DEP Learning Outcome 1

Embracing Diversity at the Department of Environmental Protection: A Catalyst for Workplace Success

In the ever-evolving landscape of today’s professional world, the concept of diversity in the workplace has emerged as a pivotal factor in fostering innovation, creativity, and overall success. At the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), where our mission is to safeguard our environment, embracing diversity is not just a strategic choice but a fundamental element of our commitment to excellence. Let’s delve into the profound importance of diversity and how it contributes to the success of our organization.

**1. Innovation and Creativity at DEP: Diversity at the DEP brings together individuals with unique perspectives, experiences, and problem-solving approaches. When a team consists of people from various backgrounds, it naturally becomes a melting pot of ideas. This diversity of thought stimulates innovation and creativity, paving the way for groundbreaking solutions to complex environmental challenges. Embracing a multitude of viewpoints encourages DEP employees to think outside the box, resulting in a more robust and resilient organization dedicated to preserving our environment.

**2. Increased Productivity in Environmental Stewardship: A diverse and inclusive DEP fosters a culture of open-mindedness and adaptability. Employees are exposed to different ways of thinking, leading to improved problem-solving skills and increased productivity in our mission to protect the environment. When people at the DEP feel valued and included, they are more likely to collaborate effectively, share ideas, and work cohesively as a team, contributing to the overall success of our environmental stewardship initiatives.

**3. Enhanced Employee Satisfaction and Retention in Environmental Conservation: DEP employees thrive in environments where they feel respected and appreciated for their individual contributions to environmental conservation. A workplace that actively embraces diversity and inclusion demonstrates a commitment to equality, positively impacting employee satisfaction. This, in turn, leads to higher retention rates at the DEP, as employees are more likely to stay with an organization that prioritizes their well-being and provides equal opportunities for growth and advancement in environmental protection.

**4. Broader Market Appeal in Environmental Leadership: In an era of increasing environmental concerns, the DEP plays a crucial role in environmental leadership. A workforce that mirrors the diversity of the communities we serve can better understand and respond to the environmental needs of a varied population. DEP’s commitment to diversity not only builds a stronger internal team but also positions our organization for success in addressing the diverse environmental challenges of our community and beyond.

**5. Compliance and Reputation: Beyond the inherent benefits, embracing diversity is often a legal and ethical imperative for the DEP. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures compliance with anti-discrimination laws and regulations. Additionally, the DEP builds a positive reputation, attracting top talent and garnering support from communities who value environmentally responsible practices.

In conclusion, the importance of diversity in the workplace at the Department of Environmental Protection cannot be overstated. It goes beyond meeting legal requirements; it is a strategic imperative for success in our vital mission of environmental protection. Embracing diversity and inclusion fosters a culture of innovation, enhances productivity, and contributes to employee satisfaction, ultimately driving success and prosperity for the DEP and the environment we are dedicated to preserving.

Workplace Culture

Working for DEP has been great so far. The work environment in my department is very friendly and most of my colleagues are amiable. I appreciate the casual dress code that we follow, which is a combination of business and casual attire. My work consists of a mix of design and administrative tasks, and my workload varies depending on the project I’m assigned to. I have a regular 8-hour shift with an hour for lunch, and we have breaks in between to avoid sitting at our desks and computers all day. The department is small, with some colleagues having their own offices and others working in cubicles. I have a cubicle for myself.

Since October, we have been working from home as the building is undergoing renovations. However, we expect to move back to the office in about a month. Our team meetings happen every morning where we get assignments and updates from each other. Communicating with my colleagues is easy as we are in close proximity to each other. Sometimes, we engage in light-hearted conversations and even joke around. To alleviate the stress of working hard, we just started a weekly board game session. For my work, I use Microsoft Office and Adobe software such as InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

Saint George’s Society of New York (Network Event)

I attended a reception and networking event organized by the Saint George’s Society of New York on Thursday, February 8, 2023. During the event, I had the opportunity to meet with various stakeholders and influential businessmen and women from the financial sector. Although the event lasted for an hour and a half, I tried to speak with as many people as possible, but I could not connect with everyone. The event was informative, and I was able to connect with a few people. There were many other students present at the event, and everyone seemed to have a good time.

 

After the event, I emailed the people I had met, and I also sent a message to SGSNY, thanking them for hosting such a wonderful event. One person I made a connection with is Olivia Thompson, who is a communications manager at SEDEX.

 

SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) is a non-profit organization and a global platform for managing and sharing ethical and responsible business practices in supply chains. SEDEX provides a collaborative platform that allows companies to store, share, and report on information related to labor rights, health and safety, the environment, and business ethics. SEDEX, also known as SEDEX Holdings, is a global organization that provides an online platform for responsible and sustainable business practices. The company offers data-driven insights, tools, and services to help companies improve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes. SEDEX has over 75,000 members in 170 countries, including more than 66,000 companies, and it has been a leader in responsible sourcing for over 18 years. The company’s platform facilitates seamless reporting, connects businesses with a global network, and helps them protect revenue by preventing sustainability issues from negatively impacting their operations. SEDEX also conducts and facilitates audits to help members understand and improve working conditions across their supply chains. The company’s mission is to make global supply chains more socially and environmentally sustainable, and it aims to be a leader in this endeavor. SEDEX is a partner for businesses looking to improve their sustainability performance and simplify ESG management.

Role

As a graphic designer, my job at DEP involves designing graphics for the events held by the organization every month to celebrate different cultures and holidays and support its diverse group of employees. My supervisor’s name is Sandra Rhabb Campbell, and my other boss is Danielle Barrett, the deputy commissioner. Last year, while I was working for CUNY Service Corp, my boss sent me a link to the National Science Foundation’s internship program, which I applied for and got accepted. The program required me to complete a specific course, do a research project with a professor and intern at DEP for the summer. I did a 10-week internship with DEP during the summer of last year, and towards the end of my internship, my bosses asked me if I would like to continue working for DEP, to which I said yes. Two weeks later, I was hired as a college aide at DEP, starting on September 11th, 2023, and I have been working there ever since.

 

Before I started working for DEP, I had an interview with Ms. Campbell and my other co-worker, Zack Taylor, during which I explained my major and my capabilities. They thought I would be a good fit for the EEO&D department where they worked. I don’t remember much about the interview itself because it was a while back, but I know that I presented myself well enough for them to hire me.

DEP (Company)

I will be happy to assist you with that. Please find below the revised text that is clearer and free of any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors:

I work for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), a public city agency with approximately 6,000 employees and locations in both New York City and Upstate New York. DEP is responsible for managing the city’s water supply, reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution, managing the city’s combined sewer system, and overseeing wastewater treatment plants located throughout the city.

Under a budget of 1.3 billion dollars, DEP provides over 1.1 billion US gallons (4,200,000 m3) of water each day to more than 9 million residents, including 8 million in the City of New York, through a complex network of nineteen reservoirs, three controlled lakes, 6,000 miles (9,700 km) of water mains, tunnels, and aqueducts.

DEP also carries out federal Clean Water Act rules and regulations, handles hazardous materials emergencies and toxic site remediation, oversees asbestos monitoring and removal, enforces the city’s air and noise codes, bills and collects on city water and sewer accounts, and manages citywide water conservation programs.

DEP’s clients/customers are the citizens of New York City. The agency was created in 1977 by consolidating the water supply and wastewater treatment functions of the city government. I am currently working for the Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity (EEO&D) department of DEP.

 

Article 1

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) collaborated with various stakeholders to distribute 7,622 free 60-gallon rain barrels through over 100 giveaway events in all five boroughs. These rain barrels, easily connected to a property’s gutter, capture and store stormwater, reducing the strain on the sewer system, mitigating flooding, and protecting local waterways. Homeowners using the collected rainwater for outdoor tasks contribute to water conservation and lower water bills. Officials, including DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala and various council members, commend the program for its environmental impact, flood prevention, and cost savings for homeowners. The DEP emphasizes other tools and initiatives, like flood kit distributions and informational sessions, to prepare homeowners for severe rainfall events and outlines shared responsibilities in the Rainfall Ready NYC initiative. Disconnecting downspouts and diverting stormwater into rain barrels prevents sewer overburdening and potential backups into homes. The article encourages the adoption of rain barrels as a simple, effective measure for homeowners to contribute to sustainability and reduce water consumption.

 

Article 2

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice, under the Adams administration, have achieved significant environmental and public health milestones in 2023. Key highlights include:

Increasing Coastal Resiliency:

 

Completed the $110 million New Creek Blue Belt expansion to protect Staten Island from flooding and fortify surrounding areas against extreme weather.

Upgraded drainage infrastructure in the Jewel Streets neighborhood, easing chronic flooding.

Enhanced stormwater drainage and safety in Brooklyn’s Gowanus neighborhood with a $54 million installation of high-level storm sewers along 3rd Avenue.

Transformed roadway medians in Queens into green infrastructure to absorb stormwater.

 

Climate Change Mitigation:

Released PlaNYC, the first climate plan of the Adams administration, outlining 32 initiatives to improve quality of life and combat climate threats.

Partnered with National Grid for a renewable biogas-to-grid project, expanding clean energy capacity and reducing organic waste in landfills.

Launched “Getting 97 Done” to cut harmful carbon emissions from large buildings under Local Law 97 of 2019.

Created the city’s first integrated greenhouse gas inventory.

 

Protecting Drinking Water:

Conducted nearly 3 million drinking water quality tests and initiated facility upgrades at Hillview Reservoir and a $1.9 billion water tunnel in Westchester County.

Completed a $400 million upgrade of infrastructure at Schoharie Reservoir and Gilboa Dam.

 

Improving Waterways:

Broke ground on a $1.6 billion infrastructure project to protect the Gowanus Canal, creating underground storage tanks and public waterfront space.

Advanced the Tibbets Brook Daylighting project to enhance Bronx sewer system capacity and water quality in the Harlem River.

Quality of Life Improvements:

Expanded the noise camera program targeting illegally modified vehicles producing excessive noise.

Invested in pilot noise camera programs to target vehicles violating the city’s Noise Code.

 

Education and Food Access:

 

The Mayor’s Office of Urban Agriculture secured $8.4 million in grant funding to purchase school food from local farmers.

Collaborated with the Office of Food & Nutrition Services to launch a reimagined Farm to School program with $200,000 in funding.

These achievements reflect the commitment to combat climate change, enhance resilience, and improve the overall well-being of New Yorkers in various domains.