Celebrating Hispanic heritage in Baltimore

Courtesy Photo | Miguel Joey Aviles is thanked by Charlene Ivey, Defense Contract Management Agency Baltimore director, following his presentation on diversity during the office’s Oct. 11 Hispanic heritage event.  

BALTIMORE, MD, UNITED STATES

10.18.2012

Story by Patrick Tremblay 

Defense Contract Management Agency

BALTIMORE - Defense Contract Management Agency employees gathered here last week to learn about and celebrate Hispanic culture. The event, “Diversity is Good: How to Embrace, Employ, and Enjoy Diversity,” was part of an ongoing series put together by the DCMA Baltimore Equal Employment Opportunity Special Emphasis team.

Following a Latin-American themed lunch, Special Emphasis coordinator Tony Labath introduced guest speaker Miguel Joey Aviles. Aviles spoke to about 70 agency employees, many participating through video teleconference or watching on Defense Connect Online.

“Hispanics have been a part of the success of this country,” began Aviles, “and having that diversity is good.”

The presentation was given in two parts. First, Aviles spoke specifically about the Hispanic community in the United States. Aviles said the culture is diverse within itself, including people of all races and faiths, as well as origins in more than two dozen countries. Aviles said 11 percent of active duty service members across all branches are Hispanic, as are 17 percent of new recruits.

The second part of Aviles’s presentation focused on diversity as a whole, encouraging participants to look at their personal beliefs and to actively seek ways to learn more about other cultures and communities.

“The event was certainly successful,” said Labath. “As the DCMA Baltimore EEO Special Emphasis coordinator and as a deaf person, I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Aviles’ message about diversity.”

Labath said people need to bring their own culture and ways of doing things to the workplace. “At the same time,” said Labath, “be able to accept and appreciate other people who bring their own culture and ways. If it means going beyond our comfort zones to appreciate life that is so full of diversity, so be it!”

Following the presentation, Charlene Ivey, DCMA Baltimore director, thanked Aviles, saying, “It was a wonderful presentation, and I think a lot of people enjoyed it very much.”

• Date Taken: 10.18.2012
• Date Posted: 11.02.2012 15:02
• Story ID: 97193
• Location: BALTIMORE, MD, US