 Affinity Groups

About  |  Our Purpose  |  What We Offer  |  Join Us 
Affinity Group Kick-Off  |  Affinity Group Lunch Schedule  |  Affinity Group Night Out

At CERF 2025, we envision a diverse and inclusive environment where all attendees, regardless of their backgrounds, experiences, or identities, can find a sense of belonging, empowerment, and connection. Our Affinity Groups - catering to Persons with Disabilities, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and LGBTQ+ people - are an integral part of this vision.

Our Purpose

The CERF 2025 Affinity Groups serve as safe, welcoming spaces where individuals from these communities can come together to decompress, share their triumphs and challenges, and find solidarity among their peers. We understand the importance of creating a space where your identity is celebrated, and your voice is heard.

What We Offer

Decompression: We recognize that attending conferences and navigating professional spaces can be mentally and emotionally taxing. Our Affinity Groups provide a sanctuary for you to decompress, unwind, and recharge.

Triumphs and Challenges: We encourage members to share their successes, no matter how big or small, and discuss the challenges they face. By doing so, we hope to inspire, uplift, and support each other.

Community Connection: Our Affinity Groups aim to foster a sense of community, where you can connect with like-minded individuals who share similar lived experiences. We believe that finding your community within CERF 2025 is essential for personal and professional growth.

Our Commitment: We are committed to maintaining an atmosphere of respect, acceptance, and inclusivity. Discrimination and prejudice have no place within our groups, and we actively strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Our mission is to ensure that every member can bring their whole selves to CERF 2025, free from fear or judgment.

Join Us

Whether you identify as a person with a disability, a member of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities, or as LGBTQ+, we invite you to join our Affinity Groups. Together, we can celebrate diversity, acknowledge shared experiences, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future in the field of CERF.

Affinity Group Kick-Off Event

Monday, 10 November 2025, 10:00 AM

A chance for people across various affinity groups to learn more about the targeted resources and activities offered at CERF as well as meet, mingle, and connect with some friendly faces before the conference gets into full swing.

Affinity Group Lunch Schedule

Affinity group lunches are a chance to connect with peers, decompress, and share experiences through facilitated activities over lunch.

Monday, 10 November 2025

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Affinity Group Lunch

Facilitator:

  • Danielle Perry, NOAA

Tuesday, 11 November 2025 

Persons with Disabilities Affinity Group Lunch

Facilitator:

  • Danielle Perry, NOAA
  • Trevyn Toone, North Carolina State University

Wednesday, 12 November 2025 

LGBTQ+ Affinity Group Lunch

Facilitator: 

  • Trevyn Toone, North Carolina State University

Affinity Group Night Out

Your People Are Waiting. Definitely with Snacks. A relaxed event to meet and mingle with people across various affinity groups.

Sine Irish Pub
Monday, 10 November 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM ET
1327 East Cary St. Richmond, VA 23219

There will be groups meeting to walk and take the bus from the conference center to Sine. More details about time and meeting location to come. If you think transportation will impact your ability to attend, please reach out!
Limited apps will be available for free; drinks and additional food to purchase.

Register Now