50 City Place, 7th Floor
Rochester, NY 14614
 (585) 753-2400

 David C. Scott, Chief Diversity Officer
[email protected]

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Department Overview

The Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion works across all Monroe County departments to support a focus on the recruitment, retention, promotion, and development of people from diverse backgrounds. The Department’s work oversees the cultivation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture that is intentional about access and opportunity for marginalized populations fostered by leadership. Since its implementation the Department has assisted County leaders in ensuring that processes, procedures, and services performed by Monroe County are equitable for all.

There are 5 pillars of excellence used to measure the success of the work we do:

  1. Compliance and accountability- work driven by local, state, and federal laws
  2. Communication and education- work to spread awareness about DEI, ADA, EEO, LA and MWBE
  3. Culture, inclusiveness and belonging-  work to create an environment where everyone can thrive
  4. Community engagement- work to hear and understand the voice of the community
  5. Equitable systems- work to dismantle inequitable systems and create access and opportunity for all

How Does DEI relate to our success in county government?

We serve and represent a wide range of people of different ages, ethnicities, races, gender expression and identities, languages, learning preferences, mental and physical abilities, national origins, religions, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, and veteran statuses.

One way to ensure we are inclusive of all the communities we serve is to be intentional with our recruitment strategies. It is important for our employees to mirror the communities we serve, it helps build trust and people are more likely to have an immediate comfort level when they see people that look like them.

Definitions

Diversity

Diversity means differing from one another; the broad definition includes all aspects of human difference. At Monroe County, we recognize those differences arising from systemic social injustices. This includes — but is not limited to — age, ethnicity, race, gender expression and identity, language, learning efficiency, mental and physical ability, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and veteran status.

Equity

Monroe County defines equity as equal opportunity and access to resources essential for the full involvement and development of all stakeholders who are employees or residents. Addressing equity necessitates identifying inequalities, deliberately supporting marginalized groups, and removing any affiliated obstacles.

Inclusion

Monroe County defines inclusion as the creation of a welcoming environment that supports the full contribution of all stakeholders both employees and residents. Sincere inclusion provides an opportunity for genuine participation and an accurate sense of belonging.

The Mission

Monroe County’s DEI Department is committed to influencing a culture that is accessible and fair to all through its systems, processes, and services.

Our Vision

To foster a culture that embraces and values diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our workforce and community. 

Our Values

The Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s guiding principles serve as a compass to move Monroe County’s workforce towards more equitable practices, policies, and procedures promoting an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive: 

  • We take the broadest possible view of diversity, including seen and unseen qualities.
  • We acknowledge life experiences that make individuals unique.
  • We encourage all employees to use their unique perspectives to help advance our mission.
  • We require fair treatment, accessibility, and opportunity for advancement for all employees.
  • We commit to building a workplace where all employees feel safe bringing their authentic selves to work.
  • We pledge to identify and eliminate barriers to equal opportunity in the workplace.
  • We are intentional in recruiting from all communities in Monroe County. The goal is to have a workforce that mirrors the community at all levels of the organization.
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