Speaker, State of New Jersey Civil Service Commission, The State of New Jersey 2024 Workforce Diversity Summit, "DEI in Review: Navigating Course in a Changing Legal Landscape"

The New Jersey Civil Service Commission (CSC) is pleased to host its 2024 Annual State of New Jersey Workforce Diversity Summit on Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) Office of Training and Professional Development, 30 Van Dyke Avenue in New Brunswick, NJ 08901. The theme for this year’s Summit is “Diversity Forward: Past Lessons, Present Challenges, Future Possibilities.”

“We are proud to host another annual Workforce Diversity Summit for State and local government employees,” said Allison Chris Myers, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. “CSC has been working diligently to ensure that diversity is realized in all levels of state government through the implementation of several initiatives. This Summit is part of a greater effort to attract qualified, talented, and diverse job seekers who are considering a career in public service. We will continue to educate the diverse leaders and practitioners in the state on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workforce.”

Since 2019, CSC’s Workforce Diversity Summit has served as professional development for government employees by providing an opportunity to share, learn, and gain practical knowledge on best diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. The Summit also supports agencies’ attracting, hiring, and retaining diverse talent in the New Jersey workforce.

“We anticipate that this year’s Summit will have over 200 attendees, comprised of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officers, Human Resources (HR) Officers, EEO/AA Officers, Employee Relations personnel, and more,” said Dr. Charlie Williams, Executive Director of CSC’s Office of Diversity Programs. “Now is a critical time to share and discuss diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) strategies and initiatives with these practitioners.”

A focal point for the plenary sessions and workshops is a review of the changing legal landscape of DEIB and its impact on practitioners. CSC has partnered with several key stakeholders to advance DEIB initiatives, including the CSC Diversity Council, comprised of liaisons throughout the state’s agencies and departments.

“Our office supports the well-being of the state’s workforce,” said Jayné Johnson, Esq., Director of the Governor’s Office of Equity. “Through a whole-of-government approach, we work with state agencies to strengthen our workforce in bridging opportunity gaps and responding to community needs. Partnering with the Civil Service Commission at this convening, we look forward to providing resources and tools that support our colleagues throughout the employee lifecycle and promote equitable outcomes for the people of our state.”