Building a Bigger Tent: African Affinity Forum Celebrates 35 Years of Impact

The employee resource group has helped change lives and company culture at GE Aerospace over the decades.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Devon Shepherd, a scholarship student at the University of Cincinnati in 1999, was unsure of her path forward until she got involved with the African Affinity Forum (AAF) at GE Aerospace. Now a 31-year employee, Shepherd credits the AAF with helping her forge a successful corporate career. As the AAF celebrates its 35th anniversary, the employee resource group continues to change lives and positively impact the company's culture.

Why it matters

The AAF's longevity and impact highlight the importance of employee resource groups in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within large corporations. By providing mentorship, professional development, and community, the AAF has helped many Black employees at GE Aerospace build fulfilling careers and navigate corporate America.

The details

The AAF was founded in 1991 to support and empower Black employees at GE Aerospace. Over the decades, the group has organized networking events, hosted professional development workshops, and advocated for greater representation in leadership. The AAF has also been instrumental in recruiting and retaining diverse talent, as well as promoting an inclusive company culture.

  • The AAF was founded in 1991.
  • Devon Shepherd got involved with the AAF in 1999 as a college student.
  • The AAF is celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2026.

The players

Devon Shepherd

A 31-year employee at GE Aerospace who credits the African Affinity Forum with helping her forge a successful corporate career.

African Affinity Forum (AAF)

An employee resource group at GE Aerospace that was founded in 1991 to support and empower Black employees.

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What they’re saying

“It could have gone either way for me. I could have become somebody who worked in fast-food restaurants or someone who worked in corporate.”

— Devon Shepherd (marketscreener.com)

What’s next

The AAF plans to host a 35th anniversary celebration event for current and former members later this year.

The takeaway

The African Affinity Forum's longevity and impact at GE Aerospace demonstrate the vital role employee resource groups can play in supporting and empowering underrepresented employees, fostering diversity and inclusion, and shaping positive corporate culture.