Northwell Health celebrates Pride Month with our Expressions BERG

At Northwell Health, we believe we’re made stronger by embracing the individual backgrounds and experiences of all our team members. Our Expressions BERG (business employee resource group) is a group of Northwell team members who are dedicated to a culture of inclusion and advocacy to support the LGBTQIA+ community. Learn more about how we celebrated Pride Month below.

Jared Oliveira, senior community relations program manager, has been serving as the co-chair of the Expressions BERG for almost a year. Reflecting on his journey, Jared recounts his initial involvement as an active member at North Shore University Hospital and his progression to an executive coordinator role over the past three years before taking on his current position. The BERG supports its members by offering resources and networking forums, thus empowering individuals and communities alike. Jared cherishes the collaborative spirit and the chance to connect with dedicated team members, saying, “We are always met with great teamwork and collaboration, and I love meeting team members from across the organization who share a dedication to bettering the experience for all!”

The Expressions BERG has significantly impacted Northwell employees by fostering a culture of inclusivity and advocacy. Jared highlights the role of Expressions members in enhancing the organizational environment through educational programs and community service, noting, “Every single person who speaks up, advocates and gets involved positively, contributes to enriching lives for everyone.” By working closely with LGBTQIA+ clinical teams, Jared has been able to blend his passion for patient experience with efforts to address community healthcare disparities, steering him to not only have the opportunity to create important programs, but to also lead them as they evolve into impactful resources for our team members. These experiences have enhanced his leadership skills and fueled his passion as an advocate for others.

Nicole Bergamine is an assistant nurse manager in the pediatric operating room at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. Her journey with the Expressions BERG at Northwell Health began in 2023, when she joined the group to find a community that resonated with her identity as a bisexual woman. Coming out later in life at 26, Nicole sought connections and a deeper understanding of how her identity intersected with her passion for healthcare. She feels Northwell and the BERG provides a safe space to be her authentic self while learning from others in multidisciplinary areas. “Coming together allows us to learn from each other and bring it back to our units,” she notes, emphasizing the collaborative learning environment fostered by the Expressions BERG.

Nicole feels the impact of the Expressions BERG on her career has been profound. The activities and community service initiatives not only foster a sense of belonging, but also expand her professional network. “Meeting new people within Northwell, as well as in our community, has been my favorite part. You see familiar faces after doing so many activities, and it’s nice to reinforce those connections,” she shares. Additionally, the BERG enhances her understanding of the diverse populations Northwell serves, enabling her to advocate more effectively for patients and educate colleagues on the unique experiences and needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. By leveraging the knowledge and resources gained through the BERG, Nicole has significantly enriched her role in healthcare, illustrating the transformative impact of such supportive networks on professional growth.

Northwell’s Expressions BERG participated in several events throughout the month of June to celebrate Pride Month in our community. From Babylon Village Pride and Queens Pride to NYC Pride and more, Northwell is honored to be a part of these celebrations each year so we can continue raising health for all.

Learn more about how Northwell promotes diversity and inclusion for its team members.