Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Staff and Faculty Veterans Association (SFVA)

Purpose

The Staff and Faculty Veterans Association (SFVA) is an employee affinity group committed to honoring military service, fostering continued civic and University engagement, and advancing a veteran-ready culture at UW. SFVA will create space for military-connected employees to find community, support, and opportunity—across all three campuses. SFVA is open to all UW employees.

Contribution and goals

While many UW efforts focus on student veterans, SFVA addresses a distinct gap by centering military connected staff and faculty. Our work will uplift veteran identities within intersecting roles—across race, gender, LGBTQ+, caregiving, and career stage. Using Veteran Critical Theory and intersectional frameworks, SFVA will:

  • Elevate visibility of military-connected employees.
  • Promote understanding that veterans are a diverse, multifaceted population.
  • Offer meaningful pathways for community-building, mentorship, and advocacy.

UW sponsorship

The Staff and Faculty Veterans Association was approved as an employee affinity group in 2025 by the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity and UW Human Resources. We are one of several affinity groups within the UW whose mission is to advance the University of Washington’s commitment to diversity by being a vehicle to build community and to improve recruitment and retention of diverse talent.

For campus-wide veteran and military-connected support, please visit the Office of Student Veteran Life.

The Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity and UW Human Resources partner to support employee affinity groups at the University of Washington. Affinity groups are open to all UW employees.