Emory Black Employee Network

What is the Emory Black Employee Network?
The Emory Black Employee Network (EBEN) aims to provide support and build community by promoting individual and collective development through various resources and networking opportunities. EBEN focuses on areas such as health and wellness, community service, cultural events, social gatherings, engagement, mentorship, and personal and professional development. This group is open to all Emory employees.
Learn about upcoming events
EBEN hosts events that foster connections through social gatherings, career development seminars, and community outreach initiatives throughout the year.
View EBEN photos
Meet the EBEN co-chairs

Ariel Edwards, Director of Graduate Programs, Dean's Office
Ariel Edwards is the Director of Graduate Programs at Emory University, where she leads the development and management of master’s programs across Laney Graduate School and Emory College of Arts & Sciences. She focuses on expanding high-quality academic offerings, recruiting top students from around the world, and fostering meaningful connections between students and faculty.

Shermetria Massingale, Clinical Research Coordinator III, Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology
Shermetria is part of the Inspire Study Team in the department of Geriatrics and Gerontology within the School of Medicine. She has been an active member of EBEN since her arrival at Emory University in 2022, serving as one of the health & wellness committee co-chairs.
Focus Areas
EBEN aims to
- Cultivate a sense of community. We want to foster deeper employee connections—in big and small ways.
- Amplify personal and professional development. Our programming will highlight Emory resources, while helping employees to network and grow personally and professionally.
- Advocate. We will work to ensure that our collective voices are heard by Emory leadership.
Explore Emory resources
Emory Learning and Organizational Development
With a strong focus on the learning, development, and professional growth of our faculty and staff, Emory has numerous opportunities for your continued learning.
Contact EBEN
If you're interested in joining EBEN, fill out our form.
If you have questions, email eben@emory.edu. You can also contact the co-chairs directly:
- Shermetria Massingale: shermetria.danielle.massingale@emory.edu
- Ariel Edwards: ariel.edwards@emory.edu





