Diverse Advisory Committees Gather To Develop Greater Working Relationships (cont'd)

Photos by: Chris Gunn/293
Dr. Hariett Jenkins, former associate administrator for Equal Opportunity Programs, NASA Headquarters.

Jenkins spoke of effective communication with senior management as well as among the individual committees. "Understanding the management culture will assist you in getting solutions through the management system," she urged the group.

She talked about being aware of lessons learned to include the success of the other committees at Goddard. Remember she said, "Your efforts are in helping Goddard accomplish superbly its technical missions and goals with the best possible workforce of scientists, engineers and technologists." Quoting Goddard's strategic Implementation Plan she said, "The ultimate aim is for that workforce to also be diverse and integrated at all levels of the Center."

Day Two began with remarks by Al Diaz. "It is interesting to see when such diverse groups get together just how much you have common," said Diaz. "We want to make Goddard a place where people want to come to work," he insisted.

	GSFC's Center Director, Al Diaz give opening remarks on second day of EEO retreat.

Diaz named three major goals in shaping the environment at Goddard. "We want exciting people to come to Goddard to do exciting work. "We want everyone to know that Goddard has resources for him or her to be successful. We want people to perceive Goddard as having value centered management practices, "said Diaz.

He spoke of a changing culture at NASA and the need for everyone to feel a part of the change. "We need your help on how to do these things and to help us facilitate the changes," said Diaz.

The second day included a working lunch with presentations by Menchan and Sharon Wong, Special Assistant for Diversity, about the similarities and differences with EEO and Diversity. She presented Goddard's workplace vision and spoke

Sharon Wong, Special Assistant for Diversity, talks to committee members during lunch time presentation.

about Goddard's commitment to diversity. "Goddard employees should respect, appreciate, and value individual differences so that we can capitalize on thestrengthens of a diverse workforce to better perform our mission through teamwork and innovation," said Wong.

The afternoon session concluded with group discussions on strategic planning for future committee activities.

"I believe the sessions went very well and I look forward to a loser cooperation among the committees," said Menchan. "I expect us to become even more efficient in making a good thing even better."