The SCNG ODEI serves as part of The Adjutant General’s special staff and is the focal point for all SC National Guard diversity programs and initiatives, military Equal Opportunity (EO) programs and policies and federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) programs and laws.

Function:
SCNG ODEI, in an effort to formulate, direct, and sustain a comprehensive effort to ensure fair treatment of all Civilians, Soldiers and Airman based solely on merit, fitness, and capability that supports readiness, will develop, monitor, and evaluate the implementation of National Guard Military Equal Opportunity (EO) and civilian Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies, procedures and laws for the National Guard. The ODEI will assist the state’s Major Subordinate Commands in establishing their programs and make resources available to supervisors and command teams to adequately carry out EO program requirements and EEO laws and directives, develop information management and reporting requirements to determine the progress made toward agency EO and EEO goals, and assist in education of all aspects of EO and EEO training for the National Guard consistent with applicable laws, regulations, policies, Executive Orders and command needs. In doing so, SCNG will create and sustain effective units by eliminating discriminatory behaviors or practices that undermine teamwork, mutual respect, loyalty, and shared sacrifice of the men and women of the National Guard.

In pursuant to 29 CFR § 1614.102 (Agency program), The SCNG maintains a continuing affirmative programs to promote equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion and to identify and eliminate discriminatory practices and policies. In support of these programs and the ODEI’s mission, the SCNG has seven Special Emphasis Programs; People With Disabilities Program, Federal Women’s Program, Hispanic Employment Program, African American/Black Employment Program, and Asian American/Pacific Islander Employment Program, Native American/Alaskan Native Employment Program, and The LGBTQ Employment Program. The programs are managed by appointed Special Emphasis Program Managers (SEPM) and overseen by an appointed Special Emphasis Programs Director.

Special Emphasis Programs are implemented in the workplace environment to promote and foster diversity in the SCNG through awareness and education. The SEPMs ensure the development and maintenance of each program and serve as a liaison and advocate for each group, celebrate diversity with the agency, educate the SCNG to unique cultural characteristics among groups, assist with the State’s Equal Employment Opportunity programs and serve as extended support to the SCNG ODEI. To get involved contact State Equal Employment Specialist, the Special Emphasis Program Managers, or the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI).

Are you interested in getting involved in a Special Emphasis Program? Contact the Special Emphasis Programs Director, or the State Equal Employment Specialist. 

Special Emphasis Program Director
(vacant)

Disability Program Manager
Ms. Kristen Weldin
Office: (803)-299-1634

African American/Black Employment Manager
SFC Yolanda Washington
Office: (803) 299-4372
 
Federal Women's Program Manager
Ms. Kimberly Wright
Office: 803-299-2462
 
Hispanic Employment Manager
SFC Alexander Lombana
Office: (803)-299-5342
 
Asian American/Pacific Islander Employment Program Manager
SFC Faipa Cheek
Office: (803) 299-2766
 
Native American/Alaskan Native Employment Program Manager
MSgt Veretta Dye
Office: (803)-299-8238
 
LGBTQ Program Manager
SFC Natalie Couch
Office: (803)-299-4449

The appropriate complaint process is dependent on the employment status of the individual. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen who are AGR, Attending IDT, or on orders at the time of the discriminating activity fall under the Military Equal Opportunity (EO) complaint processing. Employees, title 32 and title 5 or applicants, to include former employees and contractors of the agency fall under Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint processing. 

EEO Complaint Flow Chart Process

The SCNG JDEC serves to implement the National Guard Diversity and Inclusion strategic plan as outlined in the Presidents Executive Order 13583 on the establishment of a coordinated government-wide initiative to promote diversity and inclusion in the federal workplace. The SCNG is chaired by the Assistant Adjutant General, BG Jenkins, and is an extension of the Region III JDEC.

The National Guard JDEC Mission, Vision, Core Values and Principles

MISSION:
To create and sustain an organization dedicated to mission effectiveness, valuing diversity and inclusion and ensuring each individual has the opportunity, guidance and information to reach maximum potential.

VISION:
To achieve an organizational culture that values diversity and inclusions as highly as personnel strength, training, readiness and combat effectiveness.

CORE VALUES:
Air Force: Integrity, Service before Self, Excellence in All We Do
Army: Loyalty, Duty, Respect Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage

PRINCIPLES:
The National Guard must be a diverse team, representative of the nation it serves and defends The National Guard needs leaders and a workforce equipment with diverse cultural awareness and competencies to execute the mission globally.
The National Guard envisions a culture that values, measures and promotes the fairness, dignity, and worth of every member as a measure of enhancing readiness.

The National Guard requires all Soldiers, Airmen, and civilians to be responsible for applying and adhering to these diversity and inclusion principles.

Policy

2022 Publications

Confidentiality

2024 Newsletter
January 2024
February 2024
March 2024 
April 2024
May 2024
June 2024
July 2024

 

STORY ARCHIVE

Inaugural Unity Day 2019
August 23, 2019, SCNG held its first Unity Day.

• The importance of Civility in the workplace
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

SCNG No FEAR Act
Section 201 of the Notification and Federal Employee Anti-discrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 (the No FEAR Act) requires Federal agencies to notify all employees, former employees, and applicants for Federal employment of the rights and protections available to them under the Federal anti-discrimination laws and whistle-blower protection laws. In addition, Section 301 requires each Federal agency to post summary statistical data pertaining to complaints of employment discrimination filed against it by employees, former employees, and applicants for employment under 29 C.F.R. Part 1614. The specific data to be posted is described in section 301(b) of the Act and 29 CFR 1614.704. The required No FEAR Act Notice and the required summary statistical data for EEO complaints filed against SCNG are below.

No FEAR Quarterly Data

• 1st-4th Quarter- FY 2022
• 1st-4th Quarter- FY 2023

No FEAR Annual Reports

• FY 2019 Annual
• FY 2019-FY2023 Annual Reports

No FEAR Resources

• No FEAR Act Notice
• No FEAR Questions and Answers (EEOC)
• Department of the Army Data
• Department of the Air Force Data

State Equal Employment Manager / EEO Director
Mr. James M. Brown
Office: (803) 299-4156

Special Emphasis Program Director
(vacant)

State Equal Opportunity Advisor
MSG Cathy M. Donald
Office: (803) 299-5471
 
State Equal Employment Specialist
SSG Danielle M. Bergloff
Office: (803) 299-5390
 
State Equal Employment Assistant
(vacant)