Organizational change begins with a narrative
A change story is a vital instrument we on the U.S. Division of Well being and Human Providers (HHS) will use to construct understanding and buy-in in any respect ranges of our Division for profitable variety, fairness, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) cultural transformation. We are going to encourage and empower leaders to create their very own change tales, pairing emotion with information to articulate the “why” of change, management’s dedication to alter, and a shared imaginative and prescient of what profitable change appears to be like like at HHS.
The legacy of DEIA at HHS is written by the actions of each worker.
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 keep in mind. As a little bit woman, I recall strolling into the Voice of America constructing the place my mom labored as a Payroll Technician. I admired her and all the ladies of shade 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 optimistic 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 woman, 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. Many years later, I walked by means of 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.
In the present day, I’ve essentially the most rewarding job on the planet. I create alternatives for members of underserved and neglected communities with distinctive potential. Similar to my dad and mom did for me, I’m accountable for making certain that People in and out of HHS are setup for fulfillment and instilled with the values my household taught me: laborious work, dedication, and a ardour for public service.
The efficient affect of my work is due largely to the emphasis HHS has positioned on variety, fairness, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) for a few years. HHS does greater than assist 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 susceptible populations in the US of America and making a distinction within the lives of as many individuals as doable. That promise begins inside HHS. As a high 5 Greatest Place to Work for 8 (eight) consecutive years, we at HHS perceive the significance of DEIA in making a worthwhile 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 important progress.
Final yr, we established a technique that focuses on creating partnerships with college students and college by way of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Minority Serving Establishments and Organizations. As of Might 2024, we now have signed 4 (4) MOUs and have 6 (six) extra scheduled for the reminder of FY2024. I really feel very pleased 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) improve in workers of shade on the SES GS pay stage from FY2022 to FY2023. Peer-to-peer mentorship applications have been established to succeed in underserved and underrepresented workers and our leadership-driven cultural reform technique offers leaders the instruments and assets 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 way from over. We stand on the threshold of transformative change that begins on the high. My fellow leaders and I are the torchbearers, illuminating the trail by tearing down obstacles and seizing each likelihood for development. As we forge forward, our dedication to DEIA stays unwavering, with each chief held to the best customary of progress and objective.
“As we forge forward, our dedication to DEIA stays unwavering, with each chief held to the best customary of progress and objective. It’s a collective endeavor, the place every HHS worker embraces their pivotal function in nurturing an setting the place everybody feels valued and included.”
It’s a collective endeavor, the place every HHS worker embraces their pivotal function in nurturing an setting 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.
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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 means of studying and enchancment. Committing to DEIA is not only the fitting factor to do—it’s the sensible factor to do. It makes HHS a stronger federal company, a simpler chief and companion in advancing the well being of the nation, and a sexy 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 current and rising management wants.
For questions, assets, or further data, please electronic mail DEIAStrategicPlan@hhs.gov.
