Voices of GovCIO

Appreciating and encouraging diversity of thought means fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to share their ideas, regardless of their title, background, or familiarity with a subject. Growing up in companies that embraced a “best idea wins” culture, Kathleen was fortunate to experience firsthand the value of feeling heard and valued. Now, she aims to pass on that same sense of encouragement and engagement to others.

As an introvert, Kathleen understands the challenges of speaking up, particularly when feeling less knowledgeable or like an outsider. However, she has come to recognize that sometimes, it’s precisely this fresh perspective that leads to innovative solutions. Kathleen makes a conscious effort to engage with those who may be hesitant to share their thoughts, seeking to understand their perspectives and contribute to a more inclusive dialogue.

While she’s still on a journey of learning and growth, Kathleen is wired to push herself and others to achieve what may seem impossible. Embracing discomfort and pursuing stretch assignments has become integral to her personal and professional development.

Outside of work, Kathleen cherishes spending time with her family, especially supporting her kids in their various sports activities. They’re also avid Disney fans, making frequent visits to the parks whenever possible.

Ultimately, Kathleen’s hope is for a future where Diversity Month isn’t necessary because inclusion is ingrained in their daily lives. The richness of experiences and ideas that come with genuine inclusion is invaluable and something worth striving for every day.

For Kai, diversity of thought entails sharing perspectives respectfully and fostering the growth of new ideas and mindsets.

Working directly with those who need assistance as a Field Service Engineer, Kai recognizes the significant impact of entry-level engineers on the company’s operations. Kai aims to dismantle preconceived notions about neurodivergent workers with creativity and kindness, advocating for recognition of their contributions at all levels of the organization.

Kai’s hobbies include exploring local businesses, connecting with fellow neurodivergent and LGBT individuals in fandoms, cosplay, social media content creation, and creative writing.

Despite facing challenges, Kai remains steadfast in her commitment to personal and professional growth, staying true to herself and championing diverse perspectives. She is deeply passionate about educating others about autism and advocating for the necessary accommodations to empower neurodivergent individuals in the workplace. During Diversity Month and beyond, Kai is dedicated to embracing her authentic self, engaging with others, and continually striving to be her best self.

Vicki believes that diversity of thought is fundamental to human interaction and progress. She sees it as a natural aspect of human nature, where each person’s unique perspective, experiences, culture, and identity shape how they interpret and engage with the world. As a leader, Vicki recognizes the importance of understanding her team members’ perspectives for successful collaboration. She understands that meaningful conversations, growth opportunities, and contextual understanding arise from embracing diverse viewpoints.

As the Senior Portfolio Director supporting RES, Vicki oversees a team from diverse ethnic, religious, cultural and professional experiences. This diversity fuels innovative thinking and problem-solving, leading to creative solutions. Vicki ensures that all team members feel valued and encouraged to contribute their unique perspectives, fostering an environment where ideas are welcomed and voices are heard.

In her church, Vicki actively promotes cultural diversity as part of the Women’s Leadership Team, recognizing the importance of inclusivity and understanding diverse opinions in fostering growth.

With April designated as ‘Diversity Month,’ Vicki sees it as an opportunity to celebrate the uniqueness within her teams and further encourage them to speak up and share diverse viewpoints. For her, embracing diversity isn’t just a professional obligation, but a personal commitment to continuous growth and inclusivity in every aspect of life.

When Catrina reflects on the concept of “diversity,” her mind naturally gravitates towards the idea of “variety.” This notion isn’t confined to specific categories like race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, or religious beliefs; rather, it encompasses the rich tapestry of differences inherent in every individual. People come from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, yet despite societal classifications based on factors like social status or political ideology, Catrina believes that our inherent uniqueness remains paramount.

Even among identical twins, whose DNA may be identical, each person possesses a distinct fingerprint, emphasizing the unparalleled nature of every individual. This realization resonates deeply with Catrina, echoing the sentiment expressed in Psalms 139:14 (KJV) that each person is fearfully and wonderfully made by a divine creator.

So, why prioritize diversity? Catrina believes that the inherent uniqueness within each person already establishes a foundation of diversity. Regardless of the “groups” to which individuals belong, their personal uniqueness contributes value to shared causes, purposes, missions, and goals. This inclusivity, Catrina argues, is what makes diversity truly beautiful.

In her role as a Project Manager at GovCIO, Catrina’s approach transcends aligning solely with specific teams; instead, she engages with multiple teams to foster cohesion and support toward achieving collective goals. This commitment extends beyond the workplace into all aspects of her life, from her family and church to her sons’ sporting events, where she sees the beauty of diversity in action.

For Catrina, celebrating diversity isn’t confined to a single month; it’s an ongoing journey woven into the fabric of her daily existence. She hopes that others will embrace this mindset and recognize the richness that diversity brings to every aspect of life.

“Diversity of thought” encompasses the idea that individuals bring unique perspectives, experiences, and ideas to the table. It goes beyond visible differences like race, gender, or ethnicity, including diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and ways of thinking. This fosters an environment where every voice is valued, and varying viewpoints are not only tolerated but embraced as essential for innovation and problem-solving.

In his role as the Foreign Military Sales Program Director at GovCIO, Jose actively promotes diversity of thought. He does so by encouraging open dialogue, soliciting input from all team members, and challenging conventional wisdom. By creating a culture where diverse perspectives are welcomed, Jose believes they can better understand the complex issues they tackle and devise more comprehensive solutions. Beyond Foreign Mission Partners, Jose’s team engages with diverse communities and cultures, participating in forums and discussions to fully grasp the impact diversity of thought has on their strategic approach, ultimately enhancing their ability to deliver and increase customer satisfaction.

Jose’s “why” is defined as his purpose or desire to empower himself and those around him to evolve and grow as catalysts for positive change, both professionally and within his community. It’s not just a statement of purpose but a commitment to making a positive difference in the world, one empowered individual at a time. Diversity Month holds great significance for Jose as a Hispanic individual, serving as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to ensure that all voices are heard and valued. It’s a time to reflect and reaffirm their dedication to nurturing environments where everyone can feel respected, empowered, and poised for success.