Jessica Olive

This report outlines the Asian American Employment Plan, an annual initiative by Illinois Central Management Services to increase the number of Asian American employees within State agencies and ensure a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workforce. The plan details progress for FY25 and establishes strategic goals for FY26. Key focus areas include expanding recruitment and outreach partnerships, promoting agency accountability for outreach representation, supporting data-driven workforce goals, expanding State internship and fellowship opportunities, enhancing bilingual pay and language access representation, and strengthening the Asian American Employment Plan Advisory Council's engagement.

This annual report for Fiscal Year 2025 outlines efforts to increase Hispanic/Latinx employment within Illinois State agencies and sets goals for Fiscal Year 2026. It analyzes progress in building a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workforce, noting an overall increase in Hispanic/Latinx employees while highlighting a continued need for improvement in leadership representation. The plan focuses on key strategic areas including strengthening the talent pool, advancing bilingual access and pay equity, improving data integrity and accountability, enhancing veteran recruitment and retention, fostering equity across agencies, and increasing Council engagement and community collaboration. The overarching goal is to achieve a State workforce that reflects Illinois' diverse population and ensures equitable opportunities and access to services.

The event was the third annual Women's History Month panel titled "Women in State Government: Leading the Change Through Service & Systems for a Sustainable Future." The discussion featured reflections on leadership journeys, lessons learned, and the responsibility of stewarding public trust, emphasizing collaboration, empathy, and equity in public service. Key participants discussed their roles leading complex state systems, including transportation, health and human services, and early childhood development. The moderator also acknowledged the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Jr., highlighting his commitment to gender pay equity.

This document details the kickoff of the fourth G.O.A.L. cohort, a leadership development program designed for state employees in Illinois. The program aims to cultivate public service leaders who exhibit stewardship, curiosity, and the courage to improve state systems and expand opportunity for citizens. Key focus areas include investing in people, fostering leadership responsibility, promoting humility and active listening, and encouraging networking among participants to strengthen state operations and contribute to Illinois's future.

The meeting included a roll call, a review and vote on proposed contracts, and an open floor for discussion. The committee reviewed proposed contracts and request letters, with votes recorded on vote sheets. Future quarterly meeting dates were also reviewed.