CAHNRS Operations is the first team within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences to be recognized with the CAHNRS For All DEI Seed Ribbon.
The college’s office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence established the ribbon system this spring to acknowledge and inspire units fostering a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive community.
Ribbons are offered in three ascending tiers: Seed, Sprout, and Bloom. Each tier contains projects that help build inclusive teams and welcoming environments.
“To be successful, DEI needs everyone to contribute,” said Luz María Gordillo, assistant dean for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusive Excellence. “We wanted a way to motivate departments to compete with their good work and take accountability for how they infuse diversity, equitability, and inclusion in their own units.”
Embracing DEI is vital to creating a great work environment, said K@ Odell, the unit’s administrative and land services manager and an active CAHNRS DEI Committee member who played a key role in organizing the team’s efforts.
Day to day, the twelve members of CAHNRS Operations work behind the scenes to keep the college’s facilities and technological infrastructure running smoothly.
“We may be a small unit, but we realized we could have a significant impact and lead by example,” she said. “By fostering an inclusive environment within our small team, we create a positive ripple effect for everyone we interact with.”
To achieve the Seed tier ribbon, units must establish a DEI committee; have members from every level engage in unit DEI activities; develop DEI trainings, workshops, and other accessibility efforts; and establish and document community norms. Further tiers — Sprout and Bloom — have additional requirements for projects, training, and involvement.
Purposefully seeking the seed ribbon, the Operations unit set out to include DEI as a vital component of its work, incorporating it in group meetings, professional development, and daily interactions.
“We started by looking at where our differences are,” Odell said. “Our uniqueness lay in how our brains worked. We focused on the strengths all bring to the table.”
The unit created a committee of the whole, including every member in DEI decision making. Members developed a charter and expectations and looked for ways to bring in a DEI component to meetings, training, and other activities.
The Operations team is excited to have their DEI program in place, Director Kimi Lucas said.
“It provides the structure to further our unit’s goals of delivering exceptional service and value to the college,” she said.
“Operations really exemplifies the CAHNRS For All spirit,” Gordillo said. “Their entire unit is making decisions that foster a welcoming environment, empower all members, and contribute to their unique talents. They help us think holistically about what diversity means for everyone in CAHNRS.”
By embracing team members’ unique perspectives, backgrounds, and talents, the unit has found creativity, innovation, and fresh solutions, Odell said. Another outcome is an aware and open mindset that is passed on to its customers by better understanding their needs.
“We continue to learn, grow, and create an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued,” Odell said.
Gordillo hopes the first award inspires additional units to pursue a Seed, Sprout, or Bloom ribbon.
“This goes beyond departments to involve the entire college,” she said. “Be a part of something bigger: help us show that CAHNRS is truly for everyone.”
To learn more about the CAHNRS For All DEI Ribbons and how to apply, visit cahnrs.wsu.edu/dei/ribbon-system/