By Sara Symons, on detail to OPACE from OFO

The FSIS Civil Rights Staff (CRS) empowers employees by offering resources, confidential support and training to help ensure fairness and equity across the agency and throughout its programs. This team of dedicated employees works to raise awareness, promote understanding and foster a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Empowered and Solutions-Oriented: Where Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

The CRS team embodies FSIS’ core values of Empowered and Solutions-Oriented through their commitment to their customers. Director Angela Kelly appreciates the opportunity to lead such a remarkable team. “Each member is dedicated and plays a fundamental role in fostering an inclusive, equitable and respectful work environment. They bring unique perspectives and skills that contribute to a diverse and dynamic team. I am deeply grateful for their contributions.” The workgroups in the CRS consist of Complaints Management, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Policy and Compliance, and Diversity and Inclusion, with each acting as a critical resource for FSIS and its employees.

Complaints Management

The complaints management group provides prompt, fair and impartial processing of employment discrimination complaints from FSIS employees, former employees and applicants for employment. They process complaints dealing with any aspect of employment starting at the time an employee applies to the agency and ending when an employee separates from the agency. The group’s focus includes matters relating to training, disciplinary action, pay, performance reviews, time and attendance, and more.

CRS treats all complaints and inquiries with confidentiality and impartiality, providing services in a fair and objective manner, respecting the privacy of all individuals involved. Whether it is speaking with an aggrieved party regarding their equal employment opportunity (EEO) complaint or assisting an EEO investigator with gathering documents for an investigation, the EEO specialists ensure that their jobs are thoroughly completed within the regulatory timeframes and guidelines.  

“Inclusion fosters a sense of belonging. When we feel included, we are more likely to empathize with others,” shared Equal Employment Specialist (EES) Tamara Bond. “Understanding the challenges faced by marginalized groups cultivates compassion. We can recognize shared struggles and become advocates for positive change.”

Alternative Dispute Resolution

The ADR group encompasses various techniques, including mediation and coaching, designed to facilitate open communication and amicable solutions. ADR fosters collaboration and understanding, allowing parties involved to actively participate in crafting mutually agreeable outcomes. “As a mediator, our role is to be third party neutral, and we can mediate any type of dispute. This means having multiple parties at the table, including union representatives, attorneys, labor and employee relations division, family members and observers. It doesn't matter the dispute or the agency; it doesn't change how we interact or show up during an EEO or early intervention mediation session,” explained ADR Mediator Dr. Tanja Thompson.

Policy and Compliance

The Policy and Compliance group responsibilities were summed up best by EES Aleesha Grady, who said, “We advocate for equality and fairness, and we work toward creating a workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Advocating for equal employment opportunity is not just a job; it’s a passion.” CRS is committed to providing technical assistance and guidance to help FSIS employees better understand and prevent discrimination, harassment and reprisal in the workplace. The Policy and Compliance team ensures this compliance by conducting an annual barrier analysis and establishing affirmative employment plans, completing various compliance reviews of internal work units and State Meat and Poultry Inspection programs, and performing Civil Rights Impact Analyses of proposed agency actions.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Diversity and Inclusion group is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within an organization. This includes developing training programs and fostering a culture that values diversity. “Overall, my goal is to create a workplace environment where all individuals feel respected, included and able to contribute their unique perspectives and talents,” said Program Manager Danisha Parker. The group collaborates with the Department on various strategic plans and supports the EEO advisory committees throughout FSIS. The team also plans and hosts events, such as the agency’s annual Virtual Diversity and Inclusion Training and special emphasis observances.

“Diversity introduces us to a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints. Exposure to diverse perspectives challenges our assumptions and broadens our understanding of the world. When we encounter people from different walks of life, we gain insights that enrich our own thinking. This exposure helps us appreciate the richness of human existence,” shared Bond.

Customer Focus

From the field to the support program areas to the senior leadership, the nature of CRS’ work connects them with every employee across the agency. They collaborate with other offices, including human resources groups that provide reasonable accommodations, prevent workplace violence and oversee the anti-harassment program, as well as labor and employee relations.

Management Analyst Tina McLane said, “We take pride in our ability to work closely with our customers, building strong working relationships based on trust, respect and clear communication.”

To reach out to CRS or report concerns or incidents of discrimination, harassment or reprisal, employees can directly contact the CRS team at (800) 269-6912 or AskCRD@usda.gov or by using USDA’s complaint system.

Back row, from left: Equal Employment Specialists (EES) Melissa Dull and Tamara Bond; Diversity and Inclusion Officer Danisha Parker; Mediator Jodi Hallstrom; EESs Valerie Williams and LaWan Bryan; Program Analyst Christopher Small; EES Manuel Alba; Director Angela Kelly.

Front row, left: Deputy Director Amanda Krot; Management Analyst Tina McLane; EES Aleesha Grady; Policy and Compliance Team Lead Damali Carr.

Photo by Deputy Director Amanda Krot.