DAS Karent T. Consolation visits College of El Paso to start talks to determine MSI/MSO Nationwide Partnership. People pictured left to proper: John Wiebe, Provost and Vice President for Educational Affairs, DAS Karen T. Consolation, Crystal Cherry, Deputy Director, Dallas Ft. Price Federal Government Board,    Callia Cox, Public Affairs Specialist , Dr. José O. Rivera, Founding Dean – College of Pharmacy , Louie Rodriguez, J.D., Vice Provost for Skilled Growth, Engagement, and Strategic Initiatives
A Message from the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fairness, Range and Inclusion & Chief Range Officer
My household has valued public service for so long as I can bear in mind. As slightly lady, I recall strolling into the places of work of the Division of Well being, Training, and Welfare (HEW) the place my mom labored as a Payroll Technician. I admired her and all the ladies of coloration who labored alongside her. They have been inspirational of their unwavering work ethic and dedication to service. My mom, Barbara, by no means completed her school diploma as a result of she and my father have been decided to present my sister and me the most effective training so we might be ready to function constructive contributing members of society. These sacrifices and values have stayed with me and deeply influenced my need to enter the general public service.
I obtained my first introduction to the Division of Well being and Human Providers (HHS) as a younger lady, again when it was the Division of Well being, Training, and Welfare (HEW) and I might go to my mom’s workplace within the HEW advanced. A long time later, I walked via those self same doorways as the primary Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fairness, Range, and Inclusion, and Chief Range Officer (CDO) for the Division of HHS. Life has come full circle for me.
Immediately, I’ve essentially the most rewarding job on the planet. I create alternatives for members of underserved and ignored communities with distinctive potential. Identical to my dad and mom did for me, I’m liable for making certain that Individuals inside and outside of HHS are setup for fulfillment and instilled with the values my household taught me: arduous work, dedication, and a ardour for public service.
The efficient influence of my work is due largely to the emphasis HHS has positioned on range, fairness, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) for a few years. HHS does greater than help DEIA, it has ingrained DEIA ideas into its very tradition. From the introduction of Government Order 14035 and creation of the DEIA Strategic Plan in 2022 to the institution of the Fiscal 12 months 2024 and 2025 Operations Plan and Roadmap final yr, we now have developed a robust basis to make sure that we stay aligned and targeted on embedding DEIA deliberately and systematically throughout HHS.
I’m devoted to caring for essentially the most weak populations in the US of America and making a distinction within the lives of as many individuals as potential. That promise begins inside HHS. As a prime 5 Greatest Place to Work for 8 (eight) consecutive years, we at HHS perceive the significance of DEIA in making a helpful and wanted office. My duty because the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fairness, Range, and Inclusion, and CDO is to steer DEIA efforts throughout HHS, from partaking management and attracting and retaining expertise, to making a tradition the place everybody feels they belong. I take that cost personally, and we now have already made vital progress.
Final yr, we established a technique that focuses on growing partnerships with college students and school through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Minority Serving Establishments and Organizations. As of Could 2024, we now have signed 4 (4) MOUs and have 6 (six) extra scheduled for the reminder of FY2024. I really feel very happy with this achievement as a result of it lays the groundwork for reigniting pleasure for public service within the subsequent technology.
HHS has additionally skilled a 16.1% (sixteen- level one p.c) enhance in staff of coloration on the SES GS pay degree from FY2022 to FY2023. Peer-to-peer mentorship applications have been established to succeed in underserved and underrepresented staff and our leadership-driven cultural reform technique offers leaders the instruments and sources to share their DEIA story and converse to the significance of DEIA-related change throughout the Division.
HHS has made nice strides ahead, however our journey is much from over. We stand on the threshold of transformative change that begins on the prime. My fellow leaders and I are the torchbearers, illuminating the trail by tearing down obstacles and seizing each likelihood for progress. As we forge forward, our dedication to DEIA stays unwavering, with each chief held to the very best commonplace of progress and function.
“As we forge forward, our dedication to DEIA stays unwavering, with each chief held to the very best commonplace of progress and function. It’s a collective endeavor, the place every HHS worker embraces their pivotal position in nurturing an atmosphere the place everybody feels valued and included.”
It’s a collective endeavor, the place every HHS worker embraces their pivotal position in nurturing an atmosphere the place everybody feels valued and included. Collectively, with deliberate motion, we are going to enrich our applications and companies, making certain equity and fairness are on the coronary heart of all we do.
DEIA is not only an idea however the very essence of our id at HHS, woven into the very core of our current and future.
Karen T. ComfortDeputy Assistant Secretary for Fairness, Range and Inclusion & Chief Range Officer Equal Employment Alternative, Range & Inclusion Workplace of the Assistant Secretary for Administration U.S. Division of Well being and Human Providers
Persevering with our DEIA journey
The DEIA journey is a steady technique of studying and enchancment. Committing to DEIA is not only the appropriate factor to do—it’s the good factor to do. It makes HHS a stronger federal company, a simpler chief and associate in advancing the well being of the nation, and a pretty dwelling for the nation’s finest and brightest expertise.
Management change tales will evolve as we collaborate throughout HHS and make shared progress. We are going to transfer ahead with a concentrate on steady enchancment and addressing present and rising management wants.
For questions, sources, or further info, please electronic mail DEIAStrategicPlan@hhs.gov.
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