DEI Conference
Supporting Leadership and Utilizing BRGs to Recruit and Retain Latine Employees
Session Description:
Statewide business resource groups (BRGs) bring together groups of employees and their allies who have a common interest or characteristic. Governor Inslee’s Executive Order 21-01 affirmed the value and contributions BRGs have to developing and maintain a high-performing public workforce that reflects and represents Washingtonians. Additionally, BRGs and their members bring knowledge and experience to help inform policy, practice, and business as agencies pursue pro-equity anti-racism work. BRG leaders and members are passionate about public service!
Washington’s Latine population continues to grow at a rate higher than other demographic groups. OFM projects that by 2034 the Latine (Hispanic ethnicity) population will grow by 25%. Our Latine population is also younger and will represent a major portion of the state’s workforce aged population. Despite the large potential workforce, Latines are underrepresented in Washington’s public service workforce. Additionally, Latine employees are entering a work environment that often doesn’t understand their lived experience, the challenges that Latine communities face, or the unique gifts and opportunities that Latine employees can provide. This leads to challenges with recruitment and retention of Latine employees. Fortunately, BRGs can help provide community and support agency efforts to recruit, retain, and support Latine employees.
While the flame of public service burns in our corazones (hearts), healthy collaboration and support from agencies is vital to avoid burnout among BRG leaders and members (BRG leaders are doing that work on top of their regular state job). BRGs are a relatively new asset for Washington state with more potential for growth and use. This presentation will provide useful information on how to engage with BRGs in a way that avoids exploitation and leverages the knowledge and experience of BRGs. It will provide real examples of agencies leveraging BRGs for PEAR results.
BRGs are an incubator for state leaders. Learn about how to support participation and development for BRG leaders. BRGs provide an opportunity for leadership and growth that’s true to a group’s culture and history. The lack of Latine leaders available as visible role models has led to imposter syndrome and code switching to hide our Latine identity. BRGs create spaces to model our culturally true and authentic leadership styles, ultimately improving equity in our workplace.
BRGs can play an important role in recruitment efforts from getting the word out about a job posting to participating on interview panels. They also can help provide information to help BRG members navigate the recruitment process and increase the potential candidate pool. Bilingual Spanish Customer Service roles are an import part of public service, but Latine employees can offer so much more for the workforce.
BRG events can provide an opportunity to engage with communities. Agency support and engagement can benefit both the BRG event and agency outreach. Washington’s Latine community is diverse and represents a variety of experiences from 1st generation to well established Latine families. Our understanding and experience can help inform agency outreach to be more relevant and culturally appropriate.
BRG members are a fantastic resource to help inform agency policy and practices. Learn about how BRG members have helped inform agency writing style guides and participated in agency workgroups. Spanish speakers are Washington’s largest population with limited English proficiency (LEP) and BRG members can help inform and shape agency language access policies and plans. Additionally, BRG members can bring that experience and knowledge to shape policy and practices beyond language access!
Working with BRGs can be a powerful opportunity for collaboration. By better informing agency leaders this presentation aims to unlock that power in a way that benefits both the agency and the BRGs. While the Latino Leadership Network serves to empower and support Latine state employees, these lessons apply to all of the Business Resource Groups and the communities that they serve.
Objectives and Key Takeaways:
- How to engage with BRGs in a mutually beneficial way.
- How BRGs and their members can help inform and improve agency services.
- How agencies can better recruit, retain, and support employees from marginalized communities.
- Why allies and allyship are critical to the success and sustainability of BRGs.
Audience:
Audience Knowledge and Experience:
Ways to watch:
Live stream via Zoom Webinar on June 12, 2024
Recording available for replay July 1 through August 31
Additional Materials
Guest Speakers
Hermina Esqueda
ro-Equity, Anti-Racism Strategic Initiatives Administrator for the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
Herminia Esqueda is a Pro-Equity, Anti-Racism Strategic Initiatives Administrator for the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). She is a Certified Diversity Executive and Certified Public Manager. She leads the Latino Leadership Network’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. Herminia is passionate about removing barriers, providing access and creating spaces of belonging, for all communities to thrive.
Anthony (Tony) Griego
Chief Equity and Access Officer at the Office of Administrative Hearings / Board Member of the Latino Leadership Network
Tony Griego is the Chief Equity and Access Officer at the Office of Administrative Hearings and a board member of the Latino Leadership Network. He has 15 years of experience in public service leading strategic planning, project initiatives, and DEI efforts. Tony is an active leader and advocate for Washington State’s business resource groups (BRGs). He’s been part of the Washington State Latino Leadership Network since 2018, contributing to build a more inclusive and welcoming community for Latine state employees. Outside of work, Tony loves to spend time in the outdoors hiking, backpacking, and riding horses. He’s currently learning how to be a “Rodeo Dad” supporting his son’s dreams to become a Black cowboy.
Monica Andrade-Hupp
Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Innovation Project Manager
Monica Andrade-Hupp is a Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Innovation Project Manager in the Center for Innovative Solutions & Program Excellence (CISPE) with a history of managing large hospital projects and events in healthcare and community settings. She is a graduate from California State University of Fullerton with a Bachelor’s in Sociology and is a current graduate student at the University of Washington. She is passionate about project management and the profound social impact projects can have on communities, policies, and systemic change. An advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, Monica hopes to inspire others to do the same, beginning within her own family and in her work as the Latino Leadership Network’s Co-Chair.
