Change Story: Karen T. Consolation

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 Govt Board,    Callia Cox, Public Affairs Specialist , Dr. José O. Rivera, Founding Dean – Faculty of Pharmacy , Louie Rodriguez, J.D., Vice Provost for Skilled Improvement, 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 a bit woman, 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 shade 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 provide my sister and me the very best training so we’d 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 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, Training, and Welfare (HEW) and I’d go to my mom’s workplace within the HEW advanced. A long time later, I walked by way 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.

At the moment, I’ve essentially the most rewarding job on the earth. I create alternatives for members of underserved and neglected communities with distinctive potential. Identical to my mother and father did for me, I’m liable 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 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 rules into its very tradition. From the introduction of Govt 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’ve developed a robust basis to make sure that we stay aligned and centered on embedding DEIA deliberately and systematically throughout HHS.

I’m devoted to caring for essentially the most weak populations in the USA of America and making a distinction within the lives of as many individuals as attainable. 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 beneficial 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 participating management and attracting and retaining expertise, to making a tradition the place everybody feels they belong. I take that cost personally, and we’ve already made vital progress.

Final 12 months, we established a technique that focuses on growing partnerships with college students and college through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Minority Serving Establishments and Organizations. As of Might 2024, we’ve 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 era.

HHS has additionally skilled a 16.1% (sixteen- level one %) improve in staff 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 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 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 normal of progress and goal.

“As we forge forward, our dedication to DEIA stays unwavering, with each chief held to the best normal of progress and goal. 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 providers, 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, 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 Companies

Persevering with our DEIA journey

The DEIA journey is a steady technique 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 simpler 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 are going to transfer ahead with a give attention to steady enchancment and addressing current and rising management wants.

For questions, sources, or further info, please electronic mail DEIAStrategicPlan@hhs.gov.

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