Diversity Works! Magazine - Spring 2005 Career Fair Edition

2005 Bridge to a Brighter Future Career Fair

Diversity Works!

Urban League of San Diego County

Magazine

ie r em Pr

•Diversity Practices That Work •Diversity: No Longer Just Black and White

Ed iti on

Collaborations That Make Diversity Work!

Spring 2005

An Affiliate of The National Urban League

Spring 2005

contents Features

CREDITS Publisher - Maurice D. Wilson Editor - Sheri L. Williams-Belton Graphic Designer - Williams, Royster & Associates Associate Editor - LaShay B. Woods Photographer - Mike Norris Contributing Writers - Maurice D. Wilson,

LaShay B. Woods, Patricia Fipps, Myron Curry Artist - Anthony D. Belton, Sr.

Departments 2. Message from the President and the Vice President of Workforce Development 3. 2005 Message from the Career Fair Chair Persons / Thank You! 5. Schedule of Events 6. Career Fair Exhibitors

8. Diversity Works The San Diego Urban League has served the greater San Diego community, reaching…

12. Diversity Works! with CalWorks Bridge to a Brighter Future The Urban League of San Diego County has embraced the Pacific Institute’s methodology in…

14. Collaborations that Make Diversity Work The Urban League of San Diego County, San Diego Chapter of Blacks in Government,…

16. If the World were Perfect Whatever you are about to do, ask yourself, “If the world were perfect, what would this…

18. Diversity Practices that Work Why This Study? Over the past 40 years, many corporations have invested a great deal…

12. The Greater San Diego Business Council: Diversity Supplier or Supplier Diversity As I conducted research for this article, I found myself wondering, “What is a diversity…

28. Diversity: No Longer Just Black and White Diversity in the workplace used to hinge upon the level of responsibility, pay, and respect…

7. Acknowledgements 24. Kimberly Diggs - Success Story I’ve had a long-standing relationship with the Urban League of San Diego County going back to 2000…

25. Diversity Works! Employer Survey 26. The Urban League of San Diego County Produces Positive Outcomes Beresford Sinclair’s Autobiography

27. About The Urban League of San Diego County

Diversity Works!

Bridge to a Brighter Future!

From the President/CEO Contacts Cecil H. Steppe, President & CEO Jimma McWilson, Executive VP/COO & Education Youth Family Services Director Maurice Wilson, Vice President, Business Workforce Development Mike Wilson, Vice President, Urban Housing & Community Development Kea Hagan, HR Manager/Executive Assistant for the President & CEO Office Mailing Address 720 Gateway Center Dr. San Diego, CA 92102 Phone Headquarters (619) 263-3115 Fax Headquarters (619) 263-3660 URL www.ulsdc.org Governance Non-profit

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n behalf of the Urban League of San Diego County Board of Directors, our hard working staff and committee volunteers who have worked hard to produce this event, we welcome you to the Urban League’s Sixteenth Annual “Diversity Works!”

Career Fair/Expo.

As in prior years, this year, the Career Fair could not occur without the host of dedicated committed professionals from our communities of employers who assist so ably in putting this annual event together.

Today’s experience may or may not result in a positive outcome right away for some of you, but you are encouraged to take full advantage of each organization represented here. They will be pleased to lend you their thinking and expertise in your pursuit of employment opportunities.

Let today be the first step for you to making Diversity Work! and a Bigger and Brighter Future for you, your family and our community.

Cecil H. Steppe, President /CEO

From the Vice President’s Desk

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ur theme “Diversity Works!,” embodies the philosophy that there are hundreds of very capable people throughout San Diego who can and do enrich our city and contribute to its economic growth and prosperity. We need to cultivate and appreciate this rich pool of diverse talent and find ways to open doors for them. Throughout the year many of these good people seek out the League’s help via its various programs and services. These are dignified and capable people who may have fallen on hard times, may be indirect victims of 9/11 or displaced workers as a result of a shifting economy. They are as talented as they are diverse and are simply looking for a “hand up -- not a hand out.” At the League we provide that “hand up” and consider it a privilege to work with them as they build their bridges. We salute and encourage their spirit of looking ahead, not looking back.

Hours of Operation Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm

We also salute the efforts of the career fair committee for whom without their dedication and support this event would not be possible. I also extend a special thanks to our sponsors whose generosity helped produce the event.

United Way Agency Code: 6496

Maurice D. Wilson, Vice President, Business & Workforce Development

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Bridge to a Brighter Future

2005 Career Fair Chair Persons

Thanks to the following companies for their support of the San Diego Urban League Career Fair & Expo 2005 PRESENTING CAREER FAIR & EXPO SPONSOR The San Diego Union-Tribune

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elcome to the 16th annual “Bridge to a Brighter Future” Diversity Works Career Fair/Expo! This year the Urban League of San Diego County and The San Diego Union Tribune are pleased to present this addition of the Diversity Works program.

A very special thank you is extended to all of the employers who have made a continued commitment to the future of San Diego’s workforce through participation in this year’s Career Fair/Expo.

Though our economy has continued to struggle, and companies across the nation continue to lay-off hundreds and thousands of employees, we recognize that it takes an extraordinary kind of courage to look beyond our slow economy to demonstrate your loyalty to San Diego’s talented and diverse workforce. We are deeply grateful for your commitment and dedication to all San Diegans.

Always the bright spot of every year is the team of brilliant professionals whose wisdom, dedication and inspiration create this wonderful communal event. The Career Fair/Expo Committee members are motivated leaders from San Diego’s top organizations who invest their time and money in support of our diverse community.

The career fair is undoubtedly a unified event ranging from the committee members, companies throughout San Diego, exhibitors and participants who are here today.

In addition, we would also like to thank each participant for taking the initiative to come out and meet the many employers, and participate in the career fair workshops and activities available for you today. We wish you the best of success as you use these resources to begin, renew, or enhance your career as you cross the Urban League of San Diego County and The San Diego Union-Tribune’s “Bridge to a Brighter Future!”

CAREER FAIR & EXPO SPONSORS GOLDEN GATE SPONSOR (GOLD) Cardinal Health Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) CORONADO SPONSORS (SILVER) Cox Communications Cubic Corporation Northrop Grumman Qualcomm BROOKLYN SPONSORS (BRONZE) Ace Parking CitiBank Enterprise Rent-A-Car Mailboxes & The UPS Store ManPower SeaWorld & A-B Sales San Diego Washington Mutual

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Bridge to a Brighter Future

Schedule of Events Success Seminars - North Terrace 206-207 Upstairs Seminar Emcee:

Charlie Bradley, Employment Development Specialist Employment Development Department, South Metro Career Center

11-11:30 a.m.

Hire the Right Employer!

Most people know how to conduct a traditional job search: read the want ads, use the Internet, network, etc. Another strategy is to assess what you do best, be more active and find employers that need your talents, and offer to help them be successful. You can be the company’s virtual HR department by recruiting and screening yourself into appropriate opportunities. Come see how!!!

Preston Chipps, Career Counselor, SDSU Michael Marion, Career Counselor, SDSU 12-12:30 p. m.

Is Your Job Right for You? This seminar discusses and explores self-examination of your current job or employment situation. Sometimes when individuals look at the reason(s) they want another job, it will reveal what is the best way to conduct a successful job search and/or make other changes to improve there current job situation.

Gregg Simmons, Manager, Career and Assessment Center, National University 1-1:30 p. m.

Over Forty and Still Searching?

“Seasoned” worker searching for work? Feeling burdened by the thought that your age is keeping you from getting the job you want? Learn what you can do to help get a job offer based on your abilities vs. your age.

Doug Elliot, School to Career Coordinator, Morse High School & Nancy Davis, Student Services Supervisor, Grossmont College and yes, both have been successful over40 job seekers.

2-2:30 p.m.

Interview the Interviewer Often, job seekers go to an interview unprepared to ask questions, yet, employers are eager to explain the job, the business and their future goals with prospective employees. Come learn what questions can help you get the information needed to be successful in the job, and that may help you actually “get” the job!

Dee Dee Andrews & Kimberly Tumenillo, Regional Recruiters, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Young Adult Seminars - Room 202 Upstairs Produced by the Students in Free Enterprise class (SIFE), San Diego City College Dr. Leroy Brady, Assistant Professor of Business

10:30 - 11 a.m.

Slamming Cover Letters and Resumes In today’s job market developing a winning resume and cover letter are important tools in the job search. This brief but dynamic workshop will focus on how to move your resume from “just another piece of paper to - the final selection” .

11:30 - 12 p.m.

“I got the job!” - Interviewing Secrets Say what you mean and mean what you say. Learn the secret of words in a job interview. In today’s work world “Information + Knowledge = Success. Learn the power of your words and the 3X3 learning process. How you speak tells people who you are and what you are about.

12:30 - 1 p.m. “What’s Up” - The Politics of the Workplace Once the wrong words are spoken it’s too late to take them back. Learn the politics of your work place. Think before you talk. This seminar will focus on listening, observing and thinking before talking. Office politics can make or break the new employee. Positive workplace communication is good common sense!

1:30 - 2 p.m. It’s a Matter of Pride - Work place Ethics Remember to… “Do to others as you would have them do to you”. Learn the ethical standards of the workplace and practice them daily. This seminar will focus on the relationship between individual ethics and work place ethics.

An ethical lapse could cost you your new job and in some cases your freedom. Don’t be a negative headline in tomorrow’s newspaper. Be smart, be ethical.

Additional Free Services 10:00am - 4:00pm Resume Critique Feel like taking a chance with you feelings today? Have your resume critiqued by our employment and human resources professional who will review your resume and provide suggestions and handouts on how to maximize its impact to prospective employers. One of the most popular services we offer at the Career Fair….for free!!!!

10:00am - 4:00pm Job Matching Find out which exhibitors have job openings in your career area. Stop by the booth in the lobby and map out a game plan to target potential employers.

Career Fair/Expo Diversity Works

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Career Fair Exhibitors

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Ace Parking

Frazee

Northrup Grumman

Stanley Steamer

AGC ApprenticeShip Trust

GEICO

PBS & J

Starbucks

American Express

Goodrich Aerostructures

Peregrine Systems

Sycuan Casino

ARC of San Diego, The

Grossmont-Cuyamaca Comm.

Pima Medical Institute

Time Warner Cable

Aysemtek

Hawthorne Machinery Co

Primerica

UCSD

Autoclub of So. California

Hertz Car Sales

Pro Trades Connection

Urban League

Biosite

Hilton Family of Brands, The

Qualcomm

Union-Tribune

Blockbuster

Hyatt Hotels

Raytheon

University of Pheonix

California Conservation Corp

IHSS Public Auth Provider Reg.

SAIC

U.S. Army

CDM

ITT Technical Institute

Safeway

University of San Diego

Central Intelligence Agency

KSWB

SD County Water Authority

US Food Services

Citibank

Kyocera

San Diego Gas & Electric

U.S. Forest Service

City of SD – Fire Rescue

L-3 Communications

San Diego National Bank

Viejas Casino

Coach USA Goodall’s

Los Angeles Police Dept

San Diego Police Dept

Verizon Wireless

Coleman College

Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept

San Diego Sheriff’s Dept

Vons

Concorde Career Institute

Mailboxes/UPS Store

Schwan’s Home Service Inc.

Wadell & Reed

County of San Diego

Manpower of San Diego

Scripps

Wells Fargo Bank

Cox Communications

Matrix Direct

Scripps Research Inst.

Cubic

Mesa Distributing C. Inc

SDSU Research Foundation

DEA

Metro Transit System

Sears Roebuck & Company

Dept of Navy HR SW

NAS Recruitment Comm

SeaWorld

EDD Deaf Comm. Serv.

NASSCO

Sedona Staffing

Emerald Publications

National University

Sharp Healthcare

Entrepreneur’s Source, The

Navy Department

SMS Technologies

Enterprise

Neighborhood House

Sony

FBI

Nordstrom

South West Airlines

Bridge to a Brighter Future

Acknowledgements Special thanks to the following companies for their generous support of the Urban League of San Diego County - San Diego Union-Tribune 2005 Diversity Works! Career Fair Expo: Angelica Textile Services

Point Loma Nazarene University

Atchison Products

Ponce Painting

Atlas Mechanical

SAIC

Balance Body

San Diego City Schools

California Conservation Corps

San Diego Community College Dis.

Casper Company

San Diego Referrals, Inc.

Cement Cutting, Inc.

San Diego State University

CIC Research

Sav-On Plumbing

Citibank

SeaWorld

City of San Diego

Select Electric

Cubic Corporation

SignOnSanDiego.com

EDD/Deaf Community Services

Sony

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Southland Envelope

Erreca’s, Inc.

Su Casa Property Inspection

Grossmont College

The San Diego Union-Tribune

Guard Management, Inc.

Total Document Solutions

Hawthorne Machinery

UCSD Equal Opportunity

JenMark Industries

UCSD Prof Recruitment & Outreach

Kyocera America, Inc.

Vietnam Veterans of San Diego

Linda’s Puppy Love Pet Sitting Serv.

Wistful Basket

Manpower

Wizard Electric

Mary Kay Mason Consulting The Urban League of San Diego County would like to thank Enterprise Rent-A-Car for sponsoring the printing of our 2005 Career Fair bags.

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DIVERSITY WORKS! A VISION OF THE URBAN LEAGUE OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY “Approximately 15,000 people per year take advantage of the League’s programs and services, all of which are free of charge. Another 7,000 participate in the League’s annual Career Fair, which links those seeking employment with more than 100 area businesses.”

TT

By Maurice D. Wilson

he Urban League of San Diego County has served the greater San Diego community, reaching out to not just African Americans, but to people of all colors, ages and beliefs. Since 1953, we have won some battles, but many basic rights have yet to be guaranteed for all.

Our primary constituency is San Diego County’s African American population, which numbers approximately 158,000.

However, Urban League programs are open to all. Approximately 15,000 people per year take advantage of the League’s programs and services, all of which are free of charge. Another 7,000 participate in the League’s annual Career Fair, which links those seeking employment with more than 100 area businesses.

Current League programs focus on education services, pregnancy prevention, crisis prevention, family services, AIDS awareness, assistance to the African American refugee population in San Diego, and employment and training. Over the next five years we will launch new initiatives in education, expand healthcare and mental health services, and provide affordable and transitional housing programs for immigrants, low income families, youth and the homeless.

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Bridge to a Brighter Future

or fifty-one years, the Urban League has assisted disadvantaged populations through its three departments: Workforce Development; Education and Housing. Since 1964 the Urban League has met the needs of San Diego area employers and customers by providing a skilled workforce, employment readiness, job skills training and employment matching for San Diegans throughout the county. In 1978 the League began its support for refugees and has been County funded to provide these services since 1994. In 1996, the League successfully launched a new program in the Employment and Training Department called Diversity Works!. Diversity Works! specializes in helping the hard-to-employ and chronically unemployed individuals prepare for the transition from Welfare-to-Work by using sophisticated behavior modification techniques to break the cycle of dependency. The program increases the level of self-confidence of these individuals and reduces their dependence on public assistance.

In the new 21st century, to meet the needs of a changing economy, our employment and training department has evolved into the Department of Business and Workforce Development (BWFD).

BWFD’s primary goal is to promote the economic self-sufficiency among our constituents as defined in our mission statement. Our secondary goal is to provide support and services to business who maintain our city’s economic base and provide jobs. We accomplish this by matching employers with employees who are diverse, work-ready, and capable of performing at all levels. Additionally, we: help businesses achieve their bottom line, improve the city’s tax base, promote diversity and inclusion, reduce unemployment, minimize EEO complaints, save companies money, improve the quality of work and life

F

of employees.

Qualifications (employment services only): •

•

•

•

The League is Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education Certified; Has Pacific Institute certified facilitators (is also certified to conduct train-the-trainer training); Has Offender Employment Specialist (via the National Institute of Justice) certified facilitators; Is Offender Workforce Development Specialist (also via the National Institute of Justice) certified to conduct train-thetrainer training.

Diversity Works! Partners Diversity Works!

Integrates employment skills training classes and the Pacific Institute’s Behavior Modification training- into a unique work-readiness training program, with job development, placement and other support services forming a result-producing process. One of the exciting aspects of this program is the level of involvement and support from area employers.

Employers assist with training, mock interviews, resources and of course they are a source of valuable career opportunities for program graduates. This includes support for the Urban League’s Diversity Job Bank: www.ulsdcjobs.net of which there are over 300 local employers who are in support of this initiative Career Fair Employer Committee In its 16th year, the Urban League Career Fair is the biggest and most attended event of its kind in the community. At the heart of the Career Fairs success is the 70-employer committee who organizes and supports this major fund raising event. These members also make up the core of our Diversity Works! initiative and

volunteer their time and company resources to support the league’s programs and services.

Community Technology Network Created by the Urban League four years ago, The San Diego Community Technology Network (SDCTN) has been developed to serve a cluster of neighborhoods in the southeastern quadrant of San Diego in a designated enterprise community. The economically distressed families in these neighborhoods have limited access to the benefits of computer technology and are far from achieving the economic advancement being enjoyed by participants in San Diego’s booming high tech economy.

Through its corporate relationships the SDCTN provides technology access and programming in 50 community technology centers (CTCs) that extend east along Market Street from Interstate 15 freeway to the trolley station at two commercial developments and then outward into the community at several churches. Currently, there are 49 participating CTCs, 80 percent Faith Based Organizations and the remaining 20 percent Community Based Organization’s.

Offender Workforce Development Specialist Training Program The Urban League of San Diego in partnership with Donovan State Prison, San Diego Workforce Partnership and the local Parole Units have completed the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections’ Offender Workforce Development Specialist Training Program. This joint team has completed the three required training sessions and are preparing to develop a city-wide Offender Workforce Development training plan. Donovan State Prison is the Lead agency, and the Urban League of San Diego is the Primary training partner.

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DIVERSITY WORKS! “many career problems are preventable with regular attention to the career path.”

Monitor News Paper A more recent community partner, the San Diego Monitor news paper, as a CTN member, has agreed to allow the Urban League to produce a weekly Employment/Career section located in the paper. This agreement allows the League to offer career advice to its readers as well as inform them of the opportunities and programs available. This weekly publication goes out to 10,000 readers, expanding the League’s capacity to connect and inform its constituents.

Urban League of San Diego County Employment & Training CalWORKs Outreach Getting CalWORKs clients off Welfare-to-Work is a major challenge. Urban League of San Diego County, through a subcontract with Affiliated Computer Services, State and Local Solutions (formerly Lockheed Martin), conducts outreach to over 1200 clients countywide in an effort to break the cycle of dependency.

Case Management, Job Development & Career Coaching The Urban League of San Diego County’s Workforce Development Services has over the years gained a reputation for its success in demonstrating excellence in job placement and job retention to a vast population throughout San Diego County.

The U.S. Department of Labor and County of San Diego recognizes the Urban League as one of the nucleus agencies providing comprehensive wraparound services to individuals transitioning from Welfare-to-Work,

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Bridge to a Brighter Future

and who are active participants in the CalWORKs system.

get very confusing if you aren’t an informed consumer.

Employment services include: •Job Placement •Job Readiness •Training •Career Development •Career Ladders

Behavior Modification Workshop (Pacific Institute) Assisting individuals to become successful has become an economic necessity. The growing gap between work place needs and workforce capabilities poses threats to the U.S. economy. The Pacific Institute’s motivational curriculum supports the belief that there is a body of scientifically valid knowledge focusing on human potential which when effectively taught, allows people to break an inhibiting cycle of conditional habits of life. The Pacific Institute curriculum focus’ on the whole person and is designed to give participants opportunities to learn in a positive environment.

Participants are encouraged to assume responsibility, exercise judgment, use their imagination and apply their leadership and social skills. These participant driven workshop facilitated at the Urban League of San Diego County (Increasing Your Causative Power, Achieving Your Potential-Imagine 21, New Direction for Success) not only teach potential knowledge but also provides the much needed experiences of personal accomplishment, success and the tools to realize full potential.

Career planning is a lifelong process which includes choosing an occupation, getting a job, growing in the job, possibly changing careers, and eventually retiring. Throughout our careers, we encounter many situations where we could benefit from unbiased advice. We may be in the process of choosing a career, deciding whether or not we should change careers or jobs, reentering the workforce, job hunting, or recovering from a job loss. We come to the realization that this is an overwhelming process and we want and need some help.

A time of crisis is not the best time to seek professional help, according to an article on Pioneer Planet.

Columnist Amy Lindgren states that “many career problems are preventable with regular attention to the career path.” Urban League of San Diego County implemented the Career Planning component of our service in 2002. Our research indicates that this is a crucial component in the continued success of our clients.

Career counselor, career development facilitator, career coach, job coach, and vocational counselors are just a few of the names you might come across as you look for someone to help you with your career. It can

Jump Start (Computerized Literacy Program) Now in its third year, Project Jump Start is an educational (internet-based) literacy development program linked to specific job train-

Diversity Works! Your Contributions Strengthen Our Community and Ensures our Successes... ing and placement goals which provide clients expanded opportunities to achieve economic self-sufficiency by improving their literacy. The San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council (SDICLC) and the Urban League of San Diego County (ULSDC) are acting in primary partnership to provide adult basic education and literacy enhancement coupled with job training, job placement and support services at two sites.

Jump Start’s goal is to expand upon existing programs to incorporate Internet-based skills instruction to enhance adult literacy and education. Fundamentally, Jump Start helps; Prepare and train unemployed and low-income persons in a variety of careers that will provide and/or increase their income; Provide and individual learning

plan for each person enrolled in the program; Provide individual supportive services on an as needed basis to facilitate continuation in the program, job placement and/or job retention and; Provide practical job training for each person in the program.

21st Century Leadership Youth Team The Youth Leadership Team is comprised of high achieving, high school students from across San Diego Counties. They meet weekly to learn leadership skills plan community events and gain academic and personal support from the Young Professionals and Urban League staff who serves as their coaches. Team members must also display a positive attitude, be goal

oriented, and possess a strong desire to assist their peers and their community.

Young Professionals The young professionals, an auxiliary organization of the Urban League of San Diego County, is comprised of professionals between the ages of 21-40 whose focus is community service. In addition to supporting the Urban League, the young professionals focus on three areas of community service, including: economic and political awareness, community development, and real world education. We support our membership through special events activities and programs designed to help young professionals grow personally and professionally.

to find out more on how your memberships Assist in the community, go to www.ulsdc.org.

Join Our Membership Campaign!

Yes, I want to join and support the Urban League. My Annual Pledge Contribution is checked below.

Presidents Circle

Personal Membership

Name: Address:

Email:

Benefactor

$500

$5,000

Guild

$100

$2,500

Young Professionals

$75

$1,000

Regular

$50

other

Youth (under 18)

$15

Phone: Method of Payment

Credit Card#: Signature:

Total: Bill Me Annually (Starting October 2005)

exp. date:

Visa MasterCard American Express

Mail to: Urban League of San Diego County Membership Campaign, 720 Gateway Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92102.

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Stacie

Deborah

Victor

Diversity Works! with CalWorks T T

he Urban League has embraced the Pacific Institute’s methodology in focusing on social learning theory and social cognitive theory. The program Imagine 21 ~ Achieving Your Potential is a video-based curriculum of 13 segments, complemented by a Personal Resource Guide, with accompanying audiocassettes and an affirmation folder.

The Pacific Institute founded in Seattle, Washington by Lou and Diane Tice in 1971, has developed an international reputation for offering the most practical and enlightening programs ever to come out of the field of cognitive and self-image psychology and high-achiever research.

Early this year the Urban League of San Diego County started a contract with the County of San Diego’s Health and Human Services Department to provide Diversity Works training to 500 CalWorks participants.

The Diversity Works! program is designed to teach each individual how to change his or her way of thinking. The program is designed to teach its participants to take a look at themselves and get to learn the truth about “who” they really are, motivating a change in their negative behaviors.

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Bridge to a Brighter Future

By Sheri L. Williams-Belton As we go through some of life’s changes we tend to run into road blocks or barriers that we are not ready for and think we can’t handle. We begin to doubt our abilities and ourselves.

When that happens our esteem falls and we become depressed or angry and we tend to blame the world for our misfortunes and lack of motivation.

The candidates in the program learn to turn this way of thinking around. They begin to understand that their attitude determines their altitude. They are responsible for their actions and for reaching their goals. They learn how to build up their esteem through self-affirmations. How to believe in who they are and that they can reach their career goals as well as their life goals.

After talking with a few of the students, I learned that the program is not only beneficial for the workplace and job readiness, but it is also benefiting their home life. The students shared that what they are learning in the class (behavior modification) is also being used in their everyday life. They are able to share their experiences with their children.

The following are some responses from some of the candidates in the workshop.

What the participants are saying about the program: Stacie Scott stated, “I think it’s a good program. I feel special and privileged to be in the program.”

When asked about how she was doing in the program: “I am learning about scotomas, blind spots, something that I developed over time, and I am focusing on affirmations.

I have only been here [San Diego] for two months and am still learning the city and really enjoying the class.”

When asked about her class participation: “I learned to voice my own opinion and sometimes my answers are wrong and at times out of the way, but they guide me to a better solution.”

When asked what Stacie expects to get out of the class: “A better me, better parent, reaching my goals like I said I was going to do and didn’t do. Communicate with people

Bridge to a Brighter Future! because I am kind of shy.”

Deborah Joy Natal was also very enthusiastic about the program and all that she is learning form it.

“Oh it’s just wonderful, I didn’t know what to expect from it, didn’t know what it was going to be about. I was pleasantly surprised! It’s a gold mine, and I am getting just so much out of it. I am very pleased.”

When asked about her attitude before entering into the program: Deborah stated, “Let me tell you something. I’ve had some serious health problems with my back and it’s hard for me, sitting down all daylong is hard for me.

My supervisor at 54th Street said, ‘why don’t you get your doctors to sign a medical release.’ I said, ‘no, you know what, I want to do something different. Let me just try it. And I thought in the back of my mind, if I can’t handle it after the first day...

Well you know what, I was just so excited about what it had to offer that I sleep in a chair so that I could get up and get here. That’s how exciting it is!”

When asked if she had an impact on the class: We discovered that these techniques, and tools, they really are tools for life, are excellent ways to rear our children and positive ways and will probably get our children to quit fighting us and bugging us and to work with us. And another thing there is another person in the class who is a very strong Christian. I wondered if this was going to be some kind of hocus pocus that goes against my beliefs, but it goes hand in hand with it. Another friend in the class just keeps shouting out ‘this is just like it says in the Bible. This is good stuff.’

When asked what she expects to get out of the class: “You know what, I became seriously physically disabled five years ago and I lost my ‘joy.’ I’ve always been a positive person and I just don’t know how to wear my disability and its just wore me down.

I don’t want to end up in chair in my home. I’m learning that I can see where I went wrong and not be down on myself.

It’s helping me find my joy again. I go home and share this with my son and he says, ‘wow mom, that’s pretty cool.’ Even though he is 17-years old he is not too old to take this with him and become successful.”

What did Victor Sandoval have to say about the program?

“I really wasn’t sure because I never been to anything like this. The first day I listened and I liked it.

I think it is going to help me find a job, build up my self esteem, and how I carry my self. I’m still learning. I’ve always just gone to an employer and they tell you if you are hired or not. I never went through a resume or application; it’s all new to me. I’m learning to get a resume, and the professional way to do it.

I like the class, like I said, I’m learning a lot but it’s different than what I’m used to, as far as finding a job, it seems really helpful.”

When asked about class participation:

When asked what did he expect from the class: “I am looking to get a good job, build a good future. I am a single parent, I need that in my life - stability.”

When asked if this program benefited his home life: “Yes, actually we were talking about kids and thier behaviors and I have a fouryear-old, and I tried some of the training I learned in the class and it does work [affirmations].”

Shirley Keys shared: I am looking forward to the program, to something new. I plan to follow through with my goals furthering my career. The program has helped to higher my selfesteem. I am motivated to go to college to become a medical assistant.

When asked about class participation: We share and hear different stories, learn about inner-self and get a feeling for approaching others. We share the motivation to push for higher esteem.

The program is beneficial to home life.

The participants in the program are excited about being there. The Urban League has offered them a chance to better themselves and reach for the stars. The Urban League is truly “Building Bridges to Brighter Futures!”

“I think I’m doing good. I try to motivate people because a lot of people are there because they have to be. I’m trying to look at it as a positive thing like a way of learning to get jobs in a more professional manner.”

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UL BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS

Collaborations That Make Diversity Work!

Lee Wills-Irvine, Chair Qualcomm Roi Ewell, Vice Chair SeaWorld Adventure Parks San Diego Alison Fluery, CFO Sharp HealthCare Denise Jackson, Secretary Balboa Travel, Inc. Cecil Steppe, President & CEO San Diego Urban League, Inc.

MEMBERS Gustavo A. Bidart CitiBank Craig Harrison Crosby, Ericsson Wireless Communications, Inc. Leslie D. Emmanuel Sycuan Casino & Resort Cheri A. Enge

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Bonner R. Moss & Associates/State

Farm Insurance Kimberly Freeman Sempra Energy Harry Cooper Southeastern Community Church PC

Denise Jackson Balboa Travel, Inc. Cynthia James Pfizer Reginald White SDUL Young Professionals Clara Carter SDUL Guild Mel Katz Manpower Temporary Services

Peter MacCracken Strategic Communications Sheron Maxwell CDM Tim Moore Schneider Moore Properties Donna Nenow San Diego County Water Authority

Teresa M. Reed CPA, Accounting Office of Teresa Reed

Richard Rogers Troy Roland National University

Deborah Stephens Carter Reese & Associates Sydney Stewart SAGE Consultants Frederick Douglas Walker, Jr. Kaiser Permanente James E. Watkins, J, Bank of America Emitte Scruggs Northrop Grumman Constance Carroll SD Community College District

Walter Stevens Hewlett-Packard

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Bridge to a Brighter Future

he Urban League of San Diego County, the Greater San Diego Chapter of Blacks In Government, and the Naval Air Depot, North Island has formed a collaboration that shows the power of utilizing diversity. Indeed, they are the epitome of collaboration at work. These three entities have worked together on various events in order to get the message across that we are a diverse community and, to resolve diversity related issues.

Together they have pushed the message that we are all different; be it different backgrounds, races, cultures, genders etc., we must all work together in order to be successful.

Blacks In Government (BIG) is an organization established as an advocate for AfricanAmericans employed in Federal, State, and Local governments. The organization was designed to ensure that African-Americans would have equitable access to jobs, education, advancement, housing, and health services. Its goal is also to ensure that AfricanAmericans have recourses in adverse situations and will not be discriminated against because of race. (http://bignet.org)

BIG is in collaboration with the Urban League and NAVAIR as a resource tool. As stated by Horace Hill, Jr., President of the San Diego chapter of Blacks In Government, “BIG wants to continue to strive to be a resource of information and new technologies to serve the community’s needs.”

Naval Air Depot North Island is the Naval Air Systems Command ‘s West Coast Aircraft Depot specializing in the support of naval air-

By LaShay B. Woods craft and related systems. Through partnership with industry, other government agencies and supporting aerospace organizations, Naval Air Depot North Island repairs and overhauls aviation systems. (www.nadepni.navy.mil).

What do these organizations have in common? They are each interested in a workforce that is representative of the diversity in the San Diego area and how to maximize the benefits of a diverse workforce. They come together in order to help others grasp the concept of diversity. They have approached diversity as a business venture. By bonding together they strive to put out a very direct message. According to Fernando Ramirez, Director of Individual Production in San Diego, “our collaboration efforts have complemented other actions taken by the command to more effectively manage our diverse workforce. As a result, the numbers of disputes and discrimination complaints have decreased significantly. Training seminars on diversity and differences within our communities have served to better educate those within the workforce.”

As Maurice Wilson of the San Diego Urban League stated, “…it’s all about being a team and working positively towards solutions. Each organization has the other’s best interest at hand.” They see diversity as a benefit, which must be tapped into to facilitate innovation and ensure success.

The organizations are currently working on other ideas to continue their collaborative efforts. Together they have made a difference in San Diego. These entities are an example of collaboration at work and through their efforts have proven that Diversity Works!

Diversity Works

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2005

Career Fair Committee Members Pamela Abuka Grossmont College Dee Dee Andrews Enterprise Rent-A-Car Greg Barnett San Diego Sheriff’s Dept.

If the World Were Perfect

Charlie Bradley EDD Daryl Brady San Diego Union-Tribune Lori Carson Cubic Corporation Preston Chipps SDSU Career Services Callie Clayton Pro Trades Connection

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Matthew Cook San Diego Sheriff’s Dept.

Nancy Davis Grossmont College Wendy DeHaas Bernard Hodes Group Claudia Dorado Hawthorne Machinery Co. Doug Elliot San Diego City Schools Gabriela Gagliani QUALCOMM Judie Gianturco JenMark Industries Elizabeth Gibson Lee Hecht Harrison Clifford Glass Guard Management, Inc. Shelia Godkin San Diego National Bank Kea Hagan Urban League of San Diego County Cindy Hall Grossmont College Jerry Hall eWebLab Julie Hecht Employment Services, MHS

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Bridge to a Brighter Future

hatever you are about to do, ask yourself, “If the world were perfect, what would this particular thing look like or be like?” Of course, it can’t be perfect, but too many times we compromise on a compromise, rather than compromising on perfection.

Choose your actions, not for how they affect today, but for where they’ll get you a year or five years from now. What decisions can you make that will get you closer to the place you want to be?

• The unsuccessful are looking for pleasing experiences.

• The successful are looking for pleasing results.

Have a goal. Know where you are going, and the how will follow.

Nick Leone was a chef in Italy before he worked his way to America on a freighter.

When the ship docked in Philadelphia, Nick jumped ship. Speaking no English and having little money, he first got a job on a hotel cleaning crew. Nick worked hard, routinely scrubbing the men’s room fixtures with a toothbrush. The General Manager walked in and noticed the astonishing transformation. He summoned Nick and interviewed him about his goals, ambitions, and work ethic. When he learned that Nick had been a chef in his native country, he gave him a job in the kitchen.

Nick soon worked his way up to head chef.

He continued to work hard and save money until he was able to open his own

by Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE

catering business on Long Island.

Nick was doing well and could have stopped there, but he had a clear image of how things would be if they were perfect.

He hired an architect to draw up plans for a beautiful banquet facility, the kind of place where people could hold large parties and gladly pay double or triple per person what Nick was currently charging.

Using the sketches and his vision of a greatly expanded business, Leone persuaded some of his suppliers to advance him credit. With his cash freed up, Nick built the hall. It was so successful that he soon was able to build a second one. “He isn’t just a chef, and he isn’t just a manager,” says his business partner, John McCormack. “He is a creator.”

Before you make a choice or take an action, ask yourself, “How would this be if the world were perfect?” Then proceed toward perfection. Make your decisions for your tomorrows, not just your todays.

Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE is a San Francisco-based executive speech coach, sales trainer, and award-winning professional speaker on Change, Customer Service, Promoting Business, and Communication Skills. She is the author of Get What You Want!, Make It, So You Don’t Have to Fake It!, and PastPresident of the National Speakers Association. She can be reached at: P F r i p p @ F r i p p . c o m , 800 634-3035, http://www.fripp.com.

Diversity Works

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Diversity Practices That Work

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National Urban League: Part one of an ongoing series...

Through a grant by Enterprise Rent A Car

American Workers believe that their company has an effec-

hy This Study? Over the past 40 years, tive diversity initiative. Given the significant efforts — and many corporations have invested a great deal of energy and resources in the area of diversity.

The efforts mainly have come under several strategic initiatives, including affirmative action, appreciating and valuing differences, and the current managing inclusion.

In fact, many companies have established diversity as a core business strategy, designed to generate success with consumers or customers, employees, and the broader community. As a result of their efforts, many companies have obtained external recognition of their efforts, including being listed among the best companies for diversity — overall, for minorities, for women, and for other groups. While some companies receive ongoing recognition for their efforts, we find that many employees at these companies wonder how and why their employers win these honors.

“I know that my company is considered one of the best places to work. I sure wish this were reflected in my experience as an employee.” — An American Worker In fact, our research suggests that despite significant efforts among companies in total, only 32 percent of

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Bridge to a Brighter Future

the passage of 40 years since the start of this journey — this low approval rating should serve as a wake-up call to everyone associated with a contemporary corporation.

We implemented this study on Effective Diversity Practices knowing that diversity is a high priority of today’s corporations and that there is a general interest in making diversity strategic initiatives more effective. By leveraging the experience and learning from the practices of others, we intend for this report to serve as a basis for improving current diversity practices within companies and for encouraging additional companies to pursue diversity as a core business strategy. To that end, we seek to answer the following four fundamental questions: 1.

2.

3.

4.

What do American Workers think about diversity?

How do perceptions of employees in Effective Diversity Practices Companies compare with American Workers overall?

What diversity practices drive favorable employee perceptions?

How can other companies put to work these Effective Diversity Practices?

Diversity Works

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2005

Career Fair Committee Members Sharon Hileman SDSU Foundation Nicole Johnson Staff Pro Security Alfred Johnson Citibank Burke Jones Total Document Solutions Karl Kamoss San Diego Sheriff’s Dept.

Becky LaBranch San Diego Union-Tribune Carlette Lewis San Diego Workforce Partnership Carrie Lewis Kyocera America, Inc. Janet Loomis UCSD Monica Loyce SeaWorld San Diego Michael Marion SDSU Career Services Meridith Marquis Kyocera America, Inc. Mary Kay Mason Consultant Corrie McCall Riverside Sheriff’s Dept.

Henry Merritt Jacobs Family Foundation James Montague Guard Management, Inc. Vicki Moss Solar Turbines Heather Muehlbauer Deaf Community Services (EDD) Sarah Newlon SDSU Foundation

The American Worker Speaks For Whom?

This report has been written for a wide range of readers including: • Corporate executives.

• Diversity or human resources practitioners.

• American Workers.

In fact, all people associated with a company or organization — large or small, in any industry — can find value in this report as long as they share our interest in increasing the effectiveness of diversity programs within their organizations.

Key Findings Based on our research, we have reached the following conclusions:

Executives can find a framework for comparing the status and effectiveness of diversity initiatives at their companies with those in other businesses, including an understanding that their perceptions as senior managers tend to be different and more favorable than those of employees overall.

•

Human Resources and diversity practitioners can find a framework for measuring effectiveness, as well as ideas and potential initiatives that can be applied in their own organizations for accelerated progress in diversity.

•

• Individual American Workers also can find ideas for making the work environment more inclusive for themselves and others. They can share these ideas with their direct managers or with their company resources charged with the responsibility of leading diversity.

While we designed this report for a broad audience, we believe that it will be most valuable to the executive, practitioner, or individual in an organization that is motivated to make progress on its diversity journey, but an organization that has yet to establish itself in the leading edge.

That’s because the research and the identified diversity practices contained in this report have demonstrated their ability to enhance employee perceptions and can be easily applied to accelerate progress elsewhere.

How Was the Study Done?

The methodology used to identify effective diversity practices included four phases:

Robert Nieto Vietnam Veterans of SD

1.

Maria Ostrowski San Diego Custom Baskets

2.

Terri Patterson Armed Services YMCA

3.

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4.

We established a diversity framework, including 13 themes, to evaluate diversity practices.

We surveyed the voices of American Workers regarding diversity.

We surveyed the voices of employees and

Bridge to a Brighter Future

audited the diversity practices of eight participating companies.

We analyzed the data to identify Effective Diversity Practices — those that generated favorable employee perceptions — highlighting key steps on how to make these practices work in other companies and organizations.

•

•

Unfavorable Views at Many Companies.

Although they consider the subject of diversity important, American Workers often view diversity initiatives at their own companies unfavorably. In fact, fewer than onethird of American Workers believe their company has an effective diversity initiative.

No Sources of Strength. Across the 13 diversity practice themes, American Workers perceive that their companies have no strengths but have many opportunities for improvement.

Executives Are More Favorable.

Perceptions of executives are more favorable than those of other employees. This is an important reminder that executives tend to view their companies through different, perhaps rose-colored glasses. However, even among executives, perceptions are rather low. In particular, few executives perceived Leadership Commitment and Involvement as an area of strength.

Sound Diversity Investments Lead to Enhanced Perceptions. Employees of participating Effective Diversity Practices Companies view diversity far more favorably than American Workers overall — likely the result of the significant resources that EDP Companies have invested in diversity.

Effective Diversity Programs Are Associated With Higher Productivity.

Over the past four years, the EDP Companies participating in this study have collectively generated 18 percent greater productivity than the American economy overall. In addition, three-fourths of them have generated productivity results that are in line with or better than select competitors.

This suggests, at a minimum, that diversity progress has no cost in productivity, but instead may enhance it, as effective diversity practices are simply good leadership and

management practices.

• Keys to Successful Practices It is clear that Effective Diversity Practices Companies have the following characteristics in common: Leadership. Leaders demonstrate a personal commitment to diversity and hold themselves and others accountable.

• Leadership’s involvement goes far beyond the programmatic efforts. There is a personal commitment to diversity that starts at the top — with leaders setting goals and driving the direction of the efforts over time — in the same way that leaders drive other performance of their business units.

• Leaders develop goals (not quotas) and business plans to enhance the representation at all levels of the organization.

• Management review and succession plans are forward-looking and diversity-sensitive and undergo review by company leadership quarterly or semiannually.

• Leaders sponsor diversity councils and affinity groups, promoting broad employee involvement in diversity programs.

Training and Reinforcement. Effective diversity training increases diversity awareness and provides skills that can be used to improve business results.

• A curriculum of diversity training and education (as opposed to a single awareness course) begins with new-hire orientation and continues to focus on skill development throughout the employees’ career progression, up to and including the appointment of corporate officers.

• Employees earn rewards and recognition for their contributions in diversity.

Recruiting. There is an established track record for recruiting people of diverse backgrounds.

•

Many successful companies establish and maintain long-term partnerships with universities and other recruiting sources and highlight the success of employees who are alumni or active members.

External Outreach. Companies succeed by extending diversity efforts and input to outside communities.

•

Efforts encourage diversity among suppliers by expanding the pool of vendors considered for purchasing, including mandatory inclusion of diverse suppliers, directly or indirect-

•

ly, in the procurement process.

Marketing targets diverse customers.

Dedicated departments and financial resources focus on developing business among targeted diverse consumers.

External advisory councils provide perspective to companies in the areas of marketing and product development, human resources, and community relationships.

Big Picture. Successful EDP Companies are committed to diversity as a long-term business strategy.

• In fact, the EDP Companies have engaged in diversity-related efforts for more than 20 years, on average. Their efforts are broad, strategic, and holistic in nature.

• There is a realization that there is no simple, single answer to achieve progress in diversity.

Instead diversity and inclusion are long-term business strategies that, like other core strategies leading to business success, require comprehensive and integrated management.

2005

Career Fair Committee Members Theresa Radiez City of San Diego Cathy Seward Sony Electronics Toney Shea Consultant Gregg Simmons National University Judith Smith Deaf Community Services (EDD) Bob Stamp Cubic Corporation Dione Taylor Point Loma Nazarene University Dee Thomas SAIC

Of all the keys to success mentioned, none is more important than commitment and involvement of leadership. In the words of one executive of an EDP Company:

Pearl Thornton Dept. of Labor, Retired

“Leadership commitment has to be real, not ceremonial. It’s not about face time or programs. It’s about seeing people as individuals and providing active sponsorship of people who have demonstrated ability. It means being an advocate, interceding where appropriate, and ensuring that the company’s processes work for and are inclusive of all people. Most important, we as leaders must do this work ourselves. Diversity can’t be delegated.”

—Executive at an Effective Diversity Practices Company

Chris Turntine SDSU Career Services

We hope this report will lead to: • Increased ownership and commitment to diversity and inclusion by corporate executives.

• Establishment of common practices and a methodology for measuring effectiveness of diversity initiatives among human resources and diversity practitioners.

• Development of new ideas and greater involvement of individual employees to create more diverse and inclusive cultures within their companies.

• Evaluation by job seekers of a company’s diversity efforts, making diversity progress a criterion for qualified applicants to join (or not join) a company.*

Tony Torres Solar Turbines

Gwyndolyn Wady TSA San Diego Barbara Webb Urban League of San Diego County Irateen Willis Manpower Maurice Wilson Urban League of San Diego County Jennifer Woods Cardinal Health Michael Yates UCSD Phil Zamora Hawthorne Machinery Co. * The research for Diversity Practices That Work was sponsored by Enterprise Rent a Car for the National Urban League.

Diversity Works

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Diversity Suppliers

The Greater San Diego Business Development Council;

By LaShay B. Woods

AA

“Successful businesses can in turn put money into developing better housing for its communities or expanding its doors and providing employment for the citizens in its area.”

s I conducted research for this article, I found myself wondering, “What is a diversity supplier?” Ronald Garnett, President and CEO of the Greater San Diego Business Development Council (GSDBDC), explained it to me in simple terms. He told me not to think of it as a diversity supplier but as “Supplier Diversity.”

Before one can talk about supplier diversity he/she must understand the term, diversity. According to the EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) homepage, Diversity is defined as, “Recognizing and valuing differences in our employees and using those differences to make the organization more efficient and effective.” www.usma.edu/EEO/eeo_terminology.htm Diversity may be a goal set by many businesses in order to give back to its communities. Large corporations may choose to do a certain amount of business with organizations owned and operated by minorities. This gives the minority access to larger corporations and a better chance for success in the business world.

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Bridge to a Brighter Future

Diversity Supplier or “Supplier Diversity” W

hy would an organization want to be diverse? Economic divisions in traditional communities have long been at a disadvantage. Each organization has its own culture or drive. Deep down inside each entity wants to do what is right. As an example, making ones organization diverse is like giving money to ones favorite cause or charitable organization. It is the right thing to do and makes the giver feel as if he/she has done something to make the world a better place. Diversity helps to bring about change.

As stated by Ronald Garnett, “its just good business.” Diversity makes good business sense. From a marketing stand point, if one were to sell products in an area and not put money back into the area those entities may cease to do business together. An example of this would be to sell products in an Asian community but refuse to buy any of its products or use its product in the production of goods being sent out from ones organization. The buyers in the Asian community would cease do business with the outside organization because the union would be of no benefit to the Asian community. As communities are being supported they will begin to flourish. Not only will there be money going out from a particular organization, but money will be coming back into the communities in which it serves. Successful businesses can in turn put money into developing better housing for its communities or expanding its doors and providing employment for the citizens in its area.

The Greater San Diego Business Development Council (GSDBDC) is an organization which strives to bring together minority businesses with corporate members. Its mission is to expand business opportunities for minority business enterprises (MBE). Founded in 1999, the GSDBDC is an affiliate of the Southern California Minority Business Development Council, Inc. (SCMBDC), a California non-profit public benefit corporation established in 1975. Before becoming its own entity, the GSDBDC was a

pilot program through the Los Angeles council. There was no representation for the San Diego area. GSDBDC represents the regional corporate outreach to ethnic minority business enterprises in Southern California. (www.gsdbdc.org) The GSDBDC is a part of the National Minority Supplier Development Council’s (NMSDC) Network of 39 Regional Councils. The NMSDC provides extended outreach to the more than 3,500 member corporations in the network and to more than 15,000 certified minority-owned businesses contained in the MBISYS Database.

GSDBDC currently assists organizations within the Black or African community as well as the Latin, Asian, and American Indian communities.

It provides a linkage for minority owned businesses who want to do business with large corporations. GSDBDC has helped to grow and improve economic conditions of local San Diego businesses as well as the condition of people living within the community. Garnett said it best when he stated, “Wealth creates other opportunities.” By bringing “Corporate America” together with the MBE, GSDBDC has helped to put money back where it belongs, in the community.

GSDBDC is working on building a council going forward that is responsible for producing measurable results in terms of getting real business. One can not expect to obtain business because of his/her minority status. One should be able to compete favorably in any arena. GSDB-

DC opens the door for organizations which may otherwise be at a disadvantage. This is just a beginning. What one does once the door is open may mean its success or failure. GSDBDC is a great example of this. If it were not for major corporations investing heavily in the council it would not be able to have the impact it has had on the San Diego area. Investors such as Semper Energy and Union Bank of California have helped to put the council on the map so to speak.

GSDBDC is continuing to give back to its communities. Scheduled for July, the council will be putting on a “Matchmaker” Golf Tournament. Often it is said that much business is done on the golf course. GSDBDC will be teaming up corporations with MBE’s in a friendly game of golf where new business relationships may be made.

In September of this year, the council will put on a benefit conference and awards banquet. The banquet will serve as an opportunity to recognize companies and MBE’s who have made a difference in the growth of its communities. For further information on these events or the council contact Ronald Garnett at rgarnett@gsdbdc.org.

About the Writer LaShay has been a resident of California since 1993. She was introduced to San Diego via the United States Marine Corps where she served in Marine Band San Diego. After leaving the Corps in 1997, she embarked upon a new career with the San Diego County Sheriff ’s Department. Her assignments included Las Colinas Detention Facility, San Diego Central Jail, San Diego and North County Vista Courts and the Encinitas Patrol Station. LaShay is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services with an emphasis in Management from the University of Phoenix. She can be contacted at b4woods@adelphia.net.

Diversity Works

25

A Product of The Urban League of San Diego County

Kimberly Diggs’ Success Story!

II

’ve had a long-standing relationship with the Urban League of San Diego County going back to 2000 when my son was the recipient of the Golden Pyramid Award, National Achievers Award and the Thurgood Marshall Award. The League has also helped to advocate for my daughter (who was a low performer academically), to receive resources to help bring her to grade level in her core classes.

Well, about a year ago I lost my job of over four years due to company downsizing. This was a tremendous emotional blow to me. I had never lost a job before save for military relocations and I didn’t know how to deal with it. I felt I was a failure and the confidence I once had was gone, shot! Finding another job was difficult and so frustrating that there was a point when I had literally given up. Me, the strong one, the resilient one became unsure of my abilities and my capability to find work. My self-esteem that had once been very high was so low I didn’t know or could see the light at the end of the tunnel. It began to affect my home life in a very negative way. Not so much financially but more psychologically and the worst part about that is the effect it had on my child. She saw me giving up and all I ever taught her was to never give up no matter what. Fortunately for me I was invited by Jimma McWilson to attend a 40-hour workshop the League was having on Diversity Works and Achieving Your Potential. With a great deal of convincing I decided to give it a try. It was the best 40-hour investment I could have ever made. I learned so much about myself and how the negative thoughts and conditioning I was inflicting on myself damaged my emotional physique. But the best thing I learned was that I could change those thoughts and feeling by reconditioning myself to believe in me again. There were so many aspects of the program that not only helped me to remove the cloud (I put) over my head but I was able to share that knowledge with my daughter to help her reshape her thinking about herself, school and her grade as well. She is now a 3.0 grade point average student who eager to succeed in school. And, although I have two severe medical conditions that impede me from working at this time I know that when I am cleared to go back to work I will get the job I seek because I deserve it!

It is without a doubt that had it not been for the League and the Diversity Works and

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Bridge to a Brighter Future

Achieving Your Potential program I would not be where I am within myself today and neither would my daughter and for that I am eternally thankful and very grateful to the League and all that they have done for me and all they do for the community!

Would I recommend the League to anyone? In a word, YES! Kimberly currently serves as the chair of the O’Farrell Community Charter School Council.

The Urban League of San Diego County Diversity Works! Employer Survey

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e’d like to know more about your current hiring needs and would appreciate it if you would take a few moments to fill out this survey and fax it back to (619) 263-1938 by May 10, 2005. You will receive a summary report of responses and additional program information as our thanks for participating.

1.

What are the occupations for which you have entry-level workers?

10. What percent of your total workforce do members of minority groups represent?

11. Do you have a formal effort in place to hire welfare recipients /ex-offenders?

2.

How many openings do you currently have, and what is the outlook for the future?

3.

What is the average hourly wage for those positions?

4.

What education level do you generally expect for entrylevel positions? What special training is required, if any?

5.

Are the jobs part time or full time and what hours do employees typically work?

6.

Who is in charge of making hiring decisions for your firm?

Name: Title:

7.

How do you usually recruit workers? Are you open to considering new ways of recruiting?

8.

Is your worksite accessible by public transportation?

9.

How much turnover do you experience in entry-level positions?

12. From this list of 12 positive attributes, please select the three you consider most important in an entry-level employee.

Reliable Friendly Punctual Have all necessary training Dress appropriately for job Have respect for authority

Positive Attitude towards job Have strong work ethic Adapt easily to change Have prior work experience Good follow through on tasks Can work flexible hours

13. Would you be willing to sit on the Diversity Works!

Advisory Committee and provide input on the program, training and funding?

14. Does your company currently support other employment and training programs? If yes, which one(s)?

Thank you for your help. Please tell us about yourself and your company.

Name: Company Name: Address: City: Phone: E-mail: Industry Type:

Title:

State: Fax:

Zip:

Please fax back to (619) 263-1938

Diversity Works

27

The Urban League of San Diego County Produces Positive Outcomes Beresford Sinclair’s autobiography

H H

i, my name is Beresford Sinclair, presently a Quality Software Test Engineer at the Clinical Technologies and Services business unit of Cardinal Health, Inc. (formerly ALARIS Medical Systems). I am a native of New York and moved to San Diego, in 1986, to be with my family and start a new life in California.

After settling in, I spent most of the time trying to gain employment. Securing employment in San Diego was very difficult for me. At that time, my educational credentials consisted of vocational training in electronics and computer technology from Wesbury High School and one year of junior college at Queensborough Community College. I sent out hundreds of resumes and went on just as many job interviews with no results. During a conversation with my sister, she suggested for me to apply to a free four-month program she found out about that prepares and trains unskilled job seekers for a career in electronic technology and as an added bonus, provided job placement upon completion of the program. I went to the address she gave me and discovered that this program was conducted by the San Diego Urban League and ran in cooperation with the San Diego City College District. I applied for the program and got accepted. The coursework was very intense but well formatted. The teachers were excellent and brought extensive realworld experience to the table.

In the spring of 1988 I graduated from the program with very impressive grades.

As luck would have it, I was introduced to one of the premier job placement specialist at the San Diego Urban League; Mrs. Barbara Webb. Barbara not only demonstrated a clear insight into the pulse of San Diego, she had a great rapport with key placement personnel within leading corpo-

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Bridge to a Brighter Future

rations and businesses. Under Barbara Webb’s tutelage, I immediately had job offers from organizations that I previously could not get past the front door with.

First I accepted a position at G-Tech Corporation, a gaming solution provider that was recently granted a contract by the state to operate and manage the California State Lottery. I was hired to repair lottery terminals as a bench technician. My position was part of a sub-contracting job through a third party electronics firm, which only lasted six months, upon completion of that contract I was released. Then I gained employment working for the Xerox Corporation as a field service technician for their copier solution division, a job that I liked very much but did not stay with at that time due to the lack of opportunity for advancement. Barbara Webb then arranged a job interview with a company called IMED Corporation. IMED was a leader in the design and manufacturing of intravenous (IV) medication and infusion therapy delivery systems for hospitals and health care systems. I was hired right away as a production trainer specializing on circuit board manufacturing.

During my tenure as a production trainer, I trained and supervised production assemblers in San Diego and Mexico. I continued my education at work by getting training in Military Standard Soldering, Continuous Improvement Strategies, and Statistical Process Control. After five years I was laid off due to reorganization efforts. Within two weeks of unemployment, IMED contacted me and asked if I would be interested in filling various positions on a temporary basis, I accepted and started working various assignments for a year. After those assignments were completed, I was asked to do some software testing for their research and development department.

During the time I worked with the advanced development team, I got involved for several years working on a project in Switzerland and ALARIS United Kingdom division.

It is now 1999, my company merged with another San Diego based company named IVAC, which was also a prominent player in intravenous delivery solution market and changed their name to ALARIS Medical Systems. After the merge was completed, I decided to go back to school and get a bachelor’s degree at the University of Phoenix.

A year before my graduation, I applied and was promoted to Test Engineer in the Quality Software Engineering department Spring of 2003, I received my bachelor of Information Technology degree from the University of Phoenix with a 3.7 GPA. Since joining with the quality engineering team, I have the pleasure of participating in notable projects both at our corporate office and offsite throughout the country.

This same year, ALARIS Medical Systems was acquired by Dublin, Ohio based Cardinal Health, Inc., architects of the industry’s broadest suite of products and services that help improve quality, safety and efficiency all along the chain of care.

With the formation of the Cardinal Health’s Clinical Technologies and Services business unit, new opportunities for me now include managing the Software Quality Engineering Test Lab, a focal point for both software and systems verification and validation testing within product development When I reflect on my career, and answer the question, what gives me a special sense of pride? It is the realization that the work I do as part of the Cardinal Health team saves lives and improves the quality of life for everyone we touch, for me there is no better sense of accomplishment. For that reason I will always be indebted to Barbara Webb and the staff of the San Diego Urban League for giving me and others in similar circumstances the tools, confidence and opportunity to reach for the stars while making a notable contribution to our society and the communities that surrounds us.

More about the Urban League of San Diego County id you know that only 143 African American students enrolled in California State University, San Diego this year? There are 39,324 African Americans students currently attending school in the San Diego Unified School District. By high school only 21 percent of these students will be eligible for college admissions to the UC or CSU system because many of them have not fulfilled the mandatory a-g college preparatory requirements.

What happens to those who fall between the cracks? The Urban League of San Diego County, through its many family services, believes that we can help to empower young people to become college bound, economically productive members of society and aware of their consumer market power.” —Cecil H. Steppe

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The Movement The Urban League of San Diego County has served the greater San Diego community, reaching out to not just African Americans, but to people of all colors, ages and beliefs for whom the playing field has not been leveled. As a nonprofit organization, founded in 1953, the Urban League of San Diego County, is one of more than 100 affiliates nationwide, and seeks to eliminate the equality gap by empowering citizens to spread educational information that provides the tools for social, political and economic success. With a population of approximately 158,000 African Americans in the County, the Urban League of San Diego County services about 15,000 people per year. Another 7,000 participate in the League’s annual Career Fair, which links those seeking employment with more than 100 area businesses. Operating on a tight $1.8 million budget, our current services focus on the following areas: [1] Education, [2] Urban Housing, and [3] Employment.

The Mission To assist African Americans and other underserved people in San Diego County to achieve social and economic equality through advocacy, bridge building, program services and research.

The Strategy The Urban League employs the following five point strategy in order to implement the mission of our movement: 1. Education and Youth Empowerment: Ensuring all children are well educated and prepared for self reliance in the 21st century through college scholarships, early childhood literacy, and after care programs.

2. Economic Empowerment: Empowering all people in attaining economic self sufficiency through job training, good jobs, homeownership, entrepreneurship and wealth accumulation.

3. Health and Quality of Life Empowerment: Working to build healthy and safe communities to eliminate health disparities through prevention, healthy eating, stress, as well as ensuring access and complete access to affordable healthcare for all people.

4. Civic Engagement and Leadership Empowerment: Empowering all people to

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take an active role in determining the direction, quality of life, public policy and leadership I in their communities by full participation as citizens and voters, as well as through active community service and leadership development.

Civil Rights and Racial Justice Empowerment: Promoting and ensuring our civil rights by actively working to eradicate all barriers to equal participation in all aspects of American society, whether political, economic, social, educational or cultural.

Giving Opportunities The Urban League of San Diego County receives funding support from United Way, Veterans Administration, and Department of Education.

Programs and Administrative Services are supported by private donations, corporations, foundations, public funding, memberships, bequests, and other forms of deferred giving. Gifts may be unrestricted or designated toward a specific program and may be made with cash, securities, credit cards and other forms of personal property.

The San Diego Urban League is a 501 (c)(3) organization.

Education The Education department has helped individuals and families realize their goals and achieve self sufficiency. Each year, since 1991, over 300 of our students (with GPAs of 3.0 or higher) have been singled out and awarded certificates and scholarships signifying academic excellence and educational achievement at huge ceremonies with record attendance of 1200 plus people. As support, the San Diego Urban League seeks funding from Fortune 500 companies, local businesses and organizations for our Urban Scholarship Campaign. In the recent past, the San Diego Urban League, with the special help of the National Urban League’s National Campaign for African American Achievement, awarded seven (7) $10,000 scholarships to college bound students, in one year. This past year, the League supported two college bound students with $10,000 scholarships with the help of Anheuser-Busch and Qualcomm, Inc. Also, this year, 6,820 received family services, children and health services through Family & Health Services. The League’s Holiday

Programs provide support to 200 hundred families and 565 children. Our affiliate made major contributions to the development of the Read & Rise Parent Circles at the Management & Execution III: Standards, Literacy and Data to Advocate for High Achievement training in March 2003.

Guild The National Council of Urban League Guilds is the national association of volunteer auxiliaries of the Urban League. These volunteers donate their time to deliver services that extend public understanding and support of the National Urban League and its programs. The principal concerns of the Urban League Guilds are in the areas of leadership development, and fund-raising. The National Council of Guilds was organized in 1952 and operates in each of the four regions of the National Urban League under the direction of a Regional Coordinator Established in 2003, the Urban League Guild was formed so that persons who were no longer eligible for membership in the Young Professionals (persons ages 21-40) or just people over 40, would have a forum to work with the League's programs. Toward that end, the Guild's goal is to develop and support outreach programs that complement the League's existing programs, while promoting social and professional interaction and fellowship. Initial efforts to support an existing League program have focused on the Urban Scholarship Fund, the Golf Classic, Clothes For A Cause, 50th Anniversary Gala, the Community Technology Network and the Achievement Matters Campaign. External volunteer efforts have included participation in the AIDS Walk San Diego, Monthly Catfish Club support, NCNW support and NAACP activities. Employment & Training Services Urban Housing and Community Development /Urban Housing Corporation (UHC) Established as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation, UHC was founded in November of 1994 by the Urban League of San Diego County to serve as agency’s affordable housing and community revitalization arm for the purpose of creating housing opportunities for low-income residents living within the communities served by the Urban League of San Diego County.

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Diversity:

iversity in the workplace used to hinge upon the level of responsibility, pay, and respect that one could receive based upon the color of skin and ethnicity. But, these days, diversity in the workplace has become much more than that. Most CEO’s and executives alike have come to discover that diversity is what often makes for better business.

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Bridge to a Brighter Future

No Longer Just Black and White THE MORE THE MERRIER Every one of us comes from a different background with different experiences that led to different results. Because of this, each one of us brings something different to the table. We each bring a different set of skills, knowledge, and experience that makes up the diversity of us all. It’s in this diversity that we can flourish as a company.

Instead of everyone in an organization offering the same, general aspect, diversity gives us more to work with. People with different backgrounds have different sets of skills or knowledge that can be lent to the workplace. This gives a company more variety to choose from when it comes to employee results.

Understandably, any company can flourish when it has more resources.

The more it has, the better.

With diversity on its side, a company stands a better chance at finding working solutions and in less time. Not only does a variety of experience and background provide a vast array of knowledge and skills, but it also sparks creativity among those involved. The creativity is sparked by those taking part in the setting of diversity itself, not only supplying their own unique slice of diversity but discovering inspiration from others around them. This creates a brand new diversity in itself and adds to that which is already diverse.

WHAT’S GOOD FOR THE GOOSE IS GOOD FOR THE…MARKETPLACE? As it turns out, a diverse population in a company’s workforce is not only good for the company but the market in which the company provides for. To be precise, a company that is capable of managing a diverse population of employees most often attracts a diverse range of customers. It doesn’t take a strategic planner to know that the more diverse a company’s customer base is, the better it prospers in popularity and sales.

DIVERSITY HAPPENS IN AND OUT OF A COMPANY And, because diversity is always taking place outside of company walls, this fact addresses another variable that cannot be overlooked.

The general public, a company’s market, is forever changing and rechanging in its diversity. As an example, one such change grabbed the attention of most customer service companies in 2000 when census results showed that African Americans were no longer the largest minority. Hispanics had officially moved into this position and now companies had to plan how to appeal their services to and attract this new group that would dominate in a new way, verse the previous minority majority that marketing strategies had been crafted around

in the past.

With diversity in the workplace, it is easy to make these kinds of transitions. With a diverse number of employees and executives at the ready, a company can be covered on many more fronts than opposed to a less diverse company.

USED MORE THAN YOU THINK Diversity works. And, it’s not a new idea. Diversity is a concept that has been used often, even for plans as large as the creation of countries.

This strategy was formed by the founding fathers of the United States and gave meaning to the nickname of the “melting pot” that the U.S. became known for.

If it can work for the tangibility of an entire country, its results on something as small as a company can be profound.

About the Author Myron Curry is President and CEO of BusinessTraining Media.com a leading provider of workforce and business development training programs designed exclusively for corporate deployment. Myron has over 20 years of successful management experience with leading fortune 500 companies and has written numerous articles about workforce management issues. You can contact Myron at: myron@business-marketing.com or visit his company’s website www.businesstrainingmedia.com.

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Bridge to a Brighter Future

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Diversity Works

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OTHER EMPLOYMENT READINESS SERVICE

PROVIDERS JUST AREN’T IN

OUR LEAGUE. The Urban League of San Diego offers World-Class Services The marketplace is becoming more and more diverse each day. With this constant change comes new growth opportunities for our nations’ minority populations including women, seniors and the physically challenged. A diverse workforce is emerging and businesses need to become stronger with regards to this power of difference and inclusion.

Our Diversity Works! workshops deliver far beyond the traditional concept of simply facilitating job placement.

Graduates of our workshops undergo world-class Behavior Modification Training developed by the Seattle-based Pacific Institute (TPI) that is presented in conjunction with our award-winning work readiness and Diversity Training.

The result is a highly motivated, truly work-ready, individual who adds value and substance to your company!

We invite you to become our Diversity Works! Partner as we prepare tomorrow’s workforce Here’s what we have to offer: * Unlimited access to resumes & job postings in our Diversity Works! Job Bank * Free Participation in our quarterly Min-Career Fairs (discounts on our annual Career Fair) * Attend monthly Diversity networking meetings and get presentations from experts in the field * Be eligible for the Urban League’s Annual Equal Opportunity Dinner Leadership Award in Diversity * Be an investor in the future workforce of San Diego (reach back while moving forward) * Recruit graduates directly from our workshops * Employer diversity training/consultation We can help your company to reap the benefits of a diverse workforce To learn more, call Maurice D. Wilson, VP Business & Workforce Development

619.266.6244 or visit www.ulsdcjobs.net

720 Gateway Center Drive - San Diego, CA. 92102 34

Bridge to a Brighter Future