I am pleased to have the opportunity to introduce our first “special feature” newsletter of 2021. We’ll take this approach periodically throughout the year as we sharpen our focus on a particular area of CCSI’s practice. This month we want to share some important updates on our evolving work in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and racial justice. Those of you who know CCSI well may already appreciate our long history of work in this area, dating back to the mid-90s, when led by Lenora Reid-Rose, we worked in Monroe County and across NYS to bring education, training and accountability for culturally competent practice in behavioral health. While we are grounded in these strong roots and the experiences we have gained through partnering with so many organizations committed to changing both culture and practice, we are equally mindful of the need to listen, learn and continue to adapt. While this work is urgent and long overdue, building the path to sustained and meaningful change requires a skilled and intentional approach, matched with a deep, ongoing, organizational commitment and the desire for accountability at all levels. 

CCSI is pleased to be working with the following customers:

Fairport Central School District further develops cultural responsiveness in their quest to embrace diversity, be more inclusive and strive for equity. CCSI is providing them assistance with data analysis and collection, professional development for staff, and strategic planning to help them continue to move their district towards being more culturally responsive to the needs of the students, parents, teachers and the community. Read More

Jewish Family Services has been working to build and maintain a culturally competent, inclusive organizational environment, and has made progress in some areas through this internal approach. We are pleased to be supporting Jewish Family Services in these efforts through a workshop entitled: Morality as a Social Determinate of Health. Employees learned about how morality impacts behavior and what they can do to affect change to address inequities, disparities, discrimination, bigotry, and racism. Read More

Greater Rochester Health Foundation (GRHF) puts equity at the center of every conversation and decision. GRHF staff will be completing CCSI’s web-based Organizational Diversity Survey, which collects the demographic composition of the organization to aid in diversity initiatives and strategic recruitment, as well as utilizing internal staff’s cultural memberships and expertise to inform equity initiatives and funding priorities.

CCSI is pleased to be working in partnership with the Community Technical Assistance Center (CTAC) on the new Data & Equity Learning Collaborative. This series takes data driven decision making to the next level and integrates racial equity into the performance process to support delivery of quality-focused and effective services, using a learning community approach over five, two-hour sessions, from February to May 2021.

We are pleased to share the first video, Intro to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, in CCSI's new mini video series. In this series, Kesha Carter, Chief Diversity Officer explains all the basics of DEI, from privilege to microaggressions and everything in between. This is a 10 part series and a new 3-5 minute video on different topics will be released each month. Check out the first episode below!

CCSI was pleased to welcome Betty García Mathewson, Senior Consultant to the consulting team back in November. In her role, Betty provides leadership to the cultural competence and racial equity work and provides support to CCSI's external customers in the community. To get to know Betty a little bit more, check out the video below where she elaborates on why she joined CCSI, why this work is important to her, and more!

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of Black people in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.

Congratulations to CCSI’s Board Chair, Heidi Schult Gregory, Managing Partner, Rochester Office, Harris Beach PLLC, on her ATHENA award nomination! The ATHENA International Award is given annually to a professional female leader who has demonstrated significant achievements in business, community service, and the professional advancement of women. We are so grateful for her leadership and dedication to our Board of Directors! Check out the full list of nominees here. The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and Women's Council Affiliate plan to present these prestigious awards at the 35th annual ATHENA International Awards celebration on April 22nd.

CCSI has a need for talented professionals looking to contribute their expertise, expand their influence, and manage their careers to meet personal aspirations. We offer opportunities across different service lines, geographies, and functions.