Disabilities Faculty and Staff Alliance

This fall we will be launching a disabilities employee resource group dedicated to supporting and empowering faculty and staff with visible and invisible disabilities. Recognizing the diverse needs of our university community and the importance of fostering an inclusive and equitable environment, this group will contribute to the overall well-being, awareness and success of our faculty and staff.

Events and Membership

• Please join us as we celebrate the launch of the Disabilities Faculty and Staff Alliance! Meet your fellow DFSA members with whom you will share your experiences, ideas and help shape the future of our alliance. Dessert will be provided.
  • August 13 from noon–1 p.m.
  • Coulter Welcome Center, Tepper Building.
  • RSVP via email by August 5.

To become a member of the Disabilities Faculty and Staff Alliance, please submit a membership form so you can be informed of upcoming meetings and events. There is no cost associated with membership and no time commitments. Members can attend as many meetings and events as they would like. Individual membership in ERGs is strictly voluntary and open to all individuals who are interested in promoting diversity, equity and inclusiveness. Refer to the ERG benefits and guidelines for more information.

Leadership

Martina Mangino, Co-Lead

Martina Mangino joined Carnegie Mellon University in 2019 as a graphic designer in University Advancement. Prior to coming to CMU, she was a self-employed graphic designer for 20 years.

She has had degenerative hearing loss since childhood. After her hearing loss became profound, she received cochlear implants as an adult. Having an invisible disability herself, she can easily relate to others who have disabilities. She is excited for the opportunity to be an inaugural co-lead for the Disabilities Faculty and Staff Alliance ERG. She hopes to help cultivate an inclusive environment for faculty and staff with visible and invisible disabilities within the CMU community.

Stephanie Boyer, Co-Lead

Stephanie Boyer has been a dedicated administrative coordinator in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at Carnegie Mellon University since December 2022, bringing nearly a decade of experience in higher education enrollment and student services. Beyond her administrative role, Stephanie's professional journey at CMU has been characterized by a profound commitment to fostering an inclusive environment within her department as part of a diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging scoped professional development committee. This commitment is demonstrated through her leadership in coordinating and implementing impactful programming, resources and awareness initiatives aimed at advancing DEIB goals.

Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys exploring her fascination with the natural world, particularly through her passion for stargazing as an avid backyard astronomer. Her love for the outdoors is matched only by her greatest joy — being a devoted parent to her 12-year-old twins, who continually inspire her with their curiosity and zest for life.

Driven by a genuine passion for creating inclusive spaces and fostering a sense of belonging, Stephanie is eager to leverage her skills, experiences and personal connection to disability to make meaningful contributions as Disabilities ERG co-lead. She is honored to be part of the creation of a vibrant and supportive community that celebrates and champions the disabled experience at Carnegie Mellon University.

Linda Hager, Member Liaison

Linda Hager was excited to join Carnegie Mellon’s Language Technologies Institute in January 2005 as a business manager for the Interact Unit. In April 2011 she transferred to the College of Fine Arts in the Frank-Ratchye Studio for Creative Inquiry and Miller Gallery (now known as ICA Pittsburgh). Both CMU opportunities have given her the ability to work with many students, staff and faculty of all walks of life. This has strengthened her outlook on diversity and acceptance of people from all cultures and races from all over the world.

Linda finds herself with somewhat of a disability at the present time, recovering from shoulder surgery and having many setbacks. She feels that being the ERG's member liaison will give her the opportunity to work with the CMU disabled community to help people realize their purpose no matter how minor or severe the disability.