The Homeless Action Center (HAC) is proud to announce we have been awarded a Gold-Tier Leadership Seal by the California State Bar’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Leadership Seal Program. Gold is the highest recognition offered for commitment to and implementation of research-driven actions that further workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion.
HAC’s Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Impact, Nyla Moujaes, along with our Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee have made tremendous effort toward making DEI and racial justice a priority at HAC.
Nyla commented, “I am proud that HAC has evolved to earn gold-tier status this year as diversity, equity and inclusion leaders in the legal profession. We take this recognition seriously and commit to continuing our efforts and initiatives indefinitely. Our goal is that HAC’s recognition as DEI leader will both set an example for other legal aid non-profit organizations and attract diverse candidates to join us in advancing the rights of Alameda County residents with disabilities and at risk of being unhoused.”
From organizations across the state, HAC was one of only 28 that obtained gold-tier recognition, for which we had to demonstrate implementation of at least nine of ten action items. However, HAC has implemented all ten action items. For us, this work includes but is not limited to: collecting and maintaining demographic data, creating a strategic DEI plan, calculating staff turnover and promotions, comparing California attorney hire demographics to the California attorney population, creating and sharing a DEI statement publicly, conducting staff stay and exit interviews, surveying staff to gather feedback on DEI efforts, requiring annual employee implicit bias training, incorporating DEI work into performance, advancement, and compensation decisions, and integrating DEI responsibilities into leadership team members’ job duties.
Read the State Bar’s announcement.
See the award recipients.