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Office of Access, Community & Engagement

Four DSS employees smiling a posing for the camera on a multicolored background

Mission Statement

ACE OEI Logo

The Office of Access, Community & Engagement (ACE) within the Department of Social Services is dedicated to fostering inclusive environments while managing compliance and engagement initiatives for both internal and external agency stakeholders.

The Office of Access, Community & Engagement (ACE) creates equitable workspaces by producing programming and initiatives centered around equal opportunity, addressing systemic inequities and discrimination barriers faced by marginalized groups within city government.

Change Initiatives & Compliance

The Change Initiatives & Compliance Department creates, implements, and monitors mandatory training programs aimed at raising awareness about sexual harassment prevention, as well as equity and inclusion. Our focus is on preventing discrimination through educational outreach and technical assistance. The department compile reports to ensure compliance with all relevant local laws and executive orders.

Mandated diversity, inclusion, and EEO trainings include trainings required by local laws, mayoral executive orders, or City policy, such as, but not limited to, Everybody Matters: EEO and Diversity & Inclusion Training for NYC Employees required through Local Law 121 (2021) and The Power of Inclusion in compliance with Mayoral Executive Order 16 (2016).

Engagement & Access

The Engagement and Access Department is dedicated to the creation of agency work environments that are free from unlawful discrimination, ensure all staff have a fair opportunity to participate and thrive in their workspaces, increase work productivity, promote agency succession planning goals, and collaborate with agency partners to foster inclusive spaces.

Our department’s goal is to develop a workforce that values cultural competency and intersectionality while ensuring adherence to Local Laws and City policies and procedures. In addition, the department works to implement trainings and compile reports to maintain compliance with New York City Local Law 45 & New York City Executive Order 85.

Learn more about Transgender, Non-binary, and Intersex Policy

Employee Programs

The Employee Programs Department develops campaigns and initiatives that showcase the contributions of underrepresented groups within the organization while fostering a sense of belonging through recognition programs and initiatives that celebrate individual and collective achievements. This area provides oversight and guidance to the agency’s Employee Resource and Heritage groups, as well as plans and coordinates agency events and initiatives such as:

  • Blood Drives
  • Excellence Program
  • Commissioner Assignments
  • Employee Resource Groups/Heritage Events
  • Special Meetings and Retreats
  • Trainings
  • Lunch & Learns
  • Toy Drives
  • Workwell Health and Wellness Activities
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The GRIEA Project Podcast

The GRIEA Project—hosted by Shaquiea Sykes and Gregory Williams—is a podcast series that centers on celebrating diversity by capturing raw discussions about key diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics. This 2024 Anthem Award-winning series spotlights cutting-edge DEI practices and broadens listeners' perspectives on current DEI issues to create equitable workspaces.

New York City Equity Initiatives

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Reports