Winter Cultural Events Provide Joy and Comfort
By Paola Adler and Albert Rodriguez
Celebrating MLK Day and Black History Month
LADWP was well represented at the annual Kingdom Day Parade in South L.A. on January 16, thanks to the participation of General Manager and Chief Engineer Martin L. Adams, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Robert J. Meteau Jr., and employees from the LADWP National Society of Black Engineers (LADWP-NSBE). The Kingdom Day Parade is America’s largest birthday celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and features marching bands, dance performances, parade floats, celebrities and elected officials.
After the threat of rain, it was nothing but sunshine and blue skies for the LADWP marching contingent, that featured a large LADWP boom truck used in electrical linework bedecked with banners and decals. The boom truck was trailed by two of the latest electric vehicles in LADWP’s fleet, including an F-150 and a Mustang Mach-E. The parade was a great opportunity to engage with the community and show that LADWP employees and leadership are committed to honoring the legacy of Dr. King by building a stronger Los Angeles through equity, service, innovation and opportunity.
View photos from the event below, photos by Art Mochizuki.
In February, LADWP also recognized Black History Month, kicking off the month with a statement to all employees from the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
"Now more than ever, it is essential that we not only celebrate the history, culture, and experiences of Black Americans but that we fundamentally strive to do our part to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout LADWP. Progress has no end, but it does have a beginning."
Read the full Announcement here.
The Office of DEI and Corporate Strategy and Communications also collaborated on a series of videos highlighting the contributions of LADWP’s African American employees and the Department’s history of black excellence. Social media posts will be shared across all channels throughout the month, and employees can access the video series on Vimeo.
Supporting Employees During a Challenging Lunar New Year
LADWP came together on February 2 to celebrate Lunar New Year and provide support to employees in the wake of the tragic Monterey Park shooting, which affected the family of one of our staff members. One of the victims, Valentino Alvero, is the father of Kristenne Reidy, a Senior Utility Accountant for the Financial Services Office.
Employees gathered at the JFB cafeteria and virtually via WebEx to hear powerful speeches from Board of Water and Power Commission President Cynthia McClain-Hill, General Manager and Chief Engineer Martin L. Adams, IBEW Local 18 Business Manager Gus Corona, LADWP ASPIRE President Deborah Hong and Utility Services Manager and City Clerk of Monterey Park Maychelle Yee.
“During the Lunar New Year season, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community should be ushering in a prosperous, healthy, and safe new year. Instead we found ourselves mourning the aftermath of another senseless act of gun violence," said Board President McClain-Hill, who also led a moment of silence for the victims. "We know that this occurrence has sadly become too familiar, and yet always more painful than the last. But the stress and trauma that it brings to all of us is real, and I want to make sure we recognize our shared grief.”
Employee emotional support resources, including the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Optum, were onsite during the event to provide assistance and additional information. Lunar New Year refreshments were also enjoyed after the event concluded.
Read the Bulletin on the tragedy in Monterey Park here.
“If there’s anything I’ve seen throughout my career, it is that Los Angeles and our workforce are full of resilient, strong and persevering people who manage to rise above adversity and darkness. This grit will always shine through and is worth celebrating on Lunar New Year and always.”
Martin L. Adams, General Manager and Chief Engineer
View photos from the event below, photos by Art Mochizuki
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