Diversity
Code C Puts the “IT” in Diversity
What is “IT”? “Inclusion” plus “Talent” equals “Diversity”. Code C has taken steps to promote diversity awareness while encouraging their staff members to attend meetings as a means of inclusion. Code C management’s goal is to establish a high standard of excellence while making Diversity a reality not just lip service. In early November 2006, a Diversity Board was formed and out of that board, a Diversity Action Plan. This past year the board, along with Code C Management has been monitoring those goals set forth in the Action Plan. Although challenges still exist, the Board and Code C Management have made strides towards those goals, one of them being “Demonstrate Management Commitment”.
Code C Management plays an active and visible role in supporting diversity initiatives, how? Darlene Gross who is, Chief, Business Systems Office in Code C and a member of the Center’s Diversity and Equal Opportunity Board (DEOB) chairs the board and Paul Agnew, Chief Financial Officer is a member. Their involvement validates management’s commitment to diversity by keeping the diversity strategy on track.
Topics about diversity are added to the Code C All-Hands agenda to ensure the entire Code C community is informed keeping the dialog about diversity ongoing. These presentations are also posted on the code C server and are accessible to all code C employees. Here is just a part of those topics:
- The Code C Diversity Action Plan “roll out” at the Code C All Hands meeting.
- Introduction of Committee board members at the Directorate and Division staff meetings.
- A Diversity Update at the Division Staff meeting provided by Rose King.
- An overview of “Diversity Leadership” a 10 week Course offered through Ames was presented by Denise Snow and Ken Ledbetter, who along with Rose King and Paul Agnew are currently enrolled in the course.
- A Video of Ames Diversity Kickoff with Byron Kunisawa was shown at code C All Hands
The Diversity board has also written two articles; “Code C Employee Diversity Board Spotlight” dated August 2007 and “Code C Sets up Employee Diversity Board” dated April 2007. These articles have appeared in the “Astrogram” a major newsletter here at Ames and the code C newsletter the”SCENE”.
Also in keeping with the board’s mission, one of the goals is to encourage full participation in Directorate and Division all-hands meetings. At those meetings sign in sheets are provided to track the number of staff members in attendance. This helps to provide the board with an idea of how well we are doing.
Code C is in the forefront in its attempt to make diversity work and the goals set forth happen. The board encourages Code C staff to participate by becoming members. The world is constantly changing and new ideas and ways of thinking bring with it empowerment. So get on board and get with “IT”.
For more information go to http://www.cfo.arc.nasa.gov/er-diversity.html
By Rose King and Earnestine Parker