OCIO Embracing Range: A Celebration of Cultures by way of Meals

On the Workplace of the Chief Info Officer (OCIO), range isn’t only a buzzword, it’s the colourful tapestry that enriches our on a regular basis work setting.  On March 27, 2024, Govt Director, Avery Q. Muse, Sr. and OCIO’s Workplace of Operations (Ops) organized a particular occasion centered round range, fairness, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) the place colleagues from varied ethnic backgrounds got here collectively to share a bit of their tradition by way of meals.  What ensued was not only a culinary extravaganza however a celebration of unity and understanding.

The occasion was a feast for the senses!  Tables had been adorned with dishes representing cuisines from world wide, every dish telling a narrative of heritage, custom, and household recipes handed down by way of generations.  A sampling of our menu for the day included:  Irish stew, Guyanese fried rice, Papa a la Huancaina, black eye peas with oxtails, hen kabab with Indian bread, samosas, Mediterranean salad, coconut rice with purple beans, curry goat, banana pudding, candy potato pie, and Scottish cookies, simply to call just a few.

Past the scrumptious meals, the actual magic occurred as colleagues gathered round to share tales, laughter, and experiences.  It was an area the place variations had been celebrated, the place curiosity sparked conversations, and the place stereotypes had been shattered by the ability of firsthand expertise.  When requested about his expertise, Lead IT Specialist Antwan Lucas mentioned, “The occasion created the best setting for development and collaboration.”

By means of this occasion, we reaffirmed our dedication to fostering an inclusive office the place each voice is valued, and each tradition is revered.  It was a reminder that range isn’t nearly numbers or statistics; it’s about embracing the richness of human expertise in all its types.  Performing Chief Info Officer (CIO) Jennifer C. Wendel famous, “Prioritizing DEIA within the office helps OCIO appeal to and retain expertise.  Greater than ever, potential staff wish to work for organizations that share the identical core values.  Specializing in DEIA permits staff to be snug being themselves, resulting in extra artistic and progressive concepts.”

As we savored every chew and exchanged tales, we had been reminded of the significance of making an setting the place everybody feels seen, heard, and appreciated.  This occasion was not only a one-time affair however a catalyst for ongoing dialogue and motion, as we proceed to try in direction of a office the place range, inclusion, and fairness are usually not simply beliefs however lived realities.

In the long run, the occasion was not simply concerning the meals, however concerning the connections cast, the limitations damaged, and the bonds strengthened.  It was a testomony to the ability of range to unite us, to increase our horizons, and to make our office really a house away from residence.

A particular because of Supervisory IT Venture Supervisor Yolanda Reid for her management in organizing and to everybody who contributed a dish, assisted with establishing and or performed an element with this fruitful occasion.  And due to Assistant Secretary for Administration Cheryl R. Campbell, Performing CIO Jennifer C. Wendel, and Performing Deputy CIO La Monte R. Yarborough, for becoming a member of the celebration and whose steadfast management continues to foster an setting of range, fairness, inclusion, and accessibility for all.