# Diversity reigns at DSCC multicultural event 

/ Published Sept. 28, 2023
COLUMBUS, Ohio, 
Embracing differences was the theme of the day at Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime’s Multicultural and Diversity Day celebration Sept. 27 at Defense Supply Center Columbus.

Outdoor booths offered an assortment of information on DLA Land and Maritime’s cultural programs and councils. Many committees took the opportunity to bolster ongoing recruitment efforts and promote upcoming events.

Deb Hobbs, who manned the Federal Women’s Program booth, said her focus was growing membership as the program moves toward planning a future women’s summit.

“I see a lot of new, young people, and we’d like to get them involved,” she said.

The FWP committee currently produces two observances a year – Women’s History Month in March and Women’s Equality Day in August – and they’re only made possible through many dedicated volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes. As DLA Land and Maritime’s premiere program focused on supporting women in the workplace, Hobbs said she hopes to inject fresh talent into the mix and build upon the successes of previous years.

Hispanic Employment Program Coordinator Ana Vallejo-Coleman said involvement is key to the success of culture programs and it brings an important perspective.

“We want to celebrate how wonderful it is to have a diverse workforce – people with unique ideas and different skills – because we all have something to add to the bigger picture,” she said.

Vallejo-Coleman used the opportunity to promote her committee’s upcoming observance Oct. 4 celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month. The event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Ariana Hoet, a psychologist and executive clinical director at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Vallejo-Coleman said she felt it was important to highlight the needs of Hispanic youth and bring awareness to mental health conditions suffered by children due to the pandemic.

“We really need to start being more inclusive especially at an early age with our kids, having them interact with each other, and embrace who they are and their uniqueness.”

For Der Ling Miller, an Asian/Pacific American Employment Program member, the day was about bringing people together through a shared purpose.

“Sometimes it can be difficult to get people involved but today is an example of how DLA does a great job promoting diversity and cultural awareness,” she said.

A team from the Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Office organized the well-attended lunchtime event, which included several food trucks, musical performances and fitness challenges hosted by DSCC Morale, Welfare and Recreation staff.

Tiara Crowder, a supervisory sports specialist at the installation’s fitness center, said the tie between culture and physical activity is clear.

“Fitness crosses all cultural lines – everybody needs to be fit,” she said.

Multicultural and Diversity Day capped DLA Land and Maritime’s awareness campaign for the DLA Culture Climate Survey. People and Culture is one of three Critical Capabilities in DLA’s Strategic Plan. The survey is conducted every 18-24 months to assess employee attitudes in areas ranging from morale to job satisfaction. All employees are encouraged to complete the survey.

DLA Land and Maritime’s cultural committees are open to all associates. For more information on joining a committee, email ​DLALandandMaritimeEEOSEP@dla.mil.Councils present at the event included the Leadership Development Council, Wellness Council and AGOISSI Toastmasters Club. Interested associates who missed the event are encouraged to reach out directly for more information about membership.