Diversity Champions of 2011

26 December 2011

DCO Diversity Council

19 December 2011

USCGC STRATTON

12 December 2011

Ms. Marianne LaChance - PSSU Washington

5 December 2011

Ms. Irma Fuentes - CEU Miami

28 November 2011

LTJG Abbey Lafond - USCGC KEY LARGO

21 November 2011

LCDR Richard Howell - Personnel Service Center

14 November 2011

LCDR Will Watson - MSU Texas City

7 November 2011

LCDR Adam Chamie - USCGC RESOLUTE

31 October 2011

LCDR Martha Rodriguez - Office of Legal Policy and
Program Development (CG-0948)

24 October 2011

Ms. Valeri Dedeaux - Office of Budget Execution (DCMS-833)

17 October 2011

Sector San Juan - San Juan, Puerto Rico

10 October 2011

MST1 Brock Barton - Coast Guard Recruiting Office Mobile

3 October 2011

St. Croix Outreach Team - Coast Guard Recruiting Command

  Congratulations to the CGRC St. Croix Outreach Team, our Diversity Champions of the Week! The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

  The CGRC St. Croix Outreach Team participated in the first Federal and Local Law Enforcement Recruitment and Career Day in the Virgin Islands.  The event brought together over 24 law enforcement agencies to educate students and the public on employment opportunities within the law enforcement community.  CGRC Recruiting team and members from MSD St. Thomas, RIO St. Croix and CG AUX, educated students on the CSPI program, CGA, Active, Reserve, and Officer career opportunities within the Coast Guard and provided the public information on worldwide Coast Guard missions.  In April 2011, the Recruiting Team visited the University of St. Thomas.  During the two day visit the team talked to almost 90% of current students about Coast Guard opportunities, many of who were under-represented minorities. 

  During the recruiting events that transpired on St. Thomas and St. Croix there was great interest in the USCG, CGA and the CSPI program. University officials were very excited about the Coast Guard participation in the.  As a direct result of the two visits approximately 55 students have currently been engaging with the Coast Guard.  One such success story is from Mr. Dale Carty, and Auxiliarist in St. Thomas whose son is currently attending CGA as a direct result of the Coast Guard’s presence on the island two years ago at a recruiting event. 

  The CGRC St. Croix Outreach Team is composed of LT Nicole Burgess, OSC Kenneth Thomas, LT Nestor Lazu-Rivas, LTJG Cecilia Robinson, MST1 William Johnson, BM3 Donald Draper, MK3 Miguel Souffront, MST3 Steven Knight, and Mr. John Maluchi, Mr. Lee Elvins, and Mr. Dale Carty from the Auxiliary.

  The CGRC St. Croix Outreach Team's leadership, mentorship and devotion to duty are exemplary and serve as a great example of the positive impact a small group can have on a community. As a direct result of your efforts and outreach, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan. Thank you for your work in championing diversity!

26  September 2011

Ms. Iris Garcia & Ms. Melanie Hanna - Office of Diversity, CG-12B

  Congratulations to Ms. Iris Garcia and Ms. Melanie Hanna, our Diversity Champions of the Week! The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

  Ms. Iris Garcia and Ms. Melanie Hanna proudly serve as Interns in the Office of Diversity.  During their tenure, they have inspired others to improve the quantity and quality of work while enhancing team spirit through their positive attitudes to accomplish any task.
 
  Ms. Garcia and Ms. Hanna provided outstanding administrative support to a staff of over one dozen.  Their assistance allowed managers additional time to complete priorities while they completed administrative projects and requirements.  During their tenure they have been responsible for the preparation and distribution of over 300 certificates or awards promoting Diversity Outreach to recognize our volunteers, administered the Executive Outreach Management System (EOMS), tracking outreach Coast Guard wide, as well as the Office of Diversity website increasing information flow and improved accessibility.  They have created and edited verbiage for ALCOAST messages as well as Flag Letters, and ventured into the finance world creating budget spreadsheets and spend plan proposals.  In addition to their office duties, they staffed three Diversity Outreach events: the World Children’s Festival, Latina Style 2011 and the 2011 Latino Public Administration Executives Conference in Washington, DC.

  Ms. Garcia and Ms. Hanna’s devotion to duty are exemplary and serve as a great example of the positive impact a small group can have on a community. As a direct result of your efforts and outreach, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan. Thank you for your work in championing diversity!

19  September 2011

CDR Daniel Pickles - USCGC ALERT

  Congratulations to CDR Daniel Pickles, our Diversity Champion of the Week! The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

  CDR Pickles is recognized for his hard work and dedication in providing and supporting opportunities to women afloat.   As Commanding Officer of USCGC ALERT, CDR Pickles recognized the deficiency of enlisted females WMEC 210 wide.  Exploring the possibility of integrating the Reliance Class cutters, CDR pickles authored a memo which was routed to headquarters explaining a formal review of the issues relating to integrating female enlisted on board WMEC 210 platforms. 

  As part of his review, USCGC ALERT would be used as a test platform to integrate a group of female enlisted during Assignment Year 2012, to identify benefits and drawbacks to implementing class-wide integration.  Creating a comprehensive plan providing multiple options addressing berthing concerns, and billet structure from SN to XO, as well as Command Concerns, CDR Pickles put fourth a very convincing case for integration.  As a result a "Unique Women Afloat Assignment Solicitation" was released to implement CDR Pickles play for AY12.

  CDR Pickles’ leadership, mentorship and devotion to duty are exemplary and serve as a great example of the positive impact one individual can have on a community. As a direct result of your efforts and outreach, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan. Thank you for your work in championing diversity!

12  September 2011

DCDR Ernest D. Stevens - Division 25, the Potomac Guardians from the Fifth District southern Region, USCG

  Congratulations to DCDR Ernest Stevens, our Diversity Champion of the Week! The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

  DCDR Stevens is recognized for his hard work and passion for providing and supporting Outreach programs in the metropolitan Washington DC area.  U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliarist Stevens is Division Commander of 12 flotillas located in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.  Through public affairs events and presentations deploying the USCG Auxiliary's Sammy the Sea Otter and Coastie the robotic safety boat, DCDR Stevens increases community understanding and awareness of the Coast Guard.  

  This summer DCDR Stevens brought the message of recreational boating safety to the National Boating Safety Week Kick-Off for the Joint Service open house at Andrews AFB from 20-22 May 2011.  During the Nation's River Bass Tournament at Washington National Harbor from 2-3 June 2011, DCDR Stevens worked with "Living Classrooms" providing a hands-on fishing and boating experience to 300 underserved youth and an appreciation for our natural resources.  From 16-19 June 2011, DCDR Stevens helped lead the way to multiculturalism and supported OPTASK Diversity as part of the "Coastie the Tugboat" team for the World Children's Festival 2011 at the National Mall.  DCDR Steven's most current effort was a five day tour supporting Abby Sunderland throughout Southern Maryland.  Abby Sunderland is the 17 year old who tried to become the youngest female to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the world.  His team visited fifteen different community centers, schools and summer camps for children from 25-29 July 2011.

  DCDR Steven’s leadership, mentorship and devotion to duty are exemplary and serve as a great example of the positive impact one individual can have on a community. As a direct result of your efforts and outreach, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan. Thank you for your work in championing diversity!

5  September 2011

LCDR Julie Kuck - Sector Puget Sound

  Congratulations to LCDR Julie Kuck, our Diversity Champion of the Week! The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

  LCDR Kuck is recognized for her ardent support pregnancy policies within the aviation community. Drawing upon her own experience as a mother as well as her aviation experience and involved mentorship of junior females, LCDR Kuck identified an ongoing personnel challenge within the aviation community. The dynamic nature of Coast Guard aviation posed several complications with regard to breast milk expression, particularly without specific guidance set out to lay out policy.

  LCDR Kuck gathered together an Integrated Process Team (IPT) to research the issue. This team included both male and female pilots and aircrew, past and present nursing members C-130 and H-60 Flight Standardization Board members as well as a HSWL flight surgeon. In addition to their primary duties, the team spent six months identifying three specific areas of concentration and policy for each.

  Based around the three areas of concentration; breast milk storage, ground operations, and flight operations created by the IPT, LCDR Kuck produced the Air Station Clearwater Breast Milk Expression Guidelines Instruction. This instruction clearly examined the challenges and delivered solutions for nursing women in the aviation field.

  LCDR Kuck’s leadership, mentorship and devotion to duty are exemplary and serve as a great example of the positive impact one individual can have on a community. As a direct result of your efforts and outreach, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan. Thank you for your work in championing diversity!

29 August 2011

CAPT Jason Lyuke - Office of Performance Management (CG-0954)

  Congratulations to CAPT Jason Lyuke, our Diversity Champion of the Week! The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

  CAPT Lyuke is recognized for his hard work and passion for uniting the Asian community of the Coast Guard through developing and enhancing an Asian mentoring group.  What first began as an email exchange has grown into a strong mentorship program.  Through strong initiative CAPT Lyuke secured funding for eight, and inspired several more Asian and Pacific Islander members to attend the National Naval Officers Association conference.  At the conference CAPT Lyuke coordinated and led a break out session in which Asian Pacific Islander issues and topics were discussed, providing great feedback and enthusiasm among the community for more mentorship and leadership dialogue opportunities.  After the positive feedback at the conference, CAPT Lyuke maintained his efforts with follow on email correspondence and brown bag lunches to continue to build relationships and enhance mentoring opportunities.  As part of CAPT Lyuke's hard work this small minority now has a more solidified mentor network in which to seek guidance and develop leadership skills.  

  CAPT Lyuke’s leadership, mentorship and devotion to duty are exemplary and serve as a great example of the positive impact one individual can have on a community. As a direct result of your efforts and outreach, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan. Thank you for your work in championing diversity!

22 August 2011

LCDR Simone Montgomery - Office of Enterprise Infrastructure Management (CG-642)

  Congratulations to LCDR Simone Montgomery, our Diversity Champion of the Week! The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

  LCDR Montgomery is recognized for her exemplary work while serving as the primary Coast Guard point of contact for the recent National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) Conference held 1-5 August in San Diego. Aimed at increasing retention, affinity groups such as this provide invaluable career guidance opportunities through open discussions which optimally position our members to reach their full potential. As part of her extensive duties, LCDR Montgomery coordinated the attendance of 170 Coast Guardsman and the participation of 2 members of the Senior Executive Service and seven flag officers to include ADM Papp (COMDT) and VADM Brown (PACAREA). Additionally, LCDR Montgomery organized and ensured the success of each of the Coast Guard-specific professional development sessions and mentoring/networking opportunities that occurred throughout the week.

  LCDR Montgomery’s leadership and devotion to duty are exemplary and serve as a great example of the positive impact one individual can have on providing positive mentoring and professional development opportunities for our workforce. As a direct result of your efforts and outreach, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan. Thank you for your work in championing diversity!

15 August 2011

LT Timothy Braun - USCG Sector North Carolina

  Congratulations to LT Timothy Braun, our Diversity Champion of the Week! The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

  LT Braun is recognized for his exemplary advocacy and organization of multiple diversity-themed events while serving at Sector North Carolina. During the Holocaust Day Remembrance of 2010 and 2011, LT Braun spearheaded activities led by junior members to discuss discrimination and genocide. LT Braun also coordinated an Asian Pacific American Heritage Month observance all-hands that included interactive games and discussions that raised awareness of other cultures and their histories. Additionally, in support of African American/Black History Month, LT Braun coordinated a visit from the Narrator of the North Carolina Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen which provided Sector personnel a moving and inspiring presentation on African American military service. LT Braun’s extensive efforts were highly praised and were covered by regional print and television media.

  Displaying a passion for mentoring, LT Braun was selected as a mentor for the Sector North Carolina Women’s Leadership Conference. Throughout the event, LT Braun mentored and encouraged numerous female members on work-life issues, promotions/advancements and professional development. Assisting with the planning of the conference, LT Braun paid careful attention to develop an itinerary that was meaningful to women throughout the organization and specific to current issues facing women in the service. As a result of his comprehensive and detail-oriented planning and coordination, the conference was viewed as a tremendous success by the staff and 80 attendees.

  LT Braun’s leadership, mentorship and devotion to duty are exemplary and serve as a great example of the positive impact one individual can have on a community. As a direct result of your efforts and outreach, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan. Thank you for your work in championing diversity!

8 August 2011

LCDR Hector Maldonado - USCGC GALLATIN

  Congratulations to LCDR Hector Maldonado, our Diversity Champion of the Week! The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

  LCDR Maldonado is recognized for his unswerving commitment to diversity outreach initiatives spanning the last three years. Previously assigned to the Coast Guard Yard, LCDR Maldonado was the driving force in the establishment of the Yard’s first-ever Hispanic-American heritage celebration. Filled with cultural dances, songs and ethnic food samplings, the event was also attended by students from a local elementary school thus strengthening community relationships.

  An exceptional mentor of minorities, LCDR Maldonado provides support to his home-town high school in Culebra, Puerto Rico for a scholarship to encourage and assist students to attend college. Additionally, LCDR Maldonado established and was the principal organizer for the First Coastie’s Kids Camp, a youth summer camp for military and civilian children for the summers of 2008-2010. Over 60 children, ages 7-15, participated in the camp every year.

  Lastly, as an outstanding role model and representative for diversity in the Coast Guard, LCDR Maldonado was recognized in 2010 as the Coast Guard’s military hero by the Hispanic Engineer National Achievements Awards Conference (HENAAC) Great Minds in STEM (GMIS) organization. As part of the recognition, he was prominently profiled in the GMIS magazine and website to highlight the positive impact of Hispanics and other minorities in the Armed Forces.

  LCDR Maldonado’s leadership, mentorship and devotion to duty are exemplary and serve as a great example of the positive impact one individual can have on a community. As a direct result of your efforts and outreach, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan. Thank you for your work in championing diversity!

1 August 2011

CDR Frances Messalle – USCG AIRSTA Elizabeth City

  Congratulations to CDR Frances Messalle, our Diversity Champion of the Week! The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

  CDR Messalle is recognized for her ardent support of the recruitment and retention of women in the aviation field.  Having discovered the benefits of the Women in Aviation International (WAI) annual conference as the sole Coast Guard participant earlier in her career, CDR Messalle has continued to promote the attendance at subsequent conferences as she envisioned this as a venue to bring female Coast Guard aviators and aircrew together once a year to network, support each other, and increase awareness of carious women’s policy issues.  She also saw it as an opportunity to share the Coast Guard aviation experience and recruit some of the Nation’s top aviation talent.  As the sole coordinator during the service’s first few years of participation, CDR Messalle spearheaded and encouraged all female Coast Guard aviators and aircrew to attend.  In 2008, the first year of organized Coast Guard participation, 45 women attended.  Each year after, under CDR Messalle’s leadership and guidance, the event continued to grow in popularity and garner increased positive feedback from all participants.  For the 2010 conference, CDR Messalle coordinated  the attendance of over 120 Coast Guard attendees – an increase of 144% over 2008.  CDR Messalle’s vision and legacy continued at the 2011 conference with over 140 members in attendance. 

  CDR Messalle has also embraced diversity at the local level having partnered with Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) (a Historically Black College and University) to establish a local WAI Chapter.  This group unites students interested in aviation with local Coast Guard aviation personnel to share and mentor the Nation’s future aviation workforce.  Additionally, CDR Messalle served as a mentor and role model for a young female ECSU student that was selected for the Coast Guard’s Blue 21 aviation accession program. 

  CDR Messalle’s leadership, mentorship and devotion to duty are exemplary and will have long lasting and profound impacts on the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Aviation for years to come.  As a direct result of your efforts and outreach, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan. Thank you for your work in championing diversity!

18 July 2011

LT John Garland - Sector Honolulu

  Congratulations to LT John Garland, our Diversity Champion of the Week! The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

  LT Garland is recognized for his ardent support of the Academy Admissions Partner program and other professional organizations promoting diversity outreach in Hawaii. Displaying strong enthusiasm to promote opportunities at the Coast Guard Academy, LT Garland coordinated various multi-day Academy Admissions Staff visits that effectively promoted the Academy and Coast Guard missions throughout Hawaii. Through his leadership, LT Garland coordinated helicopter flights and small boat rides for Academy Appointees and participated in nearly 50 different recruiting events providing outreach to over 2,000 high school aged students. LT Garland’s efforts directly contributed to nine students getting appointments to the Academy, all of which were women or minorities. He also participated with the Military Academy Liaison Officer group that organized Service Academy recruiting events at area high schools. In addition to his recruiting efforts, LT Garland helped form the Association of Naval Services Officers chapter in Hawaii where he served as the chapter president.

  As a direct result of your efforts and outreach, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan. Thank you for your work in championing diversity!

18 July 2011

LT Taylor Carlisle - AIRSTA San Francisco

  Congratulations to LT Taylor Carlisle, our Diversity Champion of the Week! The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

  Displaying strong support women’s issues with the Coast Guard aviation community, LT Carlisle spearheaded a Coast Guard-wide pregnancy survey to gather data, filtered by specific communities, on women’s experiences with serving while pregnant.  The findings of the survey served as the catalyst for significant changes to both the Personnel Manual and the Aviation Medical Manual to help alleviate safety concerns, inconsistencies in policy application and sometimes unintended negative consequences to women’s careers.  Additionally, LT Carlisle volunteered to lead an eight-month effort to coordinate Coast Guard participation in the 2011 Women in Aviation International conference.  LT Carlisle’s efforts were instrumental in obtaining funding and support to send over 160 attendees which included over 60% of all women serving in Coast Guard aviation and enabled participation from every Coast Guard air station.  The initiative and dedicated work ethic displayed by LT Carlisle has led to some of the most significant policy changes in years and will have positive service-wide impact, especially for recruiting and retaining women in the Coast Guard.   

  As a direct result of your efforts and outreach, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan. Thank you for your work in championing diversity!

11 July 2011

USCGC BLOCK ISLAND

  Congratulations to USCGC BLOCK ISLAND, our Diversity Champion of the Week! The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

  Displaying strong support of the Partnership in Education (PIE) Program, the crew of the BLOCK ISLAND adopted two fifth grade classes at Morehead City Elementary School, serving as exceptional mentors and tutors to the students. While many PIE volunteers are committed to helping students in the classroom, BLOCK ISLAND extended their support outside the classroom by hosting students at the unit in order to learn more about life in the Coast Guard. Students joined the crew in morning exercises, saw videos of a variety of Coast Guard rescues, toured the BLOCK ISLAND and other surrounding assets and watched a rescue swimmer demonstration. Hailed by a 28-year veteran teacher as one of the best experiences for students in her career, the crew of BLOCK ISLAND has epitomized the purpose of the PIE Program to promote excellence in education, create opportunities to enhance students’ academic abilities and expose students to career opportunities within the Coast Guard.

  As a direct result of your efforts and outreach, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan. Thank you for your work in championing diversity!

1 July 2011

Mr. Mike Robinson - SILC DET WASH

  Mr. Mike Robinson is a Diversity Champion and he is recognized for outstanding support. He was instrumental in providing exceptional procurement and contracting services to the Diversity Staff. He expeditiously approved over 27 national-level sponsorship contracts for diversity events: Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) program; Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU) program; Hispanic events; Ethnic, Gender events; Compass events; and multi-cultural Outreach programs. He processed sponsorships for over $350K in support of the Commandant’s Strategic Plan. Mr. Robinson went the extra mile by assisting the Diversity Staff Budget Officer with reviewing all sole sources and statements of works prior to submission for approval resulting in reducing procurement lead time so contracts could be processed, approved and paid in a timely manner. Additionally, Mr. Robinson coordinated with the USCG Finance Center to have pre-payment arrangements for The International Child Art Foundation Inc. to ensure the grand opening occurred without incident. The World Children’s Festival on the national mall was well attended with over 15,000 guests and children from all over the world that had the opportunity to showcase their art and talent. Mr. Robinson’s professionalism, dedication, and superior customer service have made him an outstanding role model for others to emulate. He is the epitome of a Diversity Champion in words and deeds.

10 June 2011

LT Jay Kircher - AIRSTA Atlantic City, NJ

  Congratulations to the LT Jay Kircher, our Diversity Champion of the Week!  The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

  In support of the U.S. Lacrosse Building Relationships to Initiate Diversity, Growth and Enrichment (BRIDGE) Program, LT Kircher (a 2-time All-American lacrosse player) arranged a visit to AIRSTA Atlantic City for members of the Trenton, NJ BRIDGE program.  Through the visit, the children learned the broad array of Coast Guard missions and opportunities as well as formed a lasting bond with the unit.  Outreach activities such as this advance Goal 3 of the Coast Guard’s Diversity Strategic Plan (Expand Outreach to Achieve Access Opportunity for Underrepresented Populations) and reinforce the positive impact our members and units have in our communities.    

  BRIDGE member programs vary in location, size, development and focus. Existing programs follow a model of using lacrosse to work with young people to bring positive influence, an appreciation of personal values and life-skill lessons to youth in communities not previously exposed to the sport.  

  As a direct result of your efforts, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan.  Thank you for your work in championing diversity!

3 June 2011

USCG Community Services Command

  Congratulations to the Community Services Command, our Diversity Champion of the Week!  The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

  The Community Services Command (CSC) manages a MWR Internship Program to allow young students the opportunity to intern in MWR-related programs.  Recognizing the potential and opportunity to attract underrepresented minorities (URMs) to the Coast Guard, the CSC began reaching out to HBCUs to establish affiliation agreements.

  In 2010, CSC established their first agreement with Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and selected two interns from the school for the internship program.  CSC has since expanded their HBCU affiliation agreements to six schools (Hampton University, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Fayetteville State University, Shaw University, North Carolina State University and North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University).  Of the 34 interns being placed this year, 10 are URMs, or about 30%.   Efforts continue with additional HBCUs with recent meetings held with Virginia State University.  CSC's goal for 2012 is to place at least 20 total interns with 50% being URMs.   

  As a direct result of your efforts, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan.  Thank you for your work in championing diversity!

30 May 2011

LTJG John Vasilarakis - Sector Long Island Sound

IT1 Larry McCammon - ESD New Haven

  Congratulations to LTJG John Vasilarakis and IT1 Larry McCammon, our Diversity Champions of the Week!  The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

  As leaders of Sector Long Island Sound’s Human Relations Council (HRC), LTJG John Vasilarakis and IT1 Larry McCammon have gone above and beyond the responsibilities of the average HRC.  In this capacity, they have directly implemented the Commandant’s Diversity Strategic Plan by conducting focus groups to discuss the results of the Sector’s Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) Survey.  The focus groups were separated by peer group so that every member could feel comfortable discussing the results of the survey and raising solutions.  This is the second consecutive year that they have led the focus group sessions, showing their commitment to improving the workplace climate for all members.

  As best said by Sector Commander, Captain Joe Vojvodich, "The number one job for all of us is to ensure that we develop and maintain a workplace climate that allows everyone, regardless of similarities or differences, to contribute to the mission, as well as to grow personally and professionally.  Leaders are afforded a number of mechanisms to assess the workplace climate and take actions to improve the workforce cultural climate.  The efforts of LTjg Vasilarakis and IT1 McCammon, through tremendous initiative and innovation, greatly support these goals and objectives, and I can't thank them enough."

  As a direct result of your efforts, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan.  Thank you for your work in championing diversity!

23 May 2011

AMT1 Jeffrey Robertson - Recruiting Office Mobile, AL

  Congratulations to AMT1 Jeffrey Robertson, our Diversity Champion of the Week!  The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

  AMT1 Robertson is commended for his leadership and commitment to diversity through his consistent actions on and off duty.  Through his service at Recruiting Office Mobile, AL, AMT1 Robertson has shown considerable dedication through the outreach and recruitment of numerous diverse members which assisted the unit in reaching over 150% of its recruiting goals for FY 2010. 

  To that end, AMT1 Robertson has backed up his words through action taking classes at Bishop State Community College, a local HBCU.  Not only does his uniformed presence in class spread the word about the Coast Guard and its members' desire for knowledge, it encourages the unique and proud career path of the Coast Guard to many minority personnel.  AMT1 Robertson has also communicated with staff members of Bishop State in sponsorship efforts, strengthening the link between the Coast Guard and minority centers of influence.

  As a direct result of your efforts, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan.  Thank you for your work in championing diversity!

16 May 2011

ATC Mobile

  Congratulations to ATC Mobile, our Diversity Champions of the Week!  The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

  ATC Mobile is commended for their leadership and commitment to diversity through their robust representation at the 2011 Association of Naval Services Officers (ANSO) Symposium in San Antonio, TX.  Displaying a strong commitment to diversity and retention through professional development, ATC Mobile funded 3 officers and 3 enlisted members to attend the event, representing the largest delegation from a Coast Guard unit.  Additionally, recognizing the scheduling conflict between the Symposium and the Service-Wide Examination, the command displayed further dedication to the professional development of its members by making appropriate arrangements to proctor the exam for a member while at the event.   

  As a direct result of your efforts, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan.  Thank you for your work in championing diversity!

9 May 2011

LCDR Lesane & LT Hannah - Coast Guard Recruiting Command

 Congratulations to LCDR Eddie Lesane and LT Lushan Hannah, our Diversity Champions of the Week!  The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

  LCDR Lesane and LT Hannah are commended for their leadership and extensive outreach during the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Career Expo in Charlotte, NC.  During the event, LCDR Lesane and LT Hannah talked to students and parents from thirteen Historically Black Colleges and Universities about considering a career of service beginning with the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) program.  Both former CSPI graduates, LCDR Lesane and LT Hannah were able to share their personal stories and speak firsthand on the benefits and opportunities afforded by both the CSPI program and the Coast Guard.  Their presence and interactions truly made a lasting impact on those in attendance.  Put simply by LCDR Lesane, “If we can educate students on the opportunities and what the Coast Guard can do for them, then that is a victory.”

  As a direct result of their efforts, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan.  Thank you for your work in championing diversity!