Report: Glass Ceiling Still Strong in Local Government
More than 215 professionals have registered for the upcoming Webinar: Women in Local Government. The event is a sell out and we have started a wait list. Based on the registration numbers, it’s clear that the issue is not only a female issue, but an issue of how local government can and should better represent the community’s demographic. We asked those who registered for the webinar to respond to four questions.
Diedra Lane
Administrative Supervisor – City of Tallahassee
Connect: LinkedIn
####
Where were you in 1984?
Leon High School in Tallahassee, FL
Describe your view of whether local government has been effective in attracting a diverse workforce (women, minorities, etc.)?
Yes, the City of Tallahassee makes a conscious effort to ensure our workplace is diverse. Also, our Equity & Workforce Development Department offers training in this area to communicate how we should be respectful of a workforce where people are from diverse backgrounds.
Wave a magic wand and give us three suggestions for improving diversity in the local government workforce.
Diversity can be improved by hiring staff of varied backgrounds, talking about diversity in a controlled environment such as training classes, special forums, etc., and incorporating policies & procedures that promote diversity in organizations.
Give us the names of the local government professionals that you look up to.
- Mike Tadros – General Manager of Underground Utilities
- Cynthia Barber – General Manager of Environmental Policy & Energy Resources
- Sharon Ofuani – Retired Equity & Workforce Development Director