Dynamic EEO Specialist with extensive experience at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, excelling in discrimination investigations and employee training. Proven track record of achieving 100% timeliness in EEO complaint processing while leading strategic initiatives. Strong analytical thinker and team leader dedicated to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead EEO Specialist
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
Bloomington
12.2018 - Current
Led EEO initiatives with comprehensive knowledge of EEO complaint processes and federal discrimination laws.
Oversaw EEO investigations to ensure timely completion, achieving 100% timeliness in FY2020, FY2021, FY2022, 99%in FY2023 and 100% in FY2024.
Drafted Performance Work Statement and engaged in contractor recompete process for FY2024.
Reviewed Investigative Plans and Reports of Investigation for completeness, providing feedback on deficiencies.
Conducted training on federal EEO processing and provided guidance on EEO laws organization-wide.
Spearheaded efficiency project to identify strategies for improving processing times; participated in Department of Homeland Security workgroups.
Directed Anti-Reprisal campaign, educating employees on reprisal through training sessions and outreach, resulting in 942 website hits and training 588 individuals.
Served as member of Employee Engagement Advisory Board, enhancing office morale and organizing engagement events, including managing the annual awards program.
EEO Specialist and ADR Program
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
Bloomington
06.2017 - 12.2018
Achieved 100% timeliness rate and improved participation rates in mediation sessions.
Executed collateral ADR duties while assisting ADR Program Manager with program operations.
Managed priority action plan projects, including mediation benchmarking and data analysis.
Drafted and revised intake guidance materials to encourage complainant participation in mediations.
Provided training for specialists and staff on updated guidance procedures.
Conducted mediations as a qualified neutral, volunteering for Federal Executive Board mediations.
Acquired invoicing and billing knowledge for contract mediators in preparation for future responsibilities.
Diversity and Inclusion Sub-Council Member
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Minneapolis
10.2015 - 06.2017
Organized diversity and inclusion events, enhancing office engagement.
Secured speakers and managed logistics for events on diverse topics throughout the year.
Facilitated educational sessions including learning luncheons and panel discussions to promote staff awareness.
Enforcement Supervisor
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Minneapolis
08.2009 - 06.2017
Oversaw investigations of private discrimination complaints across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Supervised Investigators and support staff, and provided technical assistance on civil rights laws.
Assigned cases and reviewed investigative work for compliance with EEOC policies.
Guided Investigators in techniques and analyses related to Charges of Discrimination.
Participated in systemic investigations by assisting with fact-finding and drafting correspondence.
Collaborated with legal unit and Director on complex investigations.
Facilitated training opportunities while participating in hiring and onboarding of new staff.
Acting Enforcement Supervisor
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Minneapolis
08.2007 - 08.2009
Managed Investigative Support Assistant and administrative team in processing Charges of Discrimination.
Evaluated intake questionnaires for compliance.
Assigned investigative charges while monitoring office workload.
Collaborated with Investigators to ensure effective investigation execution.
Reviewed correspondence for accuracy and adherence to agency standards.
Addressed performance issues through direct discussions with staff.
Investigator
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Minneapolis
06.1999 - 08.2007
Executed intake and investigative functions in accordance with federal employment laws.
Conducted investigative interviews, fact-finding conferences, and settlement conferences.
Managed large case load and made recommendations to Director based on comprehensive evaluations of submitted evidence.
Prepared letters, subpoenas, and Investigative Memorandums following agency guidelines.
Reviewed findings from state and city Fair Employment Practices Agencies to ensure compliance.
Judicial Law Clerk
State of Minnesota
Red Wing
06.1998 - 06.1999
Researched and prepared court orders and memoranda for trial court judge signature.
Observed court proceedings to assist judge with case disposition in various legal areas.
Facilitated management of court files in family, civil, criminal, probate, and juvenile law.
Law Clerk - Civil Division
Minneapolis City Attorney's Office
Minneapolis
11.1997 - 06.1998
Supported attorneys by conducting thorough legal research and drafting documents across diverse areas including civil rights, employment discrimination, worker's compensation, and municipal liability.
Education
Professional degree - Law
Hamline University School of Law
St. Paul, MN, United States
05.1998
Bachelor's degree - Political Science
Hamline University
St. Paul, MN, United States
05.1995
Some college -
Luther College
Decorah, IA, United States
Skills
EEO compliance
Discrimination investigations
Team leadership
Developing and providing training
Employee engagement
Organizational skills
Job Related Training
Final Agency Decisions training
General Mediation training
32 hour Investigator training and EEO refreshers
Accept/Dismiss training
Fundamentals of Performance Management
New Manager training
Courses related to civil rights laws
Accomplishments
FY2023 Collaboration Award for Training Cadre
FY2022 Excellence in Leadership Award
FY2021 Leadership Award
FY2020 Director's Torch Award for Training Cadre
FY2019 Innovator Award
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Lead EEO Specialist
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
12.2018 - Current
EEO Specialist and ADR Program
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
Personnel Security Specialist at United States Citizenship and Immigration ServicesPersonnel Security Specialist at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Member at United States Citizenship and Immigration ServicesFBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Member at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services