WILMINGTON, Del —The Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy, a Division of the Delaware Department of Human Resources, in partnership with the Delaware Departments of Labor and Education, released a new report titled- Delaware Women in the Construction Trades: A Path to Economic Security. The report examines the current state of women working in the construction trades and offers concrete solutions for how to increase the number of women participating in fields that have traditionally been male-dominated industries.

The significance of the report is made clear in the face of a looming labor shortage in Delaware’s construction industry with 55% of construction contractors reporting difficulty finding skilled workers in the second quarter of 2022. According to the report, women in Delaware’s construction industry currently make up 9.3% of the total industry, including administrative and sales roles. However, Delaware women represent just 3% of construction and extraction occupations such as plumbers, carpenters, and electricians.

“Increasing the number of Delaware women in construction trades is a win-win for both Delaware families and construction employers,” said Melanie Ross Levin, Director of the Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy. “Delaware women need jobs that have family-sustaining wages, and Delaware construction employers desperately need more skilled talent. This report outlines concrete steps Delaware can take to open construction trades to women of today and girls looking for careers tomorrow.”

The report also pays close attention to the role apprenticeship programs can have in addressing the small number of women working in the construction trades. Several recommendations from the report focus on ways to expand apprenticeship opportunities for women who may be considering a trade, as well as ways to increase support for women already working in the industry.

“Post pandemic, both employers and workers face new workforce dynamics that we all must work together to address,” said Karryl Hubbard, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Labor. “Delaware has more job openings than those looking for work and if Delaware is to remain competitive, all of us need to be at the table developing solutions, including promoting programs designed to reach women and others that have historically been on the outside looking in when it comes to skilled trades.”

OWAA is working with the Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) to highlight specific programming available to job seekers – particularly women – through Registered Apprenticeships and other training programs that DOL champions.

To view the report, visit: de.gov/TradesReport

MEDIA CONTACT: Karen Smith, Department of Human Resources
Karen.M.Smith@delaware.gov

Delaware nonprofits are encouraged to apply to be part of this year’s campaign

DOVER, Del.— The State Employees’ Charitable Campaign (SECC) Steering Committee invites Delaware nonprofit organizations to apply to participate in the 2023 State Employees’ Charitable Campaign (SECC). Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2023.

The SECC provides state employees and retirees the opportunity to support organizations whose programs and services benefit the health and welfare of all Delawareans. Last year, 153 charitable organizations benefited from the campaign. The campaign runs September 1 through October 31, 2023.

“Delaware has a great network of trusted nonprofit partners that provide for our communities,” said Governor Carney. “That’s why our state employees are proud to come together each year to support causes that positively impact where they live and work. I encourage our nonprofit community to apply to participate in this year’s campaign.”

“Since 1991 when the SECC was initiated, state employees have contributed millions of dollars to support the work of hundreds of Delaware charities,” said Claire DeMatteis, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Human Resources and SECC Chairperson. “Charitable organizations are the backbone of our support for families in need, and we encourage these nonprofit organizations to continue to be part of the SECC.”

Interested charities must submit their application by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023.

To learn if your organization is eligible to participate, please review the information on the Resources for Charities page of the SECC website.

For more information, contact Brenda Wyatt, Statewide SECC Coordinator, by email at SECC@delaware.gov or call 302-672-5226.

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Richard M. Potter, Jr. to lead Division of Diversity and Inclusion

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney announced the appointment of Richard M. Potter, Jr. to serve as the State of Delaware’s Chief Diversity Officer. He will oversee the Department of Human Resources’ (DHR) Division of Diversity and Inclusion and lead the state’s commitment to maintaining a state government workforce that is reflective of the state’s population.

As Chief Diversity Officer, Potter will impact every aspect of the state’s recruitment, training, mentorship and leadership development efforts. He will collaborate with state agencies and serve as a liaison to constituents and community partners, implementing initiatives that promote a diverse and inclusive work culture that represents all Delawareans.

“We are committed to creating a work environment that is inclusive, diverse, and representative of all Delawareans,” said Governor Carney. “The Chief Diversity Officer plays a vital role in leading the state’s workforce diversity and inclusion strategies, and I want to thank Richard for stepping up to serve Delaware in this role. I look forward to working with him to build an even stronger community across state government.” 

DHR Secretary Claire DeMatteis said the state conducted a comprehensive search for a new Chief Diversity Officer, considering nearly two dozen qualified candidates.

“Richard stood out among a group of extremely well-qualified candidates,” said Secretary Claire DeMatteis. “He is a highly-accomplished professional with extensive experience in multicultural programming, training, advocacy and communications. What set Richard apart was his career-long commitment to diversity and inclusion, holding senior leadership positions in higher education, non-profit and corporate arenas, as well as serving in leadership positions within the NAACP and other leading advocacy organizations.”

“I am honored and humbled to accept the position of Chief Diversity Officer for the State of Delaware,” said Richard Potter. “This is an opportunity for me to work with the citizens of Delaware to build an inclusive and diverse workplace, community and government. I am committed to creating and sustaining equitable and respectful spaces for all to build a better future for all.”

Potter completed his undergraduate studies at Sojourner Douglass College in 2008 and earned his master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Wilmington University in 2010. In 2011 he was selected to attend the National Council of Black American Affairs Leadership Development Institute in Detroit, Michigan, which prepares African Americans for executive leadership roles in higher education. He currently serves as the president of the NAACP Talbot County Branch, and the president of the Character Counts Mid-Shore Board of Directors. He co-founded the Coalition for Justice for Anton Black and was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the Maryland Black Caucus Foundation. Potter is also a member of the ACLU-MD Board of Directors and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 

Potter will begin serving with the State of Delaware on January 30, 2023. His photo is available online.

SEBC votes to extend current Medicfill coverage for 12 months

DOVER, Del.— The State Employee Benefits Committee (SEBC) held its monthly meeting today, and to comply with Judge Calvin Scott’s interim ruling, the SEBC voted to extend the Medicfill contract for state pensioners for 12 months pursuant to the Emergency Procedures and Critical Need for Professional Services provision of the procurement code, 29 Del. C. §6907. Pending the resolution of the litigation, the SEBC will consider its options for Calendar Year 2024, which include renegotiation of the Highmark BCBS Delaware Medicare Advantage PPO plan contract and rebidding of the State Medicare health plan.

In the coming weeks, all State of Delaware Medicare eligible pensioners will receive additional information regarding Special Medicfill enrollment for the plan year that begins January 1, 2023. Enrollment in the Special Medicfill with prescription plan will automatically continue for individuals currently enrolled. Benefit eligible pensioners who are enrolled in the Special Medicfill without prescription plan or who have waived coverage for the current plan year, will be given the opportunity to make changes effective January 1, 2023.

As additional information becomes available, it will be posted on the DHR – Division of Statewide Benefits (delaware.gov) website and the Office of Pensions website.

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Media Contact:
Karen Smith, Communications Director
Department of Human Resources
Karen.M.Smith@delaware.gov

NEWARK, Del. – The Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee and the Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy, with support from the Delaware Department of Human Resources, inducted seven outstanding women into the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Wednesday evening.

 

This year’s inductees have made significant contributions to the lives of Delawareans. The inductees include Anne Canby, Alice Dunbar-Nelson, Carolyn Fredricks, Teri Quinn Gray, Ilona Holland, Dr. Karyl Rattay, and Aida Waserstein.

 

“It is our honor to recognize these women and their positive impact on our community through this induction ceremony,” said Governor Carney. “Anne Canby, Alice Dunbar-Nelson, Carolyn Fredricks, Teri Quinn Gray, Ilona Holland, Dr. Karyl Rattay, and Aida Waserstein are true role models, and it is our honor to give them the recognition they deserve.”

 

“In addition to the contributions and abiding inspiration provided by the individual honorees, there is a sense of generational connection,” said First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney. “It’s a sense of doors opening, one by one, hardly ever with the first push, and never by just one hand. Thanks to our honorees, past and present, we have so much to celebrate, even as we see so much still to do.”

 

A pioneer in transportation, Anne Canby was the first women to lead the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) in 1993 and was Deputy Director of Transportation during the Carter Administration.

 

“My induction is not just of my work, but that of everyone who actually did the work,” said Anne Canby.

 

The late Alice Dunbar-Nelson was a suffragist, poet, activist, and educator at Howard High School in Wilmington.

 

“[Alice questioned] whether or not future generations would have the opportunity to learn about her legacy. But thanks to the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame selecting her as one of this year’s inductees, people will know her story and her impact in the state of Delaware and beyond,” said Monet Lewis-Timmons who championed Dunbar-Nelson’s nomination and accepted the award on her behalf.

 

Carolyn Fredricks is the Executive Director of the Modern Maturity Center and longtime advocate for Delaware seniors.

 

“For 50 years I have been doing a job I absolutely love,” said Carolyn Fredricks. “Not many people can say that. I love the people and I love the staff. It has been my honor and privilege to be of service to the older adults of Kent County.”

 

A former DuPont scientist, Teri Quinn Gray, now works as Chief Operating Officer at the science-based crop protection company, Provivi, in California.

 

“I bring greetings in the spirit of Ubuntu, an African concept that self-identity is understood best through community,” said Teri Quinn Gray. “Tonight, is a testament of this. Whereas I am because we are, we are because I am.”

 

Ilona Holland is a children’s educator with a focus on literacy. She has consulted on children’s educational TV programming, authored numerous children’s books, and is a partner with the Delaware State Library system. Addressing the young people in the room, Holland encouraged them to look for role models, never give-up, to ask for and accept help, and to pass on their kindness.

 

“If you embrace these principles, you will experience incredible personal rewards, you will make a difference, and you too will find a place in someone’s hall of fame,” said Ilona Holland.

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Karyl Rattay served as Director of Delaware’s Division of Public Health. She holds the longest tenure in the role.

 

“I am proud of what we did to improve Public Health as an agency, along with the health of our residents… It has been the greatest honor of my lifetime to serve Delawareans in this role,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay.

 

Aida Waserstein is a retired judge of the Family Court of Delaware. She has written several children’s books with the goal of helping foster children by telling her own immigrant story.

 

“We are all stronger when we welcome people of other backgrounds, with distinct languages, skills, talents and world views. The result is a fresh outlook and innovative ideas that nourish our society and makes us better people with deeper foundations of caring and understanding,” said Aida Waserstein.

 

The Hall of Fame of Delaware Women was established in 1981 and is the oldest annual celebration of its kind commemorating Delaware women. Eligible women must have been born in Delaware or resided in the state for minimum of ten years.