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Diversity Initiatives

The Commonwealth of Kentucky strives to create a work environment that values diversity and inclusion.  Diversity complements the other organizational values of teamwork, leadership, empowerment and service quality and encompasses the way we work, the work environment, and respect for people and ideas. Diversity includes everyone and everything. While its major focus may often revolve around race and gender, it is not something that is defined, or limited to these two factors. Diversity also extends to age, personal and work history, education, function, personality, geographic origin, tenure with the organization, merit and non-merit status, and management or non-management position. It also encompasses varying management styles and ways of thinking, leadership abilities, skill levels, experiences, viewpoints, expression of thoughts and differing ways of delivering services provided there is consistency in the values we share.

The Office of Diversity, Equality, and Training (ODET) is responsible for the development and implementation of a progressive workforce diversity plan.  Our plan is designed to empower the Commonwealth's employees to appreciate the benefits of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond.  In recognition of the variety evident in the cultures, perspectives and circumstances of our employees, we utilize a myriad of approaches with an emphasis on Innovation, Collaboration and Education.  

Maintaining a culture that values increased awareness and respect for an inclusive workplace encourages our employees to support diverse communities, thereby promoting a more socially and economically vibrant Commonwealth.   

  

Created in 1995, the Governor's Minority Management Trainee Program (GMMTP) is a twelve-month transformational leadership development program designed to provide guidance and leadership development opportunities for minority employees in the merit system. A flagship program, the GMMTP has garnered respect and attention as a model for retaining and promoting minorities within state government. The 2021 class of the GMMTP is serving as a pilot for the Personnel Cabinet’s virtual leadership program Read more

For more information on the Governor's Minority Management Trainee Program, please contact Syl Flores​​​ at 502.782.9523​​ or syl.flores@ky.gov