DAS Karent T. Consolation visits College of El Paso to start talks to ascertain MSI/MSO Nationwide Partnership. People pictured left to proper: John Wiebe, Provost and Vice President for Tutorial 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, Variety and Inclusion & Chief Variety Officer
My household has valued public service for so long as I can keep in mind. As slightly lady, I recall strolling into the places of work of the Division of Well being, Schooling, and Welfare (HEW) the place my mom labored as a Payroll Technician. I admired her and all the ladies of colour who labored alongside her. They had 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 had been decided to present my sister and me the most effective training so we’d be ready to function optimistic contributing members of society. These sacrifices and values have stayed with me and deeply influenced my want to enter the general public service.
I acquired my first introduction to the Division of Well being and Human Companies (HHS) as a younger lady, again when it was the Division of Well being, Schooling, and Welfare (HEW) and I might go to my mom’s workplace within the HEW complicated. A long time later, I walked by those self same doorways as the primary Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fairness, Variety, and Inclusion, and Chief Variety Officer (CDO) for the Division of HHS. Life has come full circle for me.
Immediately, I’ve probably the most rewarding job on this planet. I create alternatives for members of underserved and missed communities with distinctive potential. Similar to my mother and father did for me, I’m answerable for guaranteeing that People inside and outside of HHS are setup for achievement 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 variety, 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 Yr 2024 and 2025 Operations Plan and Roadmap final 12 months, we have now 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 probably the most weak populations in america of America and making a distinction within the lives of as many individuals as attainable. 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 invaluable and wanted office. My accountability because the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fairness, Variety, 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 have now already made important progress.
Final 12 months, we established a method that focuses on growing partnerships with college students and school by way of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Minority Serving Establishments and Organizations. As of Could 2024, we have now 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 colour on the SES GS pay degree from FY2022 to FY2023. Peer-to-peer mentorship packages 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 communicate 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 prime. My fellow leaders and I are the torchbearers, illuminating the trail by tearing down obstacles and seizing each probability for progress. As we forge forward, our dedication to DEIA stays unwavering, with each chief held to the best commonplace of progress and objective.
“As we forge forward, our dedication to DEIA stays unwavering, with each chief held to the best commonplace of progress and objective. 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 packages and companies, guaranteeing equity and fairness are on the coronary heart of all we do.
DEIA isn’t just an idea however the very essence of our id at HHS, woven into the very core of our current and future.
Karen T. Consolation
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fairness, Variety and Inclusion & Chief Variety Officer Equal Employment Alternative, Variety & Inclusion Workplace of the Assistant Secretary for Administration U.S. Division of Well being and Human Companies
Persevering with our DEIA journey
The DEIA journey is a steady strategy of studying and enchancment. Committing to DEIA isn’t just the precise factor to do—it’s the sensible factor to do. It makes HHS a stronger federal company, a more practical chief and companion 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’ll transfer ahead with a deal with steady enchancment and addressing present and rising management wants.
For questions, sources, or further data, please electronic mail DEIAStrategicPlan@hhs.gov.