On the Administrative center of the Leader Knowledge Officer (OCIO), variety isn’t only a buzzword, it’s the colourful tapestry that enriches our on a regular basis paintings surroundings.  On March 27, 2024, Government Director, Avery Q. Muse, Sr. and OCIO’s Administrative center of Operations (Ops) arranged a different tournament targeted round variety, fairness, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) the place colleagues from more than a few ethnic backgrounds got here in combination to proportion a work in their tradition thru meals.  What ensued was once now not only a culinary extravaganza however a birthday party of solidarity and working out.

The development was once a dinner party for the senses!  Tables have been decorated with dishes representing cuisines from world wide, each and every dish telling a tale of heritage, custom, and circle of relatives recipes handed down thru generations.  A sampling of our menu for the day incorporated:  Irish stew, Guyanese fried rice, Papa a l. a. Huancaina, black eye peas with oxtails, rooster kabab with Indian bread, samosas, Mediterranean salad, coconut rice with crimson beans, curry goat, banana pudding, candy potato pie, and Scottish cookies, simply to call a couple of.

Past the scrumptious meals, the actual magic took place as colleagues accrued round to proportion tales, laughter, and stories.  It was once an area the place variations have been celebrated, the place interest sparked conversations, and the place stereotypes have been shattered via the ability of firsthand revel in.  When requested about his revel in, Lead IT Specialist Antwan Lucas mentioned, “The development created the perfect surroundings for enlargement and collaboration.”

Thru this tournament, we reaffirmed our dedication to fostering an inclusive office the place each and every voice is valued, and each and every tradition is revered.  It was once a reminder that variety isn’t almost about numbers or statistics; it’s about embracing the richness of human revel in in all its paperwork.  Performing Leader Knowledge Officer (CIO) Jennifer C. Wendel famous, “Prioritizing DEIA within the office is helping OCIO draw in and retain ability.  Greater than ever, potential workers need to paintings for organizations that proportion the similar core values.  That specialize in DEIA lets in workers to be relaxed being themselves, resulting in extra inventive and leading edge concepts.”

As we savored each and every chunk and exchanged tales, we have been reminded of the significance of making an atmosphere the place everybody feels noticed, heard, and favored.  This tournament was once now not only a one-time affair however a catalyst for ongoing discussion and motion, as we proceed to attempt in opposition to a office the place variety, inclusion, and fairness don’t seem to be simply beliefs however lived realities.

In spite of everything, the development was once now not almost about the meals, however in regards to the connections cast, the boundaries damaged, and the bonds bolstered.  It was once a testomony to the ability of variety to unite us, to increase our horizons, and to make our office actually a house clear of house.

A different due to Supervisory IT Mission Supervisor Yolanda Reid for her management in organizing and to everybody who contributed a dish, assisted with putting in and or performed an element with this fruitful tournament.  And due to Assistant Secretary for Management Cheryl R. Campbell, Performing CIO Jennifer C. Wendel, and Performing Deputy CIO L. a. Monte R. Yarborough, for becoming a member of the birthday party and whose steadfast management continues to foster an atmosphere of variety, fairness, inclusion, and accessibility for all.