Change Story: Karen T. Consolation

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 Tutorial Affairs, DAS Karen T. Consolation, Crystal Cherry, Deputy Director, Dallas Ft. Value Federal Government Board,    Callia Cox, Public Affairs Specialist , Dr. José O. Rivera, Founding Dean – Faculty 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 bear in mind. As just a little woman, I recall strolling into the workplaces 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 coloration 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 woman, 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 advanced. Many years 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.

At present, 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 Individuals in and out of HHS are setup for fulfillment and instilled with the values my household taught me: onerous work, dedication, and a ardour for public service.

The efficient impression 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 rules 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 powerful 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 the USA of America and making a distinction within the lives of as many individuals as potential. That promise begins inside HHS. As a high 5 Finest Place to Work for 8 (eight) consecutive years, we at HHS perceive the significance of DEIA in making a useful and wanted office. My duty 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 now have already made vital 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 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 workers 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 workers and our leadership-driven cultural reform technique provides leaders the instruments and assets 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 much 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 probability for progress. As we forge forward, our dedication to DEIA stays unwavering, with each chief held to the best customary of progress and function.

“As we forge forward, our dedication to DEIA stays unwavering, with each chief held to the best customary of progress and function. It’s a collective endeavor, the place every HHS worker embraces their pivotal position in nurturing an surroundings the place everybody feels valued and included.”

It’s a collective endeavor, the place every HHS worker embraces their pivotal position in nurturing an surroundings the place everybody feels valued and included. Collectively, with deliberate motion, we are going to enrich our applications and providers, guaranteeing 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. 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 means of studying and enchancment. Committing to DEIA is not only the suitable 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 horny 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 deal with steady enchancment and addressing present and rising management wants.

For questions, assets, or further info, please e-mail DEIAStrategicPlan@hhs.gov.

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