Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Erie 1 BOCES mission is to intentionally foster diversity, equity and inclusion in every action and branch of our organization. Erie 1 BOCES will provide an environment of excellence in which each employee is able to nurture self, and group, identities while cultivating empathy and respect for differences; and foster courage to respectfully and thoughtfully address inequities within the organization.

Erie 1 BOCES champions diversity, equity, and inclusion for all employees by creating and cultivating an environment that celebrates and capitalizes on our differences. Erie 1 BOCES provides ongoing professional development to increase DEI awareness, and considers all 3 of these elements in the hiring process, with the goal of creating a diverse workforce. Ultimately creating an environment where all voices have the opportunity to be heard, and where all are supported to thrive.

Diversity encompasses, race, ethnicity, country of origin, citizenship status, socioeconomic status, religion, gender and sexuality. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity optimize contemporary inclusive practices as well as disrupt and transform unprincipled thoughts and actions.

The Inclusion. Diversity. Equity. Advocacy. (I.D.E.A.) Committee seeks to support the following Strategic Objectives:

• Create an environment that fosters awareness and inclusive practices by supporting anti-bias protocols, ongoing professional development, and equity in hiring.
• Hold leadership accountable for diversity, equity and inclusion goals and objectives.
• Improve the inclusion of all people at all levels of the institution. Specifically, address how our organization distinguishes individuals and groups in ways that privilege some and constrain others.
• Require that new hires share our organization's values regarding diversity, equity and inclusion
• Require that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, actions, and results are transparent to all key stakeholders.

The I.D.E.A Committee Chair:  Nicole Kerner, LMSW

The I.D.E.A Committee Co-Chair: Simone Klubek 

Committee Members: Elizabeth Briceno, Bryan Budnik, Amanda Cammarano, Michael Capuana, Michael Duffy, Leeza Edholm, Patricia Ferrito, Joseph Galluzo, Katelyn Gilbert, Steve Graser,  Denise Hale, Rhiannon Hart, Hannah Holden, Kate Huber, Morgan Johnson, Jessica Karches, Sparkle Keys, Elizabeth Kraemer, Kailin Kucewicz, Elizabeth Kuttesch, Margaret Maloney, Melissa Rechin, Brett Shufelt, Anastasiya Titarenko, Taylor Watson, Chelsie Windover

 I.D.E.A. Committee is composed of 3 subcommittees:

1. The Organizational Culture and Climate subcommittee,
2. The Recruitment, Hiring and Onboarding subcommittee, and
3. The Professional Development subcommittee.

We welcome and seek the input and innovative ideas from employees to help to guide and better inform the direction for each subcommittee's work.

Get to know your colleagues better, create meaningful connections, build relationships, create a strong sense of community, and celebrate our differences.

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• April 2023
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• September 2023

 Do you have ideas, suggestions or comments that you would like to share with the I.D.E.A committee? If so, we invite you to please click the link below to include your information. The I.D.E.A committee will review and consider all submissions that are received. Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts with us. 

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=QonrNfQN6UG-QJGTyhfyXel4EN0bjFFJrZ4_sgNRitlUMDkzN0lLWU9OME5RVlZIV0hIR0ZNUFJUNC4u