Climate, Culture, and Inclusion Task Force explores new ways to engage IT

The Climate, Culture, and Inclusion (CCI) task force resumed its networking breakfast series on Tuesday, October 24, to reestablish its membership, increase face-to-face interaction, and find new ways of engaging with the community. Sponsored by current Chair Jeremy Rosenberg, the group was formed in response to feedback in the 2019 Workplace survey to ensure Yale IT is a Workplace of Choice.

Thus far, CCI’s accomplishments include establishing best practices to recruit more diverse candidates, participating in the SLT interview process, conducting diverse panel interviews, and completing unconscious bias training, amongst others. While significant improvements have been made, the team is looking at new ways to engage IT staff. We spoke to new and longstanding members to get their thoughts on this important cultural work and learn what compelled them to get involved.

Tristen Lawrence (software engineer): I first heard about CCI upon joining the university and was inspired to get involved following a mental health and wellness session conducted by Katherine Kraschel of Yale Law School’s Solomon Center. My engagement with CCI has led to thought-provoking dialogues and introduced me to individuals across ITS whom I may have never met otherwise. I’d encourage any of my peers within ITS to attend a CCI event when it appears on their calendars. It’s not only an opportunity to forge unexpected connections but also a chance to demonstrate our collective dedication to creating an inclusive environment within Yale ITS.

Hannah Endri (business systems analyst ): I went to a breakfast that CCI held, where I got to meet some of its members and hear more about the group. They emphasized how they strive to make Yale a workplace of choice and want to improve the work environment. I was happy to hear members speak to this with personal stories and was inspired to join because I care about inclusion and allowing people to feel safe.

Netal Patel (IT manager): I have been at Yale for a little over five years now, and as I became more acclimated to the culture here, I was talking to my manager about how I want to do more to help make an impact. I spoke to her about my interest in joining the CCI group, primarily since I had attended some of the events in the past. What I enjoyed about attending those events was how they focused on various diverse topics that impact us personally and as a community based on what is happening in the world. I felt that CCI helped to create that open and safe space for me to share my feedback and input based on my experiences. It was also an opportunity to learn more about the Yale landscape and the culture while building relationships with my peers. We can feel comfortable talking about topics and sharing ideas based on some of the actual situations we face as an employee in a working environment.

Learn more about the group Charter and see how you can participate and contribute to Yale IT’s culture. We invite you to share your ideas with us at its.cci@yale.edu .