FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
Robert Naething, U.S. Army North deputy to the commanding general, spoke on the importance of diversity at the Alamo Federal Executive Board’s Partners in Equality Training Conference at the Schertz Civic Center Aug. 17.
Naething emphasized that recognizing diversity is not only morally and ethically right, it also adds considerable value to the organization.
In addition to his role at ARNORTH, Naething also chairs the Alamo Federal Executive Board, or AFEB, which is made up of representatives from approximately 86 federal agencies across the San Antonio and Austin area. One of the AFEB’s lines of business is workforce development and support, which includes developing and promoting diversity in federal employment.
“For this particular conference we focused on how we, as supervisors, can best use the talents and skills of all those we work with to better serve the American people,” Naething said. “That includes incorporating the different perspectives and capabilities that each of us brings to the table – the diversity of opinions, backgrounds, talents and even the different way we each interact with others – to ensure the whole is more than just the sum of the parts.”
Naething provided the opening comments to start off a day full of interactive group activity and remarks by noted speakers and trainers. He cautioned the group to be careful not to quickly slap labels on people simply for bringing issues to light.
“Nothing will shut down genuine dialogue more quickly than calling someone a racist or sexist,” he said.
Other speakers included Sonia Clayton, a philanthropist and founder, president and CEO of a consulting business that specializes in organizational transformation. Clayton delivered the keynote address on cultural understanding and cultural competency, providing insights for diverse groups on how to prevent stressful relations.
Rodney Klein, an outreach and training manager at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; Rev. Naomi Brown, a licensed masters-level social worker at the Pride Center San Antonio; and Sylvia
Rodriguez, an employee development trainer for the Air Force Personnel Center, also provided guidance and information.
“The AFEB truly appreciates Mr. Naething’s support and efforts he has made in advancing the goals and mission of the AFEB,” said Lisa Alonzo, AFEB executive director. “He is a huge supporter of our programs and his leadership has been instrumental in increasing attendance and representation of a variety of agencies at our many events. His opening words and examples on diversity in Department of Defense hit the mark on issues faced still in today’s workforce. It is a pleasure to work with a leader who leads by example.”
This was the AFEB’s 22nd annual Partners in Equality Training Conference. More than 100 people from 11 federal agencies attended the event, including Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Green, ARNORTH equal opportunity advisor, and Master Sgt. Jason Skaggs, Fort Sam Houston senior command equal opportunity advisor.
“Having the opportunity to attend the Partners in Equality Training Conference was very valuable to me as an Equal Opportunity professional,” Green said. “I was honored to be part of such a phenomenal conference and was overwhelmed with joy to hear guest speaker Sonia Clayton speak on her struggles and triumphs as a minority. Her words have given me hope and inspiration to be the best Equal Opportunity Advisor to the US Army North Family by setting the example and treating people with dignity and respect.”
“It was a great training event, and those who attended are now better equipped to accomplish their missions in support of the US taxpayer and citizen,” Naething said.