While Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Regional Director Randall Young usually takes the lead on this column, he has handed it over to me this month to highlight DECâs successful Womenâs Initiative. The initiative started three years ago after a group of women brought the idea to DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos, who encouraged its creation as a way to provide new opportunities for professional growth and to foster career development for women in the agency.
Outcomes of the initiative include providing opportunities for the women of the DEC to connect with colleagues statewide through mentoring opportunities and a speakersâ series in which DEC staff participate as panelists on a variety of topics. These events are usually held during lunch hours and if staff canât attend, the sessions are recorded to view at a later date.