Difference between revisions of "Steve Diggs Candidate Statement"

Latest revision as of 17:33, June 2, 2025

Candidate for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice (EDIJ) Chair

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Steve Diggs

I'm honored to stand for re-election as Chair of ESIP's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice Committee. Over the past year, we've successfully transitioned from an Advisory Committee to a permanent Standing Committee - a testament to ESIP's commitment to institutionalizing EDIJ principles. Our team has recruited new members, established dedicated communication channels (Slack #edij_committee, edij@esipfed.org), and aligned our work with ESIP's strategic goals of broadening participation and fostering an inclusive culture.

In facing unprecedented headwinds against EDIJ work nationally, I propose adopting the BRIDGE approach: Building Resources, Inclusion, and Diversity through Guided Equity. This framework emphasizes measurable progress by bridging gaps between intent and impact, ensuring compliance while advancing opportunities, and creating sustainable pathways for underrepresented groups in Earth science. The BRIDGE approach allows us to navigate current challenges while maintaining our core mission.

A Dual Approach for Lasting Impact

Our strategy combines immediate action with long-term structural change:

Short-term wins: Strengthen partnerships with AGU's D&I Advisory Committee and other organizations to launch visible initiatives like mentoring programs and inclusive event guidelines
Long-term transformation: Embed EDIJ principles into ESIP's governance, collaboration frameworks, and community development through data-driven approaches

Key Priorities for 2025-2027:

Strengthen Foundations: Formalize our committee operations with regular meetings and clear metrics for success
Strategic Partnerships: Expand collaborations with AGU, HBCUs, and international groups to create talent pipelines and share best practices
Resilient Leadership: Showcase how diversity drives innovation in Earth science through case studies and member spotlights

The current climate makes our work more challenging - and more crucial - than ever. By combining practical solutions with principled leadership, we can ensure ESIP remains at the forefront of equitable Earth science. I would be grateful for your support to continue this important work.

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-'''Steve Diggs, Research Data Specialist at the University of California Office of the President (UCOP), Candidate for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice (EDIJ) Chair'''[[File:Steve Diggs.png|alt=Steve Diggs, candidate headshot|thumb|Steve Diggs]] I would be honored to continue serving as the EDIJ Chair. Over the past decade, my involvement with ESIP has allowed me to serve in various elected positions. I was Vice President in 2018 and, most recently, Chair of our Data Stewardship Committee. My professional journey, which includes my current role at UCOP and a 30-year career at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, has been dedicated to providing researchers with critical data.
+'''Candidate for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice (EDIJ) Chair'''[[File:Steve Diggs.png|alt=Steve Diggs, candidate headshot|thumb|Steve Diggs]]
-I have a decades-long commitment to diversity and equity, with EDI leadership roles in various organizations, notably the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and the Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS). In 2021, I was a UCSD Leaders for Equity Advancement and Diversity (LEAD) Fellow, receiving extensive professional EDI training, which enhanced my ability to facilitate discussions and champion diversity initiatives within and between organizations.  I was recently appointed to the inaugural Academic Affairs EDI Workgroup for UCOP, which reports directly to the University of California System Provost.
+I'm honored to stand for re-election as Chair of ESIP's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice Committee. Over the past year, we've successfully transitioned from an Advisory Committee to a permanent Standing Committee - a testament to ESIP's commitment to institutionalizing EDIJ principles. Our team has recruited new members, established dedicated communication channels (Slack #edij_committee, [[/mailto:edij@esipfed.org/|edij@esipfed.org]]), and aligned our work with ESIP's strategic goals of broadening participation and fostering an inclusive culture.
-Since January 2024, when I became the EDIJ Committee Chair, I have led the group's transition to a Standing Administrative Committee. The Committee has recruited new members and established effective communication channels. These efforts have been in line with ESIP's 2023 Annual Report's focus on collaboration, professional development, and fostering a healthy, inclusive culture.
+In facing unprecedented headwinds against EDIJ work nationally, I propose adopting the BRIDGE approach: '''Building Resources, Inclusion, and Diversity through Guided Equity'''. This framework emphasizes measurable progress by bridging gaps between intent and impact, ensuring compliance while advancing opportunities, and creating sustainable pathways for underrepresented groups in Earth science. The BRIDGE approach allows us to navigate current challenges while maintaining our core mission.
-My vision for EDIJ is not just a personal goal, but a strategic direction that reflects the needs and aspirations of the ESIP community. It aligns with ESIP's 2021-2026 Strategic Themes, with a focus on fostering a connected, collaborative community, championing inclusivity and equity, and driving innovation through diverse perspectives. These pillars are essential for our community's continued growth and success.
+'''A Dual Approach for Lasting Impact'''
-Realistically, we are currently facing a period of decreased enthusiasm for EDIJ initiatives, many of which were launched in 2020. In response, I propose a strategic and pragmatic shift to reinforce the tangible benefits of EDI by integrating these values into our recruitment, evaluation, and strategic planning processes.
+Our strategy combines immediate action with long-term structural change:
-I would be honored to continue to serve as Chair of EDIJ, helping ESIP realize its potential and bringing our nascent EDIJ initiatives to fruition.
+* '''Short-term wins:''' Strengthen partnerships with AGU's D&I Advisory Committee and other organizations to launch visible initiatives like mentoring programs and inclusive event guidelines
+* '''Long-term transformation:''' Embed EDIJ principles into ESIP's governance, collaboration frameworks, and community development through data-driven approaches
+'''Key Priorities for 2025-2027:'''
+# '''Strengthen Foundations:''' Formalize our committee operations with regular meetings and clear metrics for success
+# '''Strategic Partnerships:''' Expand collaborations with AGU, HBCUs, and international groups to create talent pipelines and share best practices
+# '''Resilient Leadership:''' Showcase how diversity drives innovation in Earth science through case studies and member spotlights
+The current climate makes our work more challenging - and more crucial - than ever. By combining practical solutions with principled leadership, we can ensure ESIP remains at the forefront of equitable Earth science. I would be grateful for your support to continue this important work.