Navy's Diveristy Working Group Ranked Nationally as Number One

By Lt. j.g. Lorna Mae Devera, Diversity Directorate Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy Strategic Diversity Working Group received national accolades from the Association of Diversity Councils by earning the organization's prestigious Diversity Council Honors Award, April 5.

The Association of Diversity Councils is the only entity that holds a competition specifically highlighting the value diversity councils bring to an organization's efforts.

Navy Strategic Diversity Working Group (SDWG) earned the council's number one ranking from amongst notable competitors such as American Airlines, ranked number three; FEDEX, ranked number four; Best Buy, ranked number 12; Wells Fargo, ranked number 14; and Pfizer, ranked 21.

Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson, Chief of Naval Personnel shared his pride on the significance of the Diversity Council Honors award and the importance of the Navy's Diversity Outreach programs.

"This award is a representation of the hard work and dedication of the Navy's Strategic Diversity Working Group," said Ferguson. "Navy's ranking as number one is humbling and confirms that the Navy's program is recognized externally as one of the best in the nation."

As the highest honor offered by the Association of Diversity Councils, the Diversity Council Honors Award was created in 2009, to honor the outstanding contributions and achievements of diversity council groups that lead organizational diversity processes and demonstrate results in their Workforce, Workplace and Marketplace.

Outreach Lead and Operations Officer, Cmdr. Lori Roe, accepted the award at the 2011 Diversity Council Honors Award, sponsored by The Boeing Company, Johns Hopkins Medicine, PRISM International and other nationally recognized names.

"This is a tremendous accomplishment for the Navy, our council and our message of diversity and inclusion," said Roe. "This is validation for all the efforts our diversity leaders have made over the past year and a testament to their dedication and passion for the diversity mission.

"This evening we felt the excitement and pride that comes with being surrounded and appreciated by our colleagues in diversity across the spectrum of business and academia. We are honored and privileged to be counted among such diversity professionals," said Roe.

More than 100 organizations nominated their diversity councils for participation in 2011, an increase of more than 20 percent from last year. Competitors for the award must have been in operation for at least two years and have demonstrated contributions and achievements in four categories: demonstrated council results; demonstrated management commitment; measurement and accountability; communication and education.

The Navy's SDWG program began in 2007. Since its inception, the group has established a solid foundation for Navy units such as Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, Office of the Chief of Navy Reserve, and Naval Education and Training Command to collaborate and communicate effectively on how and what efforts need to be executed during national diversity events to include, Black Engineer of the Year Award, League of United Latin American Citizens, Federal Asian Pacific American Council, and Society of American Indian Government Employees.

The Navy Strategic Diversity Working Group first applied for consideration in 2009, and was ranked number 11. In 2010, Navy SDWG moved up the list to be ranked at number eight. The Navy SDWG is the only government entity recognized on the 2011 awards list.