Ididn't follow the traditional timeline with my education. After high school, I started out at a junior college, but then got promoted with my job and moved to a different state. I guess I was waiting to see where my life was heading before deciding where an education fit in.
I was good at what I did for work, but eventually tired of it. Ultimately, I had many different jobs before returning to school at the age of thirty. Going back to college was different than the first time around. I enjoyed learning more than I had at a younger age. College was more stimulating and engaging than anything else in my world at that time, and I didn't want to stop. Opening my mind and learning new things felt good. So, after getting my undergraduate degree from Arizona State University, I continued my education and eventually obtained a master's degree from Emerson College in Boston.
I was the first person in my family to go that far with an education. Both of my parents were there to witness my graduation, and they were oh, so proud.
What I have realized since then, is that the degrees don't matter as much as the act of learning does. Knowledge provides a fresh perception. Once you have opened your mind and learned new things, whether you are presented with a degree or not, that knowledge has the power to change how you look at the world. This new knowledge is yours, and no one can take it away from you.
I believe that once you stop learning you stop growing. Ultimately, learning fuels our personal and professional development, enabling us to reach our full potential, and lead fulfilling, enriched lives.
Here's to continuing to learn, always.
Lisa Petty, Editor Equal Opportunity Employment Journal
The eoejournal is published bimonthly by EOEJournal, Inc. The ownership and management of EOEJ fully and actively support equal opportunity for and advancement of all people without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, age, gender identity, and sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
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Is Finance a Good Career Path for Women in Business?
by Charlotte Brook
With international travel opportunities, high salaries, and lucrative career paths, a career in finance is certainly an attractive choice for women in business.
While the finance industry is historically male-dominated, finance companies are increasingly recognizing the necessity of fostering gender diversity and putting measures in place to empower and equip women to progress to leadership positions.
There’s still a long way to go to reach gender parity across the industry but there are some promising advancements being made. Ernst & Young conducted a survey of European financial service businesses and found that the gender split at board level stands at 58% male and 42% female as of January 2023.
Business schools too are closing the gender gap in finance by giving women in business invaluable insights into the industry through connections with female leaders, learning the skills to negotiate salaries and get ahead, and building strong networks via student-led clubs.
So, is finance a good career path for women in business?
The Pros and Cons of a Career in Finance
Pursuing a career in finance offers the chance to work in a dynamic and evolving industry. As finance companies across the world adapt to keep up with new technologies and sustainability regulations,
While the finance industry is historically male-dominated, finance companies are increasingly recognizing the necessity of fostering gender diversity and putting measures in place to empower and equip women to progress to leadership positions.
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equal opportunity employment journal September 2024
the industry offers the chance for employees to challenge themselves and innovate.
Many MBA and business master’s grads also choose careers in finance for the attractive salaries and career progression opportunities.
While it’s no secret that women have historically been disadvantaged in these areas, major finance firms are making a clear effort to ensure female employees have access to the same opportunities and are transparent regarding employee compensation.
JP Morgan’s Women on the Move initiative focuses on recruiting and retaining female employees at all levels. The company also publishes a gender pay gap report
What’s more, while a career in finance may typically be associated with long hours, the move to hybrid working now offers more opportunity for flexibility.
Increasing Gender Diversity in the Finance Industry
It’s no doubt an exciting time to be launching a finance career. However, the industry is as competitive as ever so aspiring finance professionals need to bolster their skillset to give themselves an advantage.
Business school offers the chance to learn specialist skills and gain a business-oriented understanding of emerging trends. A business degree will also help you stand out to employers. According to GMAC , 70% of corporate recruiters say business school graduates fast-track to leadership positions.
There is still a long way to go until there is gender equality in the finance industry but companies are recognizing the necessity of diversity and implementing initiatives and setting goals to increase representation.
For example, Goldman Sachs offers training to help recognize biases in the workplace and training and career support for women in business and minorities to encourage retention and aid progression.
More finance companies are also increasing the transparency of female representation in leadership positions. Deloitte reports that 25% of its member firm partners, principals and managing directors are female, with the goal of reaching 30% by 2025.
Business schools are also working to prepare and empower future female finance leaders by making the education and experience necessary to succeed more accessible.
BI Norwegian Business School offers The Women in Finance and Tech Scholarship to female master’s applicants to help target the gender imbalance in these industries. The award covers full tuition fees for two years.
“We want to encourage and support young female talent. A scholarship first recognizes the student’s potential and then allows the recipient to concentrate on her studies and the many extra-curricular activities that will help her build her network and her confidence,” says Shani Pearson, Senior Advisor at BI.
Career Paths for Women in Finance
There is a diverse range of career paths to pursue in the finance industry from investment banking to accounting to private equity. Plus, with the rise of artificial intelligence and financial technologies as well as a focus on green finance, there has been a surge in non-traditional finance roles too.
BI offers a range of programs for aspiring finance professionals including its Master of Finance, Master of Quantitative Finance, Master of Sustainable Finance, and Master of Business with a finance major at its campuses in Bergen and Oslo. Each program has elective courses so students can deep-dive into areas that align with their career goals. There is also the opportunity to undertake an internship and gain real-world experience.
BI Graduates have landed roles as financial analysts, data analysts, consultants, and banking associates at top companies such as McKinsey & Company, Norges Bank, and Ernst & Young.
How Can Women in Business Succeed in Finance?
Building a strong network is essential for any professional in any industry. However, for women in typically male-dominated industries, it is even more valuable.
Forging connections with female leaders, colleagues and peers in your cohort can be invaluable for
According to research by Deloitte, the ‘multiplier effect’ impacts female representation in the finance industry. This means that for each woman promoted to C-suite, there’s an increase in the number of women in senior leadership positions and so on.
This emphasizes the importance of role models as a means of empowering other women to strive for promotions and climb the career ladder.
At BI, the student-led Women in Finance Student Association welcome a monthly guest speaker to share their experience of being a woman in the finance industry and insights on how to succeed. Most recently, Kjerstin Braathen the CEO of DNB— Norway’s largest financial services group—visited campus.
DNB has reached gender parity in the group’s management team and is recognized as Europe’s best company for diversity in the banking and financial services sector by the Financial Times .
“Breaking down barriers, supporting and encouraging young talent, and providing opportunities for women to connect with role models can help to de-mystify the finance field for young women,” says Shani.
You’ll find we offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a chance to learn and grow. But when you join the Philadelphia Fed, you’ll also contribute to our shared mission to strengthen the economy and help communities thrive.
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Here in the First Community family (First National Bank Texas, First Convenience Bank, First Heroes National Bank, First Community Mortgage and First Community Servi ces), we are fiercely proud of our past and excited about our bright future. Independently owned, with more than 300 locations in Texas, Arizona, Arkansas and New Mexico, we offer growth and advancement in a fun and fast-paced environment. Our company provides an educational atmosphere, enabling employees to achieve their highest career potential. We are pleased you have considered advancing your career with us.
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No matter what your specialty is, chances are there is a position for you in the First Community family of banks. Positions range from frontline sales to customer service, clerical, support services and managerial positions. Our account holders are very diverse, and we are proud to accommodate them with a diverse workforce that includes bilingual employees.
Your Guide to Financial Planning Careers
The demand for financial planners is on the rise, making this an attractive professional path for anyone to consider, from students to career changers. With the goal of promoting a talented financial planning workforce whom Americans can trust, CFP Board is sharing the following career insights with those interested in the profession:
What do financial planners do?
Utilizing their expert knowledge, financial planners advise their clients ondecisions that help them meet their short- and longterm financial goals. Financial planners may work for entities like banks, broker-dealers or investment firms, or they may work for themselves at a solo practice.
What are the top benefits of being a financial planner?
With only 5-10 years of experience, financial planners can expect to earn between $126,945 to $213,126 per year. But benefits go beyond the monetary. Being a financial planner also offers career flexibility and work-life balance, personal fulfillment and intellectual stimulation.
What does a typical career path look like?
Career paths vary by employer and individual expertise. However, most planners start as analysts and move up through the ranks, working as associate advisors, senior advisors, lead advisors/managing directors and sometimes stepping into the role of principal/partner. This latter position had an annual compensation range between $170,000 and $346,500 as of 2020. Financial planners in this role can expect to be managing teams and working with high-profile clients with complex needs.
One of the best ways to advance a financial planning career is to earn CFP® certification
Is there room to specialize?
Beyond providing traditional financial planning services to clients, many companies offer room to specialize. From technical support specialists who focus on analytical work to business development specialists whose primary role is to attract new clients, many planners lean into their specific skills and interests to carve out an industry path that’s right for them.
What can financial planners do to advance their careers?
One of the best ways to advance a financial planning career is to earn CFP® certification, the standard of excellence for financial planning for more than 50 years. While anyone can call themselves a financial advisor, CFP® professionals have met high standards for certification, and have committed to act in their clients’ best interests. This additional training doesn’t just make CFP® professionals better at their jobs, it opens the door to more opportunities, and on average, yields 12% higher earnings. In fact, a majority of CFP® professionals (79%) agree they have a competitive edge over other financial advisors.
How does CFP® certification work?
CFP® certification begins with a two-part education requirement: holding a bachelor’s degree or higher in any discipline, and completing coursework through a CFP Board Registered Program. Candidates must then pass an exam and accumulate either 6,000 hours of professional experience related to the financial planning process or 4,000 hours of apprenticeship experience that meets additional requirements. Finally, they must sign an ethics declaration and pass a background check. When entering the financial planning field, remember that not every career path in this profession looks the same. Thanks to a range of factors that are making this a rapidly growing, in-demand field, financial planners can be choosy about where they work and what their role will be.
If you are enthusiastic about the public sector, customer service, and seek a team environment where everyone’ s ideas are valued, we want to meet you.
Ten Reasons to Love TEACHING
by Gayatri Pillai, Twinkl Digest Editor
There are many reasons why teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs there is. Being a teacher or educator means making a difference in the lives of children, and shaping them into adults. While some days can be challenging, take a step back and remember why you entered the teaching field in the first place. You learn from teaching children
Nothing encourages you to continue to learn more about a topic than when you’re teaching it. Being a primary school teacher means that you get to teach a range of different subjects, dig deeply into topics and learn something new along the way.
You also get to learn from your stu dents almost as much as they get to learn from you. The different experiences children bring to the classroom can help you learn something new every day.
You really do make a difference
Good teachers make a big difference in the lives of their students and really shape the people they become. You help students build selfesteem and believe in themselves and their ability to learn. You also inspire kids to think beyond their comfort zones and challenge them to reach their fullest potential - which is pretty amazing.
You can inspire the next generation
Other than parents, teachers can have some of the biggest influences on a child’s life. The impact you can have on our future generation is second to none. Teachers are at the forefront of shaping the leaders of tomorrow and preparing the next generation to take charge of the world.
Every day is different
There’s no such thing as a “typical” day as a teacher. Two days are rarely the same. Things change regularly and this can keep things interesting. Your brain is constantly engaged in creative ways as you work to solve a multitude of daily problems. You encounter new situations and challenges every day which keeps you engaged. But as the saying goes, variety is the spice of life after all.
Building a relationship with students
At the end of the day, the best part of being a teacher is the relationship you build with your students. Good teachers are remembered for life. The memories you’ll make will be treasured by you and your class for years.
Watching children grow
It really is amazing to see how much children can grow and change over the course of a school year. What’s even more amazing is that youplay a huge part in helping children develop their minds, personalities and imaginations.
Being creative
Teachers are committed to finding new and different ways
to deliver content so that it’s more interesting and engaging for students. From decorating your classroom to learning games, there are so many different, fun learning tools and methods out there to bring learning to life. The opportunities for trying new and exciting approaches are endless.
Funny things children say
The innocent and playful comments that children make are some of the little joys that come from being a teacher. With insightful questions and amusing stories, you’ll cherish the funny things they say, the silly things they do.
You’ll try new things
There’s also a wealth of activity that takes place beyond the classroom. From school trips, class plays, assemblies and afterschool clubs, you’ll get to try a variety of different activities regularly.
Witness special moments
One of the greatest rewards of teaching is seeing the progress of your students. From when students understand a difficult concept, to helping children learn a new skill, seeing a child’s eyes light up after grasping a new piece of knowledge is priceless.
Article provided by www.Twinkl.com
The Phoenix Union High School District is searching for the best-qualified applicants in all fields , but particularly in mathematics , science , special education, and ELD (English Language Development)
Come join one of the most progressive portfolio districts in the country. Fill out an application on our website at phoenixunion.org or contact us at (602) 764-1101
Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative Minority Recruitment
The Phoenix Union High School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (OVEC) with a membership of 14 public school districts is actively seeking certified minority teachers and administrators for elementary, middle and secondary positions. OVEC is located in north central Kentucky and serves the following school districts: • Anchorage Independent Schools
Bullitt County Schools • Carroll County Schools
Eminence Independent Schools
Frankfort Independent Schools
Gallatin County Schools
Grant County Schools
Jefferson County Schools
Henry County Schools
Oldham County Schools • Owen County Schools • Shelby County Schools
• Spencer County Schools
• Trimble County Schools
Individuals can search and apply for open positions within each school district by visiting their website.
To search and apply for open positions within OVEC’s Early Head Start and Head Start Programs, visit OVEC’s website at: www.ovec.org/employment
Considering a Career in Education?
Teaching is a wonderful and exciting profession for you if you are passionate about nurturing and helping the leaders and thinkers of tomorrow.
A career in education does not only entail teaching in the classroom but can also mean providing psychological counseling to students, being responsible for a school’s management, or even helping provide access to resources such as libraries and counseling.
Read on to hear about the various options available to someone interested in a career in education.
WHY SHOULD I PURSUE A CAREER IN EDUCATION?
Job Security:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts growth in almost all the educational careers. Jobs in teaching are readily available
after graduation and teachers are in high demand across all disciplines. Put simply, there will always be a need for teachers and school administrators.
Benefits:
Teachers receive pensions and insurance coverage for themselves and their families. Additionally, teachers can avail of tenure and built-in salary increase plans as they gain experience. Teachers also often get paid holidays during winter and spring break, for example.
Teaching What You Love:
Teachers get to teach subjects that they are truly passionate about and inspire the next generation of leaders, thinkers and doers to change the world. Teachers get to discover and learn new facets of their subjects of interest every day by sharing it with young and curious minds. Read more about a master’s degree in education
MINORITY RECRUITMENT
The Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC), a cooperative of school districts is actively seeking certified minority teachers and administrators for elementary, middle, and secondary positions. KEDC’s Districts are located across Kentucky. Visit www.kedc.org for a list of participating school districts.
THE CAREER PATH FOR TEACHERS
With so many schools in need of teachers for all grade levels, it’s easy to get started working in a classroom, whether through substitute teacher opportunities or degree programs that incorporate professional training at the outset.
In fact, with such a wide range of career options ahead of you, it can be hard to decide where to focus your pursuits. But the good news is there’s not just one best job in education -rather, it lies in the eye of the beholder, depending mainly on your personal interests, the work environment that most appeals to you, and where you’d like your engagement in the educational field to lie.
While it’s easy to hit the ground running as a teacher, it can be helpful to have a longer-term idea of your career path in mind before entering the field.
Below are a few of the different ways one might approach an education career. Take a look to see which one is right for you.
From Classroom Teacher to School Leader
Many teachers start their careers in the classroom with the long-term goal of growing their expertise to take on leadership positions within their schools. This can be an exciting and deeply rewarding opportunity for educators to run with what they’ve lear ned from their experiences and make a broader-scale impact on student life. These jobs can also offer improved pay, providing a valuable incentive that education professionals can work toward.
The path to becoming a school leader usually starts with classroom teaching, which provides the most insight possible into student needs within a given community. Classroom teachers of all grade levels typically start their careers as entry-level educators in public or private schools. As they gain experience and improve their skills, they can become eligible for leadership roles within their schools, such as department chairs or instructional coaches. These can give teachers a first taste of the larger organizational responsibilities of administrators and an acclimation to the macro-level perspective needed to make major academic decisions.
To become a full-fledged administrator, teachers may pursue advanced degrees, such as a master’s or doctoral degree in education, to prepare for careers such as principal, superintendent, and other administrative roles.
Becoming a Specialized Teacher
Other teachers who do not choose to pursue the administrative path decide instead to continue careers in teaching, developing an area of specialty. These are often roles that focus on students with particular academic needs, such as English language lear ners (ELL students), special education students, and highly gifted students. These are some of the most important occupations in education: being able to support these students requires tremendous skill and training, and the payoff for students can be game-changing.
insight to use. These can be excellent opportunities for those looking for a change of pace from the busy day-to-day of working on campus with students.
Some teachers may choose to transition into teachingrelated professions, such as curriculum development or educational consulting. These roles may involve developing educational materials and programs, conducting teacher training, or providing expert advice to schools and educational institutions. Drawing from observations from their time in the classroom, teachers can be amazingly resourceful in developing effective and engaging course materials. These are some of the most intellectually rigorous jobs in the field of education.
Some teachers pursue specialized training at the start of their careers, choosing certificate programs that emphasize this type of teaching work. Others begin as traditional classroom teachers but decide to concentrate their efforts on a particular arena, oftentimes after having taught students with academic needs and witnessed their educational struggles up close.
Alternative Careers for Teachers
While some educators wish to develop their careers purely within a school setting, there are other jobs for education majors and experienced teachers to put their knowledge and
There are many reasons why teachers decide to leave the classroom, but the good news is there are plenty of excellent job opportunities for teachers who don’t want to teach. Article
Other educators who wish to pursue work outside of the immediate school context go into advocacy work, using their expertise to advance important causes in education impacting teachers and students alike. This can involve receiving an advanced degree in educational policy or another legal field. Many have successfully started careers in educational policy through on-the-ground efforts such as volunteering, attending local government meetings, and more.
If you’re looking for careers in education that aren’t teaching, some of the following job titles may appeal to you:
Curriculum developer or instructional designer
Education consultant
Education policy analyst
Educational technology specialist
Nonprofit education program manager
See our career opportunities at www.hnicareers.com and listed with state workforce training and development centers.
Five Ways to Celebrate Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month
Celebrate Hispanic heritage from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 with Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month. Through learning and cultural activities, kids build their respect and understanding for diverse cultures and identities
When kids and teens learn about cultures, they broaden their view of the world and deepen their understanding of others Heritage is the story of where we come from and what we bring forward into our future. Hispanic and Latino heritage is rich with history, culture and exciting contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans past and present. Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month offers families, teachers and afterschool providers an opportunity to explore these vibrant cultures.
When is Hispanic Heritage Month?
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Why the two-month cross-over? This time period spans the Independence Day celebrations of Belize, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua.First started as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, it was expanded to a month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.
Why is it important to celebrate Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month?
Latino, Hispanic and Latinx Americans have wonderful traditions to honor during this month and year-round.
They’re also a vital part of the American population. One in five Americans is Hispanic or Latino, according to the 2020 Census
At Boys & Girls Clubs, about a quarter of all Club members identify as Latino or Hispanic. Clubs encourage a sense of belonging for all young people. 95% of Club kids who identify as Hispanic or Latino say the people at their Boys & Girls Club accept them for who they are.
Kids build respect and curiosity when they learn about other cultures. Even if your family isn’t from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central or South America, you can still celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
What’s the difference between Hispanic, Latino, Latinx and Latine?
Heritage and identity are personal and the words to describe both evolve. One example of this is the ongoing conversation around the terms Hispanic vs. Latino, and newer terms Latinx and Latine.
Hispanic, while broadly used, is actually pretty specific. It refers to a person’s language, meaning someone from Spanish-speaking Latin American countries or Spain.
Latino identifies people who have heritage rooted in Latin America, regardless of what language they speak. For instance, a Portuguese-speaking person from Brazil may identify as Latino, not Hispanic.
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September 2024 equal opportunity employment journal
While Latino may not refer to language, the Spanish language employs masculine and feminine versions (Latino vs. Latina respectively). The word Latinx and the more recent Latine shift from using the masculine word as the default descriptor. Latinx is more well-known among English speakers currently. Always ask someone how they identify and which word they choose to go by.
Whether you call it Hispanic Heritage Month, Latinx Heritage Month or another version, they all focus on one thing: the celebration of heritage.
FIVE IDEAS FOR CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH WITH KIDS
When kids learn about diverse cultures and heritage, they grow their curiosity, perspective and respect for themselves and others. From tasty eats to virtual tours, here are some Hispanic Heritage Month activities to engage the young people in your life:
Dish Up Some Delicious Flavors
A variety of Hispanic and Latino foods are available in the United States. With our border with Mexico, Mexican food is often a kid favorite from an early age.
Before cooking or going out to eat, discuss the ingredients and spices that make these dishes special. Taste and smell cumin and paprika. Does your child have a favorite dish that originates from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, or Spain? Google it to learn more about where this recipe comes from.
While you’re exploring recipes, bring some new cultures to the table by trying the following Hispanic and Latino dishes:
Argentina introduced the world to chimichurri sauce . This herbaceous green sauce tastes great served on top of proteins or vegetables or used as a marinade.
You’ll likely have the ingredients on hand for kid-friendly migas . A popular dish in Spain, Portugal, Mexico and Texas, migas combines scrambled eggs, tortilla chips, melty cheese and pico de gallo.
With origins in both Columbia and Venezuela, arepas are the ultimate sandwich – fried corn cakes stuffed with chicken, avocado and more.
Take a Local or Virtual Tour
Many organizations feature Latinx history, music or art during Hispanic Heritage Month. Explore exhibits, museums and other opportunities in your community. If there’s nothing nearby, a virtual tour can help kids learn about the contributions of Latino communities and individuals.
La Casa Azul is Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s former home. The name literally translates to the Blue House. Now, it’s a museum dedicated to her work and life that can be toured virtually . The Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Latino shines a light on the legacy of U.S. Latinos and Latinas.
Learn About Hispanic and Latino Celebrations and Traditions
Celebrations create connection and fun everyone can enjoy. Plus, experiencing how a culture celebrates is a great way to learn.
Take some time to explore Hispanic and Latino traditions around celebrations . Each country has its own unique and colorful ways to celebrate. For instance, festive traditions like piñatas, Día de los Muertos (an early November-based “Day
of the Dead”) and quinceañeras (the celebration of a young woman turning 15) all originate from Mexico.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor is well-known for their Día de los Muertos block party , where Club kids assist in making food, music and decorations.
Whether you’re attending a cultural celebration or watching one on TV, talk about it with your child with these conversation-starters:
• What is the purpose of this celebration? How did it start?
• What are the values and beliefs being celebrated?
• What music is being played and how is it contributing to the event? If there are dancers, are they wearing special costumes or accessories?
• What symbols are associated with this celebration? Why?
• What foods and drinks are served?
• How can I be respectful of this culture and its traditions?
Give your game night a
Hispanic Heritage Month twist
Kids learn through play. If your kid enjoys a game of chance, then odds are they’ll enjoy the card game Lotería . Lotería is Mexico’s version of Bingo. Players will match words called out (such as el arbol – the tree, or el camaron – the shrimp) to their game board. When they’ve got a row, the winner shouts “¡Buena!” to end the game.
The Smithsonian also has a collection of games and activities for purchase from their “Nuestra América” series . Play their bilingual memory card game or piece together their puzzle to learn about famous Hispanic Americans.
Explore Latinx heritage through art
Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dali, Fernando Botero, Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya – Latinx and Hispanic artists are some of the most famous of all time.
Google their masterpieces and discuss what makes them stand out. Then, ask kids to try to recreate some of these famous art styles at home or in the classroom. As part of their fine arts program, Variety Boys & Girls Club dedicates a whole week to Frida Kahlo as members recreate her many self-portraits. Making Hispanic-inspired crafts is also a great way to experience hands-on learning through art. For younger kids, this Hispanic Heritage Month banner printable coloring sheet is a simple activity to do at home.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Looking for a new career? Whether you’re new to the job market, looking to advance your career or are a seasoned professional, Seneca Foods Corporation offers an array of rewarding Career Opportunities across a variety of functions, from Operations Management, Agriculture, Information Technology, Sales and Marketing, Human Resources, Finance and more.
Understanding the Advancing Diversity in Law Enforcement Initiative
This article is designed to serve as a resource for all law enforcement agencies, particularly small and mediumsize agencies grappling with the challenges around increasing diversity and working hard to implement effective, impactful, and promising practices for change.
Several local law enforcement leaders around the country took the time to meet and speak with us - sharing their unique perspectives about the challenges they have encountered and the promising practices they are either already using or considering using to recruit, hire, and retain a diverse officer corps.
Many of the law enforcement leaders we spoke with directly acknowledged that despite innovative and dedicated efforts, barriers still exist, and they fully recognize the challenges that remain. We thank these leaders for their engagement, can -
did assessment of these challenges, and clear desire to lead substantive discussions and reforms.
Executive Summary
Tragic events over the past several years - including officerinvolved shootings and attacks on law enforcement officers, and the demonstrations and protests these incidents have spawned - have captured the public's attention and driven a host of policing issues from the periphery to the center of our public dialogue, including a renewed focus on increasing diversity in the nation's law enforcement agencies. In December 2014, President Obama announced his Task Force on 21st Century Policing (Task Force). The Task Force brought together a diverse range of stakeholders - including law enforcement
leaders, advocates, academics, policymakers, and community members - to explore strategies for strengthening community-police relations, reducing crime, and advancing public safety. In one of its key recommendations for "building trust and legitimacy" in community-police relations, the Task Force focused on the need to ensure law enforcement agencies better reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
Although the spotlight on these issues may seem new to some, for manyincluding law enforcement personnel, government officials, and community leaders - this is only one part of a decades-long conversation about how law enforcement and the communities they serve can best work together. Many law enforcement agencies, as well as organizations that work with law enforcement, have devoted considerable time, energy, and attention in their efforts to recruit and retain workforces that reflect the diversity within their jurisdictions. For many years, the Federal government has also worked to address challenges and barriers to diversity in law enforcement.
Advancing Diversity in Law Enforcement Initiative
address diversity in law enforcement.
Yet these efforts, by themselves, cannot reach all of the more than 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the country. Indeed, voluntary efforts by law enforcement employers are an equally, if not more, important way to advance diversity and further equal employment opportunity. Toward that end, in December 2015, the Department's Civil Rights Division and the EEOC launched a new research initiative, "Advancing Diversity in Law Enforcement," both to identify barriers that undermine diversity in law enforcement and to highlight promising practices that help agencies better eflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
The initiative has focused on barriers and promising practices across three key areas: recruitment, hiring, and retention. In so doing, this initiative has taken a broad examination of various barriers to diversity, while also placing particular emphasis on practices that advance greater racial and gender diversity and that foster the inclusion of the perspectives and experiences of persons of diverse backgrounds in the culture and leadership of law enforcement agencies.
The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission continue to lead robust enforcement, data analysis, and technical assistance efforts to
This initiative was created to assist law enforcement agencies throughout the country as they strive to build workforces that better reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
The City of Manassas, VA, located just 30 miles southwest of Washington DC, has a rhythm of life with a refreshing cadence all its own It is at once authentic, diverse, eclectic, creative and inviting. Manassas is a relaxing respite from high-stress city life. Come for the friendly, forward-thinking lifestyle.
The heartbeat of this city is a welcoming one.
With its ease of access by car and public transportation, and its highly skilled workforce, Manassas has attracted an increasingly diverse residential and commercial mix. The City of Manassas offers an incredible benefits package and we encourage you to visit our website, review our current job opportunities and apply online.
We hope you will consider the City of Manassas as your
of
September 2024 equal opportunity employment journal Page 21
It is the hope that this effort will especially aid those small and medium-size police departments that recognize the importance of diversity, but may lack the resources to fully explore solutions.
Why Diversity in Law Enforcement Matters
The challenge of recruiting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce is certainly not limited to law enforcement. Throughout the country, in nearly every sector of society, people and organizations are grappling with this issue. Employers in a variety of industries have engaged in proactive efforts to bolster diversity. Yet this challenge remains particularly urgent in the field of law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies fulfill a fundamental role in our society, and in many communities, individual police officers are often the public face of local government. It therefore is critical that our nation's law enforcement agencies broadly reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
gender, but also other characteristics including religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, language ability, background, and experience - serves as a critically important tool to build trust with communities.
This finding is bolstered by decades of research confirming that when members of the public believe their law enforcement organizations represent them, understand them, and respond to them - and when communities perceive authorities as fair, legitimate, and accountable - it deepens trust in law enforcement, instills public confidence in government, and supports the integrity of democracy.
Research further suggests that increased diversity can make law enforcement agencies more open to reform, more willing to initiate cultural and systemic changes, and more responsive to the residents they serve.
This trust is essential to defusing tension, to solving crimes, and to creating a system in which residents view law enforcement as fair and just. Victims and witnesses of crime may not approach or engage with law enforcement if they do not perceive such authorities to be responsive to their experiences and concerns. This trust - and the cooperation it facilitatesalso enables officers to more effectively and safely perform their jobs.
As the Task Force recognized, increased diversity within law enforcement agencies - defined not only in terms of race and
Research further suggests that increased diversity can make LAW ENFORCEMENT continued on page 31
Top Ten Benefits of Working in Healthcare
Have you been considering a career in healthcare? If you’re interested in healthcare but aren’t sure this field is right for you, you’ll want to take a closer look at some of the benefits of working in healthcare. Healthcare is a thriving industry, and working in this field could help you in a number of ways.
You can find jobs quickly
In some fields, you’ll have to hunt for months or more to find a career. You may even have to move to a new area in order to find job opportunities. This shouldn’t be an issue if you work in healthcare. There are many job openings, and no matter where you are, you should be able to find a job with ease.
You’ll have job security
Healthcare is an in-demand field with countless job opportunities. Because there are so many positions that need to be filled, people who work in healthcare enjoy a high level of job security. When you work in healthcare, you’ll seldom have to worry about layoffs. You’ll know that you can always find work in your field.
There are diverse opportunities
There are countless job opportunities in healthcare. From nursing jobs to audiology careers, anyone that wants to work in healthcare can find a job that’s a good fit for them. There are even healthcare jobs that don’t require a degree.
You’ll be doing work that matters
When you work with healthcare, you’ll be able to help people that are struggling with an injury, illness, or disability. Being
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able to help others can make people feel valued. If you’ve been searching for a meaningful career, you may find that working in healthcare is perfect for you.
The pay is excellent
Although pay for healthcare jobs can vary, most people in this field are compensated very well. There are many job openings in health care, which means employers have to offer competitive salaries. Even entry-level healthcare jobs can pay very well.
You’ll have high job satisfaction
People that work in healthcare tend to be more satisfied with their jobs than people in other industries. If you’re not satisfied with your job, you might be tempted to search for a new one. When you work in healthcare, it’s more likely that you’ll feel content.
You’ll earn impressive benefits
Healthcare workers often enjoy excellent benefits, including paid time off, healthcare packages, and performance bonuses. These benefits contribute to the high level of job satisfaction, which we mentioned earlier. With excellent benefits, you’ll be able to stretch your salary even further.
Healthcare offers flexibility
In healthcare, you’re not always required to work a standard 9-to-5 schedule. This field offers a great deal of flexibility. You can choose to work evenings, on weekends, and even overnights. Having more flexibility means it will be easier to find a job that fits your schedule.
Your work will be stimulating
No one wants to be bored on the job. Healthcare jobs tend to be fast-paced, and they usually aren’t repetitive. Every day, you’ll be able to work with new people and handle new challenges. Working in healthcare can help to keep your mind sharp.
You can start right now
Do you think you might want a career in healthcare? Even if you don’t have a degree, you should be able to find jobs you’re qualified for. Many healthcare jobs only require applicants to be licensed or certified.
Eight Reasons Why You Should Consider Working for the Government
1. The government is a stable employer
Unlike many businesses, the government is not susceptible to sudden changes in the economy that can lead to mass layoffs. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants stability in their career. While the private sector sheds jobs during an economic downturn, the government generally continues to add jobs. This stability can be attractive to workers who are looking for a secure job during uncertain times.
2. Government jobs often come with good benefits
When it comes to finding a job, many people focus solely on the salary. While it’s certainly important to find a position that pays a fair wage, there are other factors to consider as well. One of the biggest advantages of government jobs is the benefits package. Most government positions come with health insurance, paid vacation days, and retirement savings
plans. This can save employees a lot of money and stress in the long run.
3. Government jobs can be interesting and challenging
Many people believe that government jobs are dull and bureaucratic, but this is often not the case. There are many different roles to choose from in government jobs, which can be fascinating and challenging. For example, government jobs can involve policymaking, working with the public, or managing large projects.
4. The government is a large employer
Having said earlier that the government is the largest employer in a country, it also requires the largest workforce. The government employs contractors to provide goods and services to the government. This means that there are a lot of slots for jobseekers here that may fit their skills and interests.
5. Government jobs tend to be well-paid
Government jobs have a reputation for being well-paid. However, it is important to remember that the pay scale for government jobs can vary based on factors such as the level of experience an applicant has and the location of the job. In general, though, government jobs do tend to offer higher salaries than comparable private-sector positions.
6. The government offers job security
Job security is often thought of as a key benefit of working for the government. In general, government jobs have a
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higher level of security than private-sector jobs. The reasons for this are twofold. First, governments are less likely to downsize or close entirely than private businesses. Second, even if downsizing does occur, government employees usually have greater job protection than private employees.
7. It’s a great way to promote the advancement of your career
Working in the government can be a great way to promote the advancement of your career. There are many opportunities for career growth and development in the government, and the pay and benefits are usually very good. In addition, working in the government can give you a chance to make a difference in your community and country. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career, working in the government is a great option to consider.
8. Government employment is in every location
If you’re looking for a government job, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re interested in working for the federal government or your local state or municipality, there is a wide range of opportunities available. And because government employment is spread out across the country, you’re likely to find a position in a location that’s convenient for you. So if you’re interested in public service, don’t hesitate to start your search for a government job today. There are many fulfilling and rewarding careers to be had at all levels of government.
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career, working in the government is a great option to consider.
Working for the government can be a very rewarding experience. You can help make a difference in your community and have the satisfaction of knowing that your work is making a positive impact. There are many different types of government jobs available, so you are sure to find one that matches your skills and interests. The pay and benefits are usually good, and you may be eligible for retirement after a certain number of years. If you are looking for a stable career with good job security, working for the government is a great option to consider.
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Why Veterans Make Great Hires
Honoring members of the military means not only reflecting on their exemplary service, but also appreciating the talents and skills of veterans in the civilian workplace.
Shining a light on how military skills transfer to corporate America is Brian Armstrong, a Marine Corps veteran who now serves as Wells Fargo’s head of military recruitment.
Having led the safe transport of equipment and security protection forces, on top of serving as a small unit leader overseeing the well-being of fellow Marines, Armstrong acquired skills that easily transfer to everyday business during his military career. And his experience is not unique to him, but shared amongst the hundreds of thousands who
transition out of the military to civilian careers each year.
“In the military, you have to be able to think on your feet,” Armstrong said. “We [veterans] span the breadth of the United States, and we can leverage our unique, diverse perspectives to react and deliver under pressure. Add this to the soft skills we gain during service, and I think veterans are an extremely attractive demographic for employers.”
In fact, many companies in recent years are catching onto the value veterans bring to the workplace, with veteran employment rates trending upward over the past 10 years, according to Department of Labor Statistics. Nevertheless, veterans do face unique workplace challenges, particularly
A passion for INCLUSION AND EMPOWERMENT
At UCLA Health, it takes people from all backgrounds and varied perspectives to make our world-renowned care possible. That’s why we foster a culture where all are welcome, valued, and inspired to be their authentic selves. We’re proud to be one of Forbes’ “Best Employers for Diversity” as well as one of U.S. News & World Report’s top hospitals in the country.
If you’d like to contribute to a world-class health provider within a setting that inspires and empowers great achievements, explore our openings in:
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To learn more and apply online, visit us at UCLAHealthCareers.org
Make a real difference!
At Segal, our mission is to provide trusted advice that improves lives. How? With diverse teams delivering innovative solutions that help organizations provide health and financial peace of mind to their people.
Our differences make us stronger
We’re one of the largest independent human resources and employee benefits consulting firms today. We’re team-oriented with deeply held values, proud to be making a difference in the lives of so many.
Become a part of something bigger
Segal is actively recruiting top talent. See our job openings on LinkedIn. And visit us at segalco.com/about-us/careers to learn how you can become a part of our team.
during the hiring process, from employer bias to dealing with the culture shift of postmilitary life.
Where military recruitment is concerned, Wells Fargo is a good example of a corporation aligning its actions with its words. For more than 170 years, the company has supported military service members and veterans. In addition to initiatives like home and car donations, grants, and supporting veteran-owned businesses, its dedicated Military Talent Sourcing Team is committed to helping veterans effectively navigate the transition to civilian life. The company’s Military Talent Liaisons are committed to recruiting, counseling, and advocating for military job seekers.
According to Armstrong, other companies can benefit from similar initiatives. The team’s programming includes militaryspecific hiring events, corporate fellowships, apprenticeships through the Department of Labor, and intensive training programs.
“It’s not just about supporting veterans, it’s also about how veterans can help a company. Their ability to thrive in differing environments and circumstances makes them agile and serious-minded in their endeavors,” Armstrong says. “Obviously we’re not in a military situation in our typical workplace, but I suspect many veterans, like I do, take their corporate roles seriously, the same way they’d get prepared for a mission.”
To learn more about Wells Fargo’s military recruitment initiatives, and its more than 170 years of supporting military veterans and their families, visit wellsfargojobs.com. To learn more about why veterans make great leaders, visit https://stories.wf.com/whyveterans-make-great-leaders.
Employers can reflect on how making their workplaces more inclusive to veterans can help both their community and their bottom line.
MAKE AN IMPACT
As a fast-growing company,
September 2024 equal opportunity employment journal
law enforcement agencies more open to reform, more willing to initiate cultural and systemic changes, and more responsive to the residents they serve.
Some have pointed to increased diversity as a catalyst for reform, enabling officers and law enforcement leaders alike to become more introspective and reflective about problems in their departments. A more reflective and open-minded culture in an agency can help drive reform across a range of areas, including civilian oversight, community policing, and racial bias. In addition, while greater workforce diversity alone cannot ensure fair and effective policing, a significant - and growingbody of evidence suggests that diversity can have a positive influence on specific activities and practices of law enforcement agencies.
BARRIERS TO DIVERSITY
Despite their efforts, law enforcement agencies of all sizes have not always been successful in recruiting and attracting individuals that reflects the communities they serve. This is likely attributable to a number of factors that are present in the recruiting, hiring, and retention phases.
Recruitment:
Strained relations and a lack of trust of law enforcement may deter individuals from underrepresented communities from applying to be officers.
The reputation or operational practices of law enforcement agencies may dissuade applicants from underrepresented communities from pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Individuals from underrepresented communities may not be sufficiently aware of career opportunities within law enforcement agencies.
Hiring:
Law enforcement agencies' reliance on inadequately tailored examinations as part of the screening process may have the unintended consequence of excluding qualified individuals in underrepresented communities from the applicant pool.
Reliance on certain additional selection criteria and screening processes that disproportionately impact individuals from underrepresented communities can also inhibit agencies' efforts to increase the diversity of their workforces.
Requirements, such as residency restrictions, may limit certain underrepresented communities' representation in law enforcement agencies.
Length, complexity, and cost of application processes can serve as a deterrent for applicants.
Law enforcement agencies may be limited in their ability to modify or adjust hiring and selection criteria.
Promising Practices for Increasing Diversity
By adopting proactive and intentional recruitment, hiring, and retention strategies, law enforcement agencies can address barriers, drive reform, and make progress in ensuring that their workforces better reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
The report highlights promising practices - identified through existing online materials, independent research, and
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interviews - that various law enforcement agencies have found to be particularly effective at increasing their diversity. Given the sheer number of law enforcement agencies in this country, this report does not provide a comprehensive examination of promising practices that have been developed and are being used, but it does provide a number of salient examples focused on the key areas of: (i) recruitment, (ii) hiring, and (iii) retention. Although the practices adopted by law enforcement agencies vary considerably, this report demonstrates that successful diversity-building efforts by law enforcement agencies share several common themes, including:
Ensuring that the agency's organizational culture is guided by community policing (a strategy of policing that focuses on police building ties and working closely with community members); procedural justice (the idea of fairness in the processes that resolve disputes) and cultural inclusivity (welcoming and including all people).
Engaging stakeholders- both from within and outside the law enforcement agency - to help create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community.
Being willing to re-evaluate employment criteria, standards, and benchmarks to ensure that they are tailored to the skills needed to perform job functions, and consequently attract, select, and retain the most qualified and desirable sworn officers.
Recruitment:
Proactive and targeted community outreach efforts can help encourage people from diverse populations and walks of life to consider careers in law enforcement.
Building partnerships with educational institutions and providing young people with internship programs creates a robust pipeline of potential applicants while also helping to address historically-negative perceptions or experiences diverse communities have had with law enforcement. The effective, innovative use of technology and social media is critical to communicate and connect with all members of the community.
Hiring:
Agencies are increasingly adopting a holistic view of what skills and strengths an applicant brings to a law enforcement agency, in part by being willing to reevaluate information revealed during background checks, including previous drug use.
Law enforcement agencies have expressed a willingness to reconsider selection criteria and written or physical examinations that do not correspond to job-related duties, and that disproportionately screen out individuals from underrepresented populations.
In their efforts to diversify their workforces, law enforcement agencies have streamlined and made more transparent their hiring and selection procedures. Some agencies have offered assistance and preparation materials to help applicants prepare for examinations.
Law enforcement agencies have involved community members in the hiring process as a way to develop workforces that reflects the diversity of their communities.
Key Conclusions
Law enforcement agencies that are committed to increasing
the diversity of their workforces and ensuring that the demographic makeup of their sworn officers reflect the diversity of the communities they serve face a plethora of challenges.
These challenges, which manifest themselves at every stage of the recruitment, selection, and retention processes, are daunting, but - as the experiences of the law enforcement agencies highlighted in this report make clear - they are far from insurmountable.
swered questions and areas for future research and review. Specifically: More work needs to be done to understand the impact of increased workforce diversity on the enforcement activities of law enforcement agencies.
In fact, agencies that have undertaken this effort have found that increased diversity brings a range of benefits that can be seen both within their workforces as well as in their relations with the communities they serve.
The ultimate hope is that this report's discussion of barriers that inhibit diversity and the promising practices that have been adopted and are being used in jurisdictions all across the country provide a useful resource for law enforcement agencies, particularly those that may not have the internal resources to undertake this type of review themselves.
At the same time, the work done for the Advancing Diversity in Law Enforcement initiative has revealed a number of unan -
Agencies have found that increased diversity brings a range of benefits that can be seen both within their workforces as well as in their relations with the communities they serve. Article
Additional empirical research is neededto better understand the long-term impacts of the promising practices highlighted in this report. Further research could analyze how to further institutionalize these promising practices within departments so that they can withstand changes in leadership and personnel.
When government stakeholders and policymakers consider laws and regulations that impact selection procedures and criteria for law enforcement agencies, the impacts on the agencies' ability to hire officers that reflect the diversity of their communities should be taken into account.
Further research is needed to better understand how law enforcement agencies can successfully retain and foster career advancement of officers from underrepresented populations.
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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Looking for a new career? Whether you’re new to the job market, looking to advance your career or are a seasoned professional, Seneca Foods Corporation offers an array of rewarding Career Opportunities across a variety of functions, from Operations Management, Agriculture, Information Technology, Sales and Marketing, Human Resources, Finance and more.
