A Commitment to Diversity , Equity and Inclusion .
SPONSORED CONTENT
We are committed to being the team that shifts the culture toward greater diversity , equity and inclusion in Rhode Island State government employment and procurement .
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— Tomás Ávila , Associate Director
EMPOWERMENT LEADERS
Photo courtesy of : Tomás Ávila
From ( l to r ): Elvys Ruiz Supplier Diversity Officer , Krystal Waters , Chief Implementation Aide , Tomás Ávila , Associate Director , Anthony Aquino , Principal Resources Specialist HR , Governor Daniel J . McKee , Victor Mendoza , State Recruitment Officer
http :// odeo . ri . gov
One Capitol Hill , Providence , RI 02908 401-222-6398
THE OFFICE OF DIVERSITY , EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY ( ODEO ) is a division within the Department of Administration that was created in the summer of 2014 as a result of the State ’ s implementation of Executive Order 13-05 , entitled : Promotion of Diversity , Equal Opportunity and Minority Business Enterprises in Rhode Island . The vision of the office is to create and support a diverse and inclusive state government culture that values and reflects the changing demographics of Rhode Island by advancing equitable and fair opportunities for all Rhode Island Citizens to be employed by and / or do business with the State of Rhode Island . Major Goals :
• To ensure that the state government workforce reflects the demographics of our state ’ s labor force , with an emphasis on increasing the representation of people of color in the higher-level management positions .
• To improve the culture within state government to be more equitable , inclusive and engaging for all employees , as well as to improve the quality of service to our customers and clients .
• To increase opportunities for minority and women-owned business enterprises , disadvantaged business enterprises , veteran business enterprises , as well as disability business enterprises , to participate in our state ’ s procurement activities .
68 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l NOVEMBER 2021