Three 100 word responses each due 10/21/2023

100-word response

Perez

Prior to “coming back” to the HR world two years ago, I was an operations manager in the facility industry. I managed multiple accounts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and was the appointed “mentor” for our Manager in Training program. However, I always kept going back to the people side of the business and decided to pursue a career in HR. I then completed my undergraduate degree in Human Resources and shortly after obtained my SHRM certification as well as a specialty credential in People Analytics.

Presently, the firm is ran by the HR Director and owner of the company. We have a team of HR Managers, including myself, who are the consultants with assigned clients, and we also have specialists who oversee payroll and recruiting. All aspects of our team complement each other to provide a full outsourced service to our clients.

In my HR career I have witnessed discrimination in a “subtle” way, either by prejudice comments, jokes and actions. I do believe training and development about discrimination in the workplace is extremely important because it brings light to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

100-word response

Ware

The School Board Of Broward County’s Human Resources Department is structured as Samantha Gordon as the Manager (title Manager I). Samantha reports to Debbie-Ann Scott who is the Director of Compensation and Human Resource Support Services. Debbie-Ann reports to David Azzarito, Jr. and his title is Chief of Human Resources and Equity. David reports to Valerie Wanza who is Deputy Superintendent, Chief of Staff. Lastly, Valerie reports to Peter Licata who is our Superintendent of Schools. Susan Cooper is also a Director for Employee and Labor Relations. In Samantha Gordon’s role she oversees the department where all employees’ personnel records are stored. Her departments provide public records request information to SBBC/BCPS stakeholders. Her employees are responsible to “maintain the district’s official employee personnel files of more than 34,000 full-time and part-time employees; verify employment and income for lending institutions, other school districts, public and state agencies; comply with subpoenas and public records requests for access to and copies of district personnel files; convert the district’s official employee personnel files to electronic images; process unemployment compensation claims, hearings and appeals; process annual documents such as employee performance appraisals and reappointment letters; work experience credit; college credit incentive program payments; good and perfect attendance payments; HR action processing; and management of employee master data information.” 
www.browardschools.com
Links to an external site.
. This tell me that SBBC/BCPS takes the relevance of securing employees personnel information in all aspects of each person’s life. There is one point of contact for that vital department in getting personal issues resolved. SBBC/BCPS believes strongly in providing great customer service to its internal customers as well. 

On September 11, 2001, it was a devastating, unforgettable day in American history. I was seven (7) months pregnant with my 2nd daughter and was working in American Express’ (Amex) Executive Consumer Relations Department. Although American Express headquarters are in New York, New York, all of the phone calls and correspondence intended for the Chief Executive Officer (Kenneth Chenault at the time) and all of its global Vice Presidents, these matters were handled out of Amex’ Southern Regional Office (SROC) located in Plantation, FL. I received a telephone call from an irate caller. This man refused to allow me to assist him because of my race. He yelled at me that he refused to talk with a Black girl (although I was 34 years old) and requested my supervisor. Because of the day’s emotion running very high and the discovery of many loved ones being killed, I tried not to meet his level of emotion even though he was extremely upset. After waiting for the caller to finish venting, I expressed to him that yes he is correct that I am a Black lady who’s team leader is also a Black lady who reports to a Black lady and fortunately our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kenneth Chenault is a Black man! Now knowing this, will you allow me the opportunity of addressing your concern and I can assure you that your concern will be handled with the utmost importance and care. He said yes!

100-word response

Thomas

  In my work organization the HR structure is govern by the Mississippi Department of Education since it is a public school. Next in line is the school board, followed by the Superintendent, then the Principal, lead teachers, teachers and support staff. Currently at the school I work at the top HR professional is Principal Earl. She is the one that make sure the school is in compliance with the staff and students. Principal Earl reports to the Superintendent of Greenville Public School District. Also, Principal Earl has a Lead Teacher which she can delegate some things to her to lighten her load. Principal Earl has to make sure that the policies are strictly enforced. Teachers also helps enforce the rules while providing instruction to the students. Principal Earl tries to ensure that her staff is felt appreciated. She gives random treats to employees, provide food, and personalized items with the school name on it throughout the year. She corrects employees when they are wrong in a loving manner. Principal Earl seems like one of us teachers because of the relationship that she has with her employees. She also helps teachers with whatever they may need. She helps with lesson plans, cancels her non-negotiables if several staff members is overwhelmed.  Principal Earl gets the chance to give her input along with other principals about information that the Superintendent talks about in principal’s meeting. My principal sets up dates to restaurants just to fellowship outside of the school for anyone that wants to participates. She also encourages staff members to be there for their families. 

    I have witnessed discrimination at one of the elementary schools that I have worked. There was this teacher that had problems with their health. To me the principal during that time seem to have a problem with that employee. I truly feel as if the person’s disability had something to do with it. This teacher would miss several days of work due to their health. Also, some days the teacher would leave early because of her having seizures. Now, I actually thought she was doing a great job with her kids that she taught. Several employees were making references to what was going on. I did not do anything because I was minding my business. Actually, I was not around them all the time to know what exactly was transpiring. Now, there once was a time that I witnessed when the teacher came to tell other teachers that she was going home because she just had a seizure. I guess sometimes we as individuals turn a blinds eye to some things to keep from getting involved in certain situations. I was not in the room when the teacher was evaluated to know how her performance was in her classroom. I feel like everyone should be treated fairly even if they have a disability. After thinking about this situation, I wished that I had stepped up and at least tried to speak out about it.