OCFS Agency Newsletter

Dear Colleagues,

March is Women’s History Month and this year’s national theme couldn’t be more perfect as it shines a spotlight on some of the critical issues that are near and dear to my heart – “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.”

I have many goals as acting commissioner at OCFS, but I do hope that my efforts to promote both women’s rights and equity for all become key parts of my legacy of state service. As I said during my presentation last month at the Black History Month celebration hosted by the New York State Department of Civil Service, as the first Black female commissioner of a state human services agency, acting or otherwise, I am keenly aware of how much impact a leader can – and should – have to lift up our communities. My priority is to work toward this goal by focusing on my three guiding pillars of equity, collaboration and innovation.

I see OCFS as a leader in identifying what harmful social policies and practices are present in our state and working to change those to support everyone, regardless of sex, race, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity or expression, and/or sexual identity. Our new Justice and Equity Pledge is one way we are calling on people to commit to working for change.

We know we won’t have true equality or justice for anyone until we eliminate bias and discrimination from our lives, our communities and our institutions, including our social services systems.

Of course, it takes tremendous courage for women and others to advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility – especially in the face of backlash against efforts to advance what should be simple human rights. I am absolutely thrilled that our Women’s History Month celebration this year will feature someone who has displayed such bravery in the face of unspeakable horrors committed against women in Afghanistan.

Our guest speaker on March 11 will be Somaia Sharif Zada, a female attorney forced to flee her native Afghanistan in 2021 when the Taliban regained control of Kabul, the country’s capital. Ms. Sharif Zada is rebuilding her life and her career here in the Capital Region and she hopes to someday return to Afghanistan to continue fighting for women’s freedoms. I hope you will all join me for what is sure to be a fascinating presentation at our March 11 event right here at OCFS.

And March 31 is Transgender Day of Visibility when we strive to raise awareness and normalize the lived experiences of transgender and non-binary people, who too often face discrimination and violence. Once again, I say that everyone – no matter their identity – deserves to feel empowered, included and respected.

A focus on empowerment is also incorporated into this year’s theme for Social Work Month – Empowering Social Workers. Social Work Month, which is celebrated in March as well, is a time to acknowledge all the positive contributions of our fantastic social workers, who advance our goal of equity through collaboration and innovation to uplift the children, families and communities of New York State. Thank you to our social workers – and all employees throughout OCFS – who are working hard to promote equity and diversity!

With gratitude,

Suzanne Miles-Gustave, Esq.
Acting Commissioner