J.E.D.I.: Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world. As of 2018, nearly 60% of New Yorkers 65 and older identified as either Black, Hispanic, or Asian/Pacific Islander.

Agency’s Equity Statement

The Department for the Aging (DFTA) serves one of the most diverse cities in the world. As such, we have always been committed to building a community of inclusion and equity.

DFTA stands aligned with Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) for all.

As part of our standard practice, we reflect and work diligently to support the unique differences of our city, stakeholders, leadership, and employees; additionally, the programmatic services and fiscal allocations are part of this goal.

We embrace and encourage differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family, marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics such as personality and personal interests to help our employees thrive in a culturally diverse workplace environment resulting in positive social impact for the clients we serve.

We strive to create an environment where differences and communication are valued and recognize that multiple perspectives and voices fulfill and strengthen our work.

We commit to addressing and removing barriers to full inclusion and equity, particularly with underrepresented groups who have not reached their full potential because of ingrained, structural inequality.

Agency Strategies

Building Community Care for an Age-Inclusive City

Approach: The Building Community Care for an Age-Inclusive New York City Plan addresses the importance of creating a network of services that supports the independence, self-reliance, and wellbeing older New Yorkers need to age in their homes.
Raising awareness across the city on aging as an opportunity

Approach: Launched a subway and print media campaign titled Ageless New York, which features older New Yorkers who defy ageist stereotypes and challenge City residents to rethink their views on aging.

Approach: Quarterly Forums to include featured experts who share insights and best practices on the topic of Ageism.

On November 15th, DFTA launched the first in this series of forum. Attended by over 300 people, click here to view the key insights that were discussed at the forum.

Moderator

Sandra Bookman
Reporter and Weekend Anchor
WABC - TV

Commissioner
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
NYC Department for the Aging

Edna Kane-Williams
EVP & Chief Diversity Officer
AARP

The Panel

Daisy Auger-Dominquez
Chief People Officer
VICE Media Group

Jason Rosario
Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer
BBDO Worldwide

Yrthya Dinzey-Flores
VP, DEI, Social Impact & Sustainability
Justworks

Click below to view the Ageism-DEIB Forum recording
Ageism: A Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Expanding DFTA's network of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE)

Approach: Continue to build on DFTA’s success of contracting with Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE)