University of Georgia
IN-39: Sustainability Office Diversity Program

Internship positions are now advertised through Handshake and intentionally shared with diverse organizations at UGA for communication among various networks. The goal of this new focus is to increase representation of underrepresented groups within the Office of Sustainability staff and internship program.

The Office of Sustainability hosts office-wide intern meetings once a week. Staff discuss project progress, career readiness, professional development, and DEI training. The fall 2020 DEI trainings began with a discussion on the importance of racial equity and social justice. Content from the training included differentiating between equality and equity, the relationship between sustainability and racial equity, and applications of social justice in each staff members' responsibilities. The Office also held a dialogue administered by the J.W. Fanning Institute of :leadership Development. Raye Rawls led a discussion on identity, brave spaces, implicit bias, and constructive communication with topics such as DEI.

-The Office of Sustainability has weekly intern meetings that often include speakers associated with the office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. They lead discussions about topics such as "engaging diverse communities", "human rights and social justice", and "cultural awareness and competency".
-Developed an OoS Inclusion Survey to gain insight into perceptions of Green Fee-funded student programs with the intention of enhancing participation among diverse student populations (to be released during spring semester 2021).
-Prioritizing academic and cultural diversity when developing programs and work teams. Added a statement regarding the culture of the OoS workplace on the About page of the
OoS website and a link to the OoS DEI Plan on the Reports page.

-The Secret Curriculum Project started by Oisakhose Aghomo, an undergraduate student in the Department of International Affairs, under the direction of Dr. Leah Carmichael in the School of Public and International Affairs. The goal of the project is to enhance equitable open access to academic and career-related opportunities and funding for students, specifically for historically underrepresented groups in the student body.

Megan Lee is a clinical social worker and Ph.D. social work doctoral candidate at the University of Georgia. She serves as a graduate assistant responsible for the Office of Sustainability Internship Program. Lee’s research interests include equity, diversity, and inclusivity of students of color in investment strategies. Megan led weekly office-wide intern meetings including discussions on racial equity, implicit bias, and social justice as a part of the new DEI initiatives for the office.