Join a Speed Networking Event with EWA

The Emerging Workforce Association is hosting a Speed Networking event from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 26 at Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego, CA 92128.

EWA is excited to offer an opportunity for County staff to network with other professionals in the County, learn more about different departments, and share their experiences.

To reserve your spot, please RSVP.

OERJ Commemorates Pride

By the Office of Equity and Racial Justice

Last week the County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation recognizing Pride Month. As we celebrate this honor, the Office of Equity and Racial Justice would like to take the opportunity to highlight some of the history and efforts of our County as an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. 

San Diego has been celebrating Pride since 1974 as thriving and diverse LGBTQ+ community. The County’s LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group has over 60 members, and multiple County departments will be represented in July’s Pride parade. Belonging and equity are among the County’s core values, and we support and respect our LGBTQIA+ employees by creating a workplace where every employee can be their authentic self.  

But this Pride, it’s not enough to say that we support the LGBTQIA+ community – we must voice our support for trans and nonbinary people to stand up against the hateful and dehumanizing rhetoric and acts. In recent years, there has been a backlash against certain members of the LGBTQIA+ community across the country. Transgender and nonbinary people have lived in cultures and societies throughout human history, but they have increasingly become targets of hate crimes and physical violence. We know that events in recent years have made it even more important to bolster the County’s mission of promoting a just, sustainable and resilient future for all.

This spring, the CAO directed the Office of Equity and Racial Justice to form a Gender Identity and Expression Working Group which has been exploring how our organization could increase belonging among trans and nonbinary employees and community members. They will produce recommendations later this summer. And the County has many resources and learning opportunities for all employees:

  • Two sessions of an LMS webinar, “Creating an Inclusive Culture for Transgender and Non-Binary Employees and Customers.” Register for the virtual sessions on July 27 and Sept. 19, which are hosted in partnership with TransFamily Support Services. While all employees are welcome, the first is geared towards supervisors.

  • This video from the University of Central Florida explains different aspects of gender identity and expression, how they impact all of us, and how challenging binaries can create more space for everyone to be themselves.

  • The County has a Pronoun Policy to create an affirming environment for all employees. Learn how to use gender pronouns and learn how to practice gender inclusive language in your communications and work.

If you would like more information or to join the Gender Identity and Expression Working Group, please contact Mica Miragliotta or Vanessa Green.  

Rewind: LGBTQIA+ Panel Discussion

Did you miss the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, allies (LGBTQIA+) panel discussion on Friday, June 30? Don’t worry - you can watch it now!

Panelists:

  • Fernando Zweifach López Jr. (they/them), San Diego Pride Executive Director

  • Dahvia Lynch (she/her), Planning and Development Director

  • Taryell Simmons (he/him), Human Resources Services Manager

  • Dr. Eric McDonald (he/him), Interim Director, Health and Human Service Agency

  • Tamara Watson-Foster (she/her), LGBTQ&A ERG Board Director

  • Miko Osada (she/her), Youth Services Librarian

  • Mica Miragliotta (they/them), Office of Equity and Racial Justice Management Fellow

  • Vivien Bernardo (they/them/she/her), HHSA, Equity & Strategic Partnerships

Unlock the Power of Inclusion!

A new training strives to create an environment where everyone can unleash their full potential, no matter their neurological profile.

The County launched a Neurodivergent Excellence training series on June 30. The three-part e-learning series is designed to inspire a culture of neurodiversity and foster an inclusive workplace. With each course (Disability 101, Neurodiversity 101 and Autism 101), you will gain an understanding of the barriers faced by neurodivergent individuals and acquire the tools to break down those barriers.

These training tracks were created with a dual lens of best practices and lived experience in partnership with Rangam Consultants Inc., a global workforce solutions company with a focus on neurodiverse and inclusive employment. This program is part of our commitment to embracing diversity, equity and inclusion principles.

In taking these courses, you will contribute to a workplace that recognizes and values the unique talents and perspectives of all employees. Take the training now.

Learn More About Gender Identity and Pronouns

The Office of Equity & Racial Justice is working to ensure that San Diego County is a place where transgender and nonbinary people experience belonging, safety, and affirmation. Watch this video from The Knowledge Center to learn more about gender identity and personal pronouns or sign up for the upcoming training on July 27 hosted by TransFamily Support Services. If you’d like to get involved in the County’s Gender Identity and Expression Working Group, please reach out at oerj@sdcounty.ca.gov.

County Recognizes Pride Month

County recognizes Pride Month with flag raising outside County Administration Center.

The annual Pride Month flag raising ceremony was held at the County Administration Center Tuesday evening. The event was cohosted by our LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group and Chairwoman Nora Vargas. It included the raising of a rainbow flag and lighting the building in rainbow.

See the gallery.

The County Board of Supervisors also issued a proclamation Tuesday recognizing Pride Month. Watch members of our LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group and other organizations accept the proclamation.

County Board of Supervisors honoring Pride Month.