Over the last four days of June, the FAA hosted its second annual virtual Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Symposium. Special thanks to several members of the Aeronautical Center team – John Espinosa, Jodie Mack, David W. Williams, Rashida Wesley, Katy Williams, and Debbie Uglean for volunteering to work in the virtual booth providing guidance, answering questions and supporting the overall initiative. The event was held from 11am-4pm CST each day, and provided attendees with a come-and-go virtual experience.
The event hosted guest speakers, presentations, discussion panels and breakout sessions provided by various FAA offices including employee associations, the William J. Hughes Technical Center and the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. Special presenters included: Billy Nolen, FAA Administrator; John P. Benison, Assistant Administrator in the Office of Civil Rights; Tonia Morris of Tonia Morris Speaks; Dr. James Sulton III, Support Manager for Air Traffic Control; Millie Strickland, Director of Eastern Civil Rights Service Area; Bradley Mims, FAA Deputy Administrator; Angelia Neal, Deputy Assistant Administrator for HR Management; Dr. Amena Johnson Associate Director of LGBTQ Resources from Georgetown University; Wanda Scott, CEO of WE Consulting Services; Kelly Boodell, Director of Civil Rights Office in Western and Central Service Areas; Irene Marion, Director of Departmental Office of Civil Rights Office of the Secretary USDOT; Anthony Cummings, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Civil Rights; Nicole Turner of Nicole L. Turner Consulting; Dr. William McClinton of the Employment Services Branch; Gene Roth, Director, National External Operations and Policy Programs; Kelly Buckland, DOT Disability Advisor in the Office of the Assistant Secretary on Policy; Haley Moss, Attorney, Author, Artist and Advocate; Cheryl Wilkes, Director National Compliant Services and ADR Policy and Kimberly Tweedle, EEO Specialist of the National Compliant Services and ADR Policy.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is steadfast and essential to maintaining the core values, activities, and mission of the FAA. The leadership of the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) is dedicated to having a diverse workforce; one that attracts and retains skilled talent, because it is only by diverse viewpoints that new opportunities are gained. Inclusiveness contributes to the sharing of new ideas, leading to advancements in innovation and an ability to meet future challenges.
One of the reasons that the Aeronautical Center has been considered one of Oklahoma’s Top Work Places in 2020 and 2021 is because employees are valued for their diverse viewpoints, while being respected and understood for their unique perspectives. Initiatives of DEIA permeate the Center’s culture, which helps us to move beyond intention, and into action. FAA Employees who pre-registered for the DEIA Symposium had the opportunity to earn training credits for attending the event.
In June 2021, President Joe Biden signed Executive Order 14035 for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility in the Federal Workplace. Major components of this order direct the government to become a model employer for Individuals with Disabilities. The order also includes language to ensure that the government is fully accessible, employees know their rights and know how to request reasonable accommodations.
